HOW TO MAKE YOUR PARTNER WORKOUTS WORK

By Caitlin Carlson

There are some Saturdays during marathon training that I feel like hitting snooze, crawling further under the covers – and blowing off my long run. What gets me out of bed is the fact that my long-time running buddy, Susan, will be waiting for me in Columbus Circle just outside of Central Park – and I can’t leave her hanging.

Though I know it through first-hand experience, studies support the idea that social support can help you stick to your workout routine – and also improve your mood to boot. That’s certainly true for Susan and I. We end up running at a conversational pace and catching up on everything from work to Bumble dates to, well, working out!

There’s also something awesome that happens when you exercise with a friend – those endorphins and the shared experience of working through something together can help you feel closer and bond faster.

Sometimes, though, we don’t talk at all – and instead sit side-by-side in blissed-out silence in a yoga class. But that feeling of camaraderie is still there. Whether you’re a runner, yogi, or like to hit the weights: “There are many ways to make training more fun and part of your social routine without wasting your time,” says Kerry Greer, an expert with EXOS.

Here’s how to make partner workouts WORK.

Hold Each Other To It

First, share your goals before you schedule your first gym date, suggests Greer. Whether it’s weight loss, a faster 10K time, or building strength or flexibility, tell your gym buddy about it and ask them to hold you accountable. This year, Susan’s focus was on scoring a 5K PR while I was shooting for a marathon PR (Read about that here!). While we had very different goals, we were still able to work out together and push each other towards collective success.

Stay in Shape with a Holiday 5K

Turkey Trots, Jingle Bell Jogs, Reindeer Runs – this time of year there’s no shortage of festive 5K runs everywhere in the country. They’re fun, inexpensive, and a great way to get in some exercise during a time when many people let their workout routines fall by the wayside. In fact, we’ve narrowed it down to the top three reasons you should sign up for one right now. Depending on the reason you relate to most, your training and approach to the race will differ. With the help of EXOS’ Kerry Greer, we outlined exactly how to tailor your training so you can have a successful race day whether your goal is fun, bonding, fitness, or a new 5K PR.

REASON ONE: You want to have fun and bond with family and friends.

“There is nothing wrong with walking the race if that is where you are at – It’s just great to be with the family and friends doing something active and being thankful,” says Greer. If you all live close to each other, you can also train together. “Those that will run the race could schedule to run together or at least run on the same days if you are in the same place,” says Greer. “If some of the family will be walking that is definitely ok and as a family you can encourage them to get out and go for longer walks with more hills – this doesn’t have to be serious training more of helping each other on the journey.”

If you want to ensure you can run the whole thing but you’re not worried about a goal time, do a trial run two to three weeks before the race. Either go run the race route or run 3.1 miles somewhere else.