Why Exercise with Friends Can Boost Your Motivation!
Running solo can be awesome, but running with friends? That’s where the real magic happens. Whether you’re hitting the pavement or venturing into new trails, there's something about sharing the miles with your crew that makes it all way more fun—and seriously boosts your motivation. We promise, there's real science behind it too!
The Power of Social Support
Let's be real: some days, your warm, cozy bed sounds way better than putting on those snug running shoes. But when your friends are waiting for you at the starting line, you can't exactly bail. It’s like having your personal cheer squad, pushing you to show up and crush those goals.
And once you’re out there? You’re way more likely to push yourself harder. Maybe it's a friendly sprint to the next tree or just keeping pace. Whatever it is, having friends by your side gives you that extra nudge you didn’t know you needed. In fact, people who work out with friends are 57% more likely to stay consistent with their fitness routines 1.
Turning Workouts into Hangouts
Running with friends is basically a hangout disguised as exercise. Instead of focusing on the miles, you're catching up on life, laughing, and swapping stories. Suddenly, it’s not "Ugh, I have to run," but "Hey, let’s go have fun!"
And the best part? Time flies. Before you know it, you’ve run way farther than you planned, and it didn’t even feel like work. It’s like sneaking veggies into a smoothie—good for you, and way more enjoyable! Plus, research shows that people who exercise with friends experience more enjoyment during their workouts, which can increase the likelihood of sticking with it 2.
Friends Make Consistency Easy
Consistency is the key to hitting your goals, and a running buddy makes it so much easier. Even when it's raining or you're just not feeling it, knowing your friends are in it with you gets you out the door. You’re not just running for yourself anymore—you’ve got a team.
Running with friends turns it into something you actually look forward to, not just another thing on your to-do list. And the more fun it is, the easier it is to make it a habit.
Share the Wins (and the Struggles)
Whether it's hitting a new personal best, crushing a tough route, or just getting out there on a hard day, victories are sweeter when you’ve got your friends to celebrate with. There’s nothing like a high-five or a post-run coffee to make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
And when the run doesn’t go your way? Your crew is there to pick you up, remind you how far you’ve come, and keep things in perspective. Bad runs happen, but with friends, even the off days feel worth it.
Join the Run The Edge Community
Ready to take your group runs to the next level? Join the Run The Edge community, where you can sign up for challenges that are perfect for teams. Whether it’s conquering 2025 miles in 2025 together or signing up for a virtual race, there’s something for everyone. And the best part? You can do it all with your friends, making every mile that much more rewarding.
So, what are you waiting for? Text your running buddies, pick a date, and hit the road. With your friends by your side, every run becomes an adventure. Let's make those miles count—together!
Sources:
- https://www.shape.com/fitness/trends/why-working-out-friends-has-big-benefits
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6129780/
