How dynamic duos can beat the exercise rut
No matter how disciplined or diligent you are about exercising, you probably find yourself in a rut from time to time. There might be weeks — or months — when you’re just not that motivated to get moving. Or perhaps you’ve reached a plateau in your performance and can’t seem to improve your speed, endurance, technique or score, no matter what you do.
The best way to get out of that rut? Exercise with someone else who is “in the zone.” You’ll feed off their energy and may also pick up a few pointers.
In fact, there’s a well-known psychological principle that suggests people perform better in the company of others than they do alone, provided they’ve already reached a certain level of expertise at their game.
It’s called social facilitation, and you can use this principle to help you get back in the game.
A friend in deed
Here are some ideas to help you adapt this notion to your sport and get it working for you:
- Participate in a team sport or tournament. Friendly competition inspires a commitment to the team and provides a little push to do your best and try a little harder. Great for: golfers, tennis or badminton players, swimmers.
- Join a group. You’re more likely to push through the obstacles that your mind puts up, and keep going until you complete the targeted milestone if there are others around you. Great for: runners, walkers, cyclists, rock climbers.
- Take a class. Simply being in a room of energetic and motivated people is contagious and could be what it takes to inspire you. Great for: dancers, yoga and Pilates fans.
- Book a trainer. Getting pointers from a pro will help tweak your performance, and the presence of a watchful eye will urge you to do your best. Great for: weight trainers, tennis players, golfers.
- Try stretches for two. There are stretches that are best performed by two people to get a deeper stretch. You could also try exercise drills, or get your partner to spot you or check your technique. Great for: boxers, yoga practitioners, runners, weight trainers.
- Enlist a buddy. Schedule weekly time with a friend who shares your passion for your activity. You’ll feed off his or her energy. Great for: runners, walkers, weight trainers, golfers, cyclists — and almost anyone else.
Pay it forward
Remember, too, that you may be the source of inspiration to a friend, colleague or relative who’s struggling with their exercise commitment. Offer to share some time being active with that important someone in your life to help them get back on track and in the zone again.