A recent 2016 research study performed at University of Aberdeen found that starting an exercise routine with a new partner can increase the amount of time you exercise. Participants in the study were divided into two groups, one group was asked to find a new “gym buddy” and the other group was asked to continue their normal routine. Results found that the group who worked out with a friend exercised more than those who followed their typical exercise routine. The scientists also found that people worked out more when their exercise buddy offered emotional support and encouragement, rather than just practical support, such as never missing a session.
Pamela Rackow, Urte Scholz, Rainer Hornung. Received social support and exercising: An intervention study to test the enabling hypothesis. British Journal of Health Psychology. 2015; 20 (4): 763 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12139
