The Surprising & Powerful Benefits of Working out with Others
Living Well...together, while apart
We are all so excited about the Clubs reopening on September 7th. Turns out there’s scientific evidence to support why working out with others is oh so good.
You’ve likely experienced it: Dragging yourself out of bed at 6AM because you promised a friend you’d meet them at the gym; finishing a 5K race in record time as the energy of the other runners and the crowd push you along; eking out one or two additional reps because someone is cheering you along (and spotting you too!); refusing to quit because all those sweating around you refuse as well.
But what exactly is it about others that is so helpful?
Heathy behaviours are contagious.
A study from the Journal of Social Sciences demonstrated that cyclists pedal harder when surrounded by peers who are pushing their limits as well. (There are NO crews more motivated to push than the CGOC Cyclists!!!) And if you’re trying to lose weight you might be interested in a study from the journal Obesity which found the more time people spend with fit friends, the more successful they are with their weight loss attempts.
Commitment and effort increase.
You show up. You work harder and longer. You don’t skip. You don’t quit.
Coined in this study as the Buddy Up effect when paired with a workout partner who seems to be working harder, you become more persistent, and perform better compared to exercising solo.
More endorphins.
Don’t have the patience or stomach to race after a runner’s high? The simple act of smiling during exercise – which you’re more likely to do with others – increases endorphins. The mood boost of working out with peers makes many people feel great. Which then in turn makes pushing hard and struggling through the really tough bits more enjoyable. And it’s the pushing hard through the tough bits that really brings those endorphins up!
Diversity.
Whether it’s having an expert coach or instructor at the helm creating a different workout every time; a workout partner who brings their own ideas and inspirations to the table; the safety and support of a group that allows you to try new things and exercise out of your comfort zone: People who exercise with others tend to enjoy more dynamic, creative workouts.
Fun.
At the end of the day, isn’t this the most important benefit? Camaraderie. Shared sense of purpose. Scintillating conversation. Laughter. Bonding over completed reps, kilometres, and pounds. Relationships built on shared effort, sweat, and support. A different sense of purpose. A powerful source of accountability.
Working out with others is hugely beneficial. And so much FUN.
Sources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/attachments/34033/jssarticle.pdf
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/oby.21512
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10028217/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00333.x
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51539278_Buddy_Up_The_Kohler_Effect_Applied_to_Health_Games
Today’s Inspiration
“Working out with a crowd carries a plethora of intertwined benefits that include enhancing consistency, duration, motivation, conversation and inspiration.” - Dian Griesel, Ph.D.
Today’s Live Workouts
Happy Monday! Ready to get moving to start your week off right? We’ve got TWO classes on the schedule for today!
TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING WITH ROBERT S
Join Robert S today for a Total Body Conditioning workout! Challenge your cardio and strengthen your muscles from head to toe with this incredibly effective no-nonsense bodyweight training.
No equipment needed today.
Join Robert at 12:00pm (30 minutes) from your own living room.
Click here to join the workout.
Meeting ID: 864 5295 2847
Password: 991724
YOGA FUSION WITH ROBERT Y
Join Robert Y today for our new Yoga Fusion workout! A combination of hatha, ashtanga, and kudalini yoga techniques. This class will engage your muscles, open your joints, calm your mind, and lift your spirits. (All levels)
No equipment needed today.
Join Robert at 5:15pm (45 minutes) from your own living room.
Click here to join the workout.
Meeting ID: 899 4248 0739
Password: 624126
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
Click here to view our weekly schedule.
If you have questions about our virtual live workouts, please reach out to Lauren.
Today’s Trainer Moves
Everyone… it’s down to weeks before the Clubs are open and we can sweat together again! In the interim, join Gavin for a fabulous workout you can do outside! Invite your friends!
For questions about today’s Trainer Moves you can connect directly with Gavin here.
Today’s Bite
Grilled Strip Steak with Blistered Tomatoes & Green Beans
Enjoy this classic favourite on the grill any day this summer. If you cook half of the tomatoes in askillet on the grill, you’ll be able to capture all their juices and turn it into a saucy condiment for your steak.
Click here to download the full recipe.
For more recipes like this, check out our Spice of Life Recipe Book.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lb runner beans, green beans, and/or haricots verts, trimmed
- 9 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more
- Kosher salt
- 3 cups Sun Gold tomatoes, divided
- 3 1"–1 1/2"-thick strip steaks (about 2 1/4 lb), patted dry
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 Fresno chili, very thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced into rounds, rinsed
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely torn basil
Instructions:
- Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Toss beans with 2 tbsp oil in a large bowl; season with salt. Place beans on grill and cook, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred, 6–8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place a small skillet on grill; pour in 2 tbsp oil. Cook half of tomatoes, shaking skillet occasionally, until beginning to burst, about 3 minutes.
- Oil grate. Season steaks with salt and coat with paprika, packing on more if needed. Drizzle with 2 tbsp oil. Grill steaks until lightly charred and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 120F, about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Halve remaining tomatoes and toss with chili, shallot, garlic, vinegar, grilled tomatoes, grilled beans, and 3 tbsp oil in a large bowl. Add basil, season with salt, and toss again. Combine steak and tomato mixture on a platter, drizzle with oil.
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