How to Make Exercise a Habit: 5. Get social support
People with social support often accomplish more than those who do not. With exercise it's no exception. In fact, studies have shown that you are more likely to succeed with exercise if you have some type of social support.
Social support can come in the form of friends, family members or coworkers. These people can provide support and encouragement during times when you just don't feel like working out.
I've had people at the health club actually call their workout partner if they didn't show up. Because of the phone call that person actually got off the couch and made their way down to the club and got their workout in for the day. When you know that someone is waiting for you, whether it's at a health club or wherever you choose to work out, you're more likely to be there. Time and time again people tell me that having a workout partner is crucial to their consistency and eventual success.
In my own experience I can testify to this. If I know my partner is waiting for me, I'm not going to let him down. But probably more important is the level of intensity I achieve when I'm with my partner. I can name many times when I would simply go through the motions of lifting weights and not exert a whole lot of effort when I'm alone. It's a different story when my partner is at my side encouraging me to work harder.
The author of Ecclesiastes sums this up well by saying, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"
Training Tip: Find a workout partner with similar goals and enthusiasm.
