Have you ever noticed that you tend to push yourself harder when you’re working out with a friend, a group class, or a team? Studies have shown that working out with others will increase motivation, make the workout more enjoyable, and hold you more accountable to both attend and finish the workout in full. In addition to that, it also helps with our emotional, social, and environmental health. Sometimes, you’re not going to be over the moon to workout but if you’re having fun when you’re working out, it makes it a lot easier and a lot more fun to go to work. Here are a few ways to stay active with friends or a group during quarantine and why the workouts are better together.

• Try a Partner Workout: Grab a friend or even a family member in your quarantine bubble and schedule workouts together. Motivate each other and hold one another accountable to complete the workout. Give each other tips regarding proper form, workout structure, and ensure each other is executing each exercise the correct way.
• Join an Online Workout Class: Although it may not be the same as an in-person class, seeing others over zoom or just simply knowing others are participating with you can help increase motivation. Many gyms have started doing online workouts due to COVID-19, including us here at Connected Health. We offer virtual personal training sessions for those who do not want to return to the gym just yet. Log into your MindBody account or contact us to get started.
• Compete with Yourself: Track your own workout progress and use that as motivation to see how far you have come. Document personal records and slowly try to break them week in and week out. Recording yourself during workouts is also a great way to help you improve and reach your goals. Here at Athletic Republic Pittsburgh, we use video playback on our hockey and super speed treadmill to critique our athletes and help them improve their form.
• Join a Workout Challenge: Almost everybody in our world today has some sort of smartphone or smart device. Go on the Appstore and download a fitness challenge! There are numerous different 30-day fitness at home challenges on the app store that are a great way to challenge yourself. Use these apps to track your progress, share your workouts, or invite friends to join the challenge with you.

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