A workout partner can help you stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.

As students, we've all been through it: the "crunch time". That time of the year when we all start cramming a year's work into our heads for the exams.

As adults, we may sometimes undertake projects with looming deadlines that seem to eat into every precious minute of our lives.

​150 Minutes Of Physical Activity Every Week​

No matter how busy we are with work or exams, at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week is what we should aim for to stay in great mental and physical health. This means a workout of 30 minutes every day, from Monday to Friday.

Some fitness buffs, especially those who have joined a gym and regularly go for gym workouts, might shrug off this commitment. Others might find that it is no small feat, as it requires discipline to ensure it's sustainable in the long term.

After all, how many of us have said we want to lose weight and start a fitness programme, but somehow falter along the way? Ever made a wild new year's resolution only to forget about it a couple of days afterwards? Yeah, us too!

From Study/Work Buddy to Fitness Buddy

One of the best ways to avoid this mistake is to rope in one of your pals or find a workout buddy who shares your fitness goals so you can exercise and burn calories together! It’s easier to meet your goals when there’s someone doing it with you.

Remember how studying or work was made easier when you burned the midnight oil with a study buddy or pulled an all-nighter with a work buddy? You and your fitness friend can both reap the benefits of a workout, the same way you and your buddy both benefited from studying or working together.

Your workout partner can be a friend, a relative, a colleague, or even your significant other! Of course, if you would prefer to hire a personal trainer who can come up with personalised workout plans to help you motivate you to reach your health and fitness goals, you can do that too!

Benefits of a Workout Buddy

Having company allows the mind to avoid the boredom of exertion, and reduces the pain of the workout. Here are some other reasons why a workout buddy is the best thing ever!

  1. You’ll enjoy working out more; double the company, double the fun!
  2. A workout buddy will be able to help you check your form when you’re lifting weights. With someone to spot you or help you along when you’re doing that last bench press, you’re less likely to hurt yourself.
  3. A bit of friendly rivalry can really help with motivation. If you and your workout partner are both naturally competitive, you’ll find yourself pushing harder. Meeting your fitness goals will be so much easier and faster!

How to Find a Workout Buddy

Do you have trouble finding a workout buddy? Sometimes, it’s hard to find a friend who shares your interests, especially your workout interests.

Don’t worry! In this digital age where some of us have found potential soulmates online, finding a workout buddy that shares your same fitness interests is at the tip of your fingertips, literally!

For example, if you are into hiking, there are many local hiking groups that organise regular hiking sessions in Singapore and around the region. Look out for forum groups or Facebook groups that organise a time and place for your preferred workout.

You can also download an app from Apple Store or Google Play. They are social fitness apps that allow you to find like-minded strangers to exercise together or help organise workouts between friends.

Users can create workout and activity groups that they want others to join in. It can be any sort of physical activity, such as running, yoga, soccer, or even dragon boating, to name a few.

You can choose to go the conventional route as well. Join any fitness class you like—whether it’s yoga, social dancing, Zumba, or pole dancing—turn to the person next to you, smile and say hi! Who knows? It could be the beginning of a lifelong workout friendship!

Download a Digital Workout Buddy

If you were never part of a study group, but would like some guidance on how to get started on various workout routines, there are many fitness apps available that allow users to plan workouts or compare their progress with other users.

Some have a large exercise database where you can discover new exercises to try at the gym or at home. With over 1700 exercise moves to choose from and HD video demonstrations available for some, you’ll be able to track and share your progress with your friends.

Download the Healthy 365 App

Looking for free gym, Zumba, combat and other workouts for you and your workouts buddies. Download the Healthy 365 app to sign up for free activities brought to you by the Health Promotion Board.​

Healthy 365 app

Healthy 365 app is also a health and diet tracking mobile application. Once you download the free app, you'll be able to quickly select what you had for your meals through a diet tracking journal with access to over 1,000 local food and drinks database.

You can also track the number of steps taken through your smartphone's in-app accelerometer. There is also a calorie dashboard that monitors your calorie intake vs output, giving you an overview of your overall daily calories consumed and burned, aiding you in your weight management journey for a healthier lifestyle.

Oh, and did we mention it's FREE?!

Why wait any longer? Find a workout buddy now and start your fitness programme now!

Download the HealthHub app on Google Play or Apple Store to access more health and wellness advice at your fingertips.

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