Get fit together

Exercise with a friend, and you’ll stay motivated and focused.

By Karen Asp

Friends keep us healthy in so many ways. Studies indicate they can lower blood pressure, improve memory, and even help us get fit: Research from Indiana University shows that people who exercise together are seven times more likely to stick with a routine than those who go it alone.

Stay motivated. When workouts get difficult, friends can be a source of encouragement, says Jim Annesi, Ph.D., director of wellness advancement at the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta. “Exercising with a partner motivates you to work harder and try something new,” says Kaitlin Kay, a trainer at Peak Performance gym in New York City.