Even though Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time to spend with your romantic partner, don’t forget to share the love with your friends and family. One popular idea is to plan a Galentine’s outing: quality time with your closest girlfriends. Of course, it’s common to eat out or get drinks together for a Galentine’s Day activity. But why not look at local exercise classes instead?

If you and your friends are working to improve your health and stay fit, there is no reason to sabotage your efforts with a high-calorie meal and drinks. Instead, you can share time at exercise classes – working on your health and making memories together at the same time.

Exercise Classes: Always Better with Friends

How much does your motivation change when exercising with friends vs. planning solo exercise activities? As an individual, you can join exercise classes to meet new people. But it’s always better to coordinate exercise classes with your friends.

Here are a few reasons why your workouts are better when you are planning exercise classes with one or more friends:

Built-In Motivation

It can be hard to find the motivation to work out when you are going by yourself. Some people are self-motivated and can find the personal conviction they need to stay consistent with an exercise routine. But most people do better when they have a friend to add to the motivation.

Working out with a personal trainer, partner, or group brings higher levels of encouragement and motivation. As a result, it’s easier to be consistent with the exercise schedule.

Accountability and Consistency

Additionally, group workouts build in the accountability you need for your exercise routine. When you promise someone that you will be showing up for exercise classes, there is a higher likelihood that you will follow through on your commitment. Have a conversation with your friend for an upcoming Galentine’s Day activity and ask them to hold you accountable for meeting your exercise goals.

Challenge Each Other

Another benefit of working out with a friend in a private exercise session or group class is that you can support each other in increasing the challenge of the workout. If you are pacing yourself, it might be challenging to find the motivation to increase your effort and intensity.

The goal of exercise is to build your endurance and get your heart pumping. A workout buddy can push you a little more, so you step up beyond your comfort zone. Just be cautious to know your limits and avoid injury or overexertion.

Learn from Your Friends

There are always new strategies and tricks you can learn to improve the results from your exercise routine. For example, when taking group classes, the instructor will oversee the activities and offer recommendations for improving your form and technique.

Working out with a friend is another way to share tips and ideas. You can talk to your friend about the activities. Additionally, a Galentine’s Day group provides a great way to brainstorm new workout ideas so you can add variety to your exercise routine. If you are in a rut and always doing the same things during your workouts, then planning exercise sessions with friends can help you step out of the mold.

Strengthen Friendships: In and Out of the Gym

You love spending time with your friends at home and in social settings. So why not strengthen these friendships even more by spending time together in the gym? Exercise classes give you a built-in activity you can share.

The moments you spend in the gym or exercise classes are times to strengthen your social foundation. Not only are you having fun together, but working on a common goal is a great way to strengthen your bond.

Share Health and Wellness Goals

Do you find it helpful to have someone you can talk to about your health and wellness goals? Your social group is a great way to share thoughts and ideas and talk through the ups and downs of your fitness journey.

You are doing more than showing up to exercise classes together. This common goal gives you someone to talk to about your success and find encouragement and motivation when things are getting hard.

Other Healthy Galentine’s Activities

Attending exercise classes together can be a great way to celebrate Galentine’s Day. However, you might also consider other health-promoting activities, such as:

• Healthy Restaurant: Share a meal at a local restaurant with a friend and a healthy menu. You can enjoy an evening out without worrying about the unhealthy ingredients that are often used in many restaurant meals.
• Volunteer: Not only can you make a difference in the community, but volunteering also boosts self-confidence and lowers stress – helping you gain many health benefits through these activities.
• Comedy Night: Have you heard that laughter is the best medicine? Find a local comedy club so you can have fun together on your Galentine’s night out. Laughing boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and relaxes the body.
• Cook Together: Plan a potluck if you are hosting a big group of friends. Or, schedule a cooking class so you can learn new skills in the kitchen. Cooking is a fun way to share your favorite recipes while also sitting down for a meal together.
• Dancing: A local piano bar or dance venue can be a fun way to enjoy the evening and move to the music. You don’t have to go out to a club to make memories together. Instead, plan a dance party in your kitchen while cooking together!

Local Exercise Classes that You Can Enjoy

Are you looking for fun, high-quality exercise classes? Our team at Fitness Nation has everything you need to work on your health and have fun at the same time. Join Fitness Nation with your friends to build the accountability and motivation you need to stay consistent with your exercise goals. Contact us any time to learn more about the facilities, exercise classes, personal training, and equipment.