Share the Love

Let’s be honest, working out on a regular basis is hard. If it were easy everyone would do it and we wouldn’t have a health crisis in this country. It’s a unique and dedicated (some people might say ‘not quite right’) person that bounds out of bed or comes running home from work ready to workout.

You’d think that as an owner of a gym I’d be one of those people who “just does it on their own.” Well let me tell you…that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I thrive on the motivation I get from the people around me – my husband, my friends, and the trainers at the gym. It’s these people that keep me moving every day. My husband and I walk most evenings, both for the exercise and just to talk about our day or the upcoming day. I join classes at the gym with my friends and when I train at the gym with Heather, Ryan, Andre, Remi, Dominika, or Jason, I strongly encourage them to work out with me and not just train me. I get so much more motivation with someone doing the sets by my side. And this isn’t just me; there are a ton of studies out there that validate the power of working out with a partner.

Simply put, the healthy behaviors of others rub off on us. Two recent studies show the impact an exercise partner can have: A  study published in the Journal of Social Sciences  found that the exercise behaviors of those around you will influence your behavior. And it’s not just exercise: a  2016 study published in the journal Obesity  found that overweight people tend to lose more weight if they spend time with friends who exercise regularly. And the more time they spent with these friends — the more weight they lost.

What is so powerful about having an exercise buddy? Can it really be as simple as… get a friend and get healthy? Exercise partners provide a meaningful combination of support, accountability, motivation, and in some cases, healthy competition. “They can plan the role of teammate, co-coach, and cheerleader – all while working out,” says Michelle P. Maidenber, PhD, MPH, clinical director of Westchester Group Works in Harrison, NY.

So grab a friend or partner and head to the gym. Most gyms allow you to bring a friend for a small fee and some gyms (like…maybe… Fitness on the Run 😉 ) may even have a “bring a friend for free” program going on.

Come back next week as we continue our month-long series talking about the benefits of finding an exercise partner.

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Adrien Cotton

Owner + Founder | Alexandria Wellness

http://alexandriawellness.com

contact@alexandriawellness.com

Adrien founded Fitness on the Run in 2004 out of her home after a successful career in policy and public affairs communications. After spending 15 years developing her own personal definition of wellness and watching thousands struggle with theirs, in January 2019 Adrien founded Alexandria Wellness, the home for the Concierge Wellness Program and Corporate Wellness with Adrien Cotton. Over the course of 15 years, “FOR” was home to more than 2,000 clients, 30 instructors, and hundreds of inspirational success stories. Adrien is now, more-than-ever, passionate about helping women view their fitness as a journey, not a quick fix. Adrien’s recipe for success herself has evolved from a rigid training plan of sweaty and heart pumping workouts to some days getting in her 10,000 steps, consciously breathing, her 7.5 hours of sleep, and her beloved 5-Minute Flow. Adrien believes the most important ingredient is making small changes for big results, even if it’s one new habit formed each month. Still passionate about fitness, Adrien’s clients appreciate her ability to make sessions seriously challenging without a “beat down,” a healthy mix of strength and metabolic (cardio) work and ultimately helping her clients gain real strength in mind and body. She believes we all benefit from being curious about our bodies and that change, or improvement, is within reach despite what your “inner voice” or others may tell you. Adrien is bubbling with excitement to help women learn the importance of a comprehensive approach to wellness, weight loss, and contentedness with yourself, and that every person has the right to feel good about themselves. Most days, you can find her helping clients with their wellness, listening to success stories, and bragging about her twin 13-year-old children and “fittest man in Alexandria” Bill Cotton. Adrien prides herself on her practice of mindfulness, meditation, and putting it all into perspective.

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Alexandria Wellness offers achievable answers for anyone who is tired of chasing fitness and health without a clear plan, someone who has struggled and is not satisfied with their fitness and wellness or someone who is open to maximized healthful longevity and fitness along with healthful weight loss. Adrien and her team offer help with food guidance, body acceptance, sleep and stress issues, and insist you have fun along the way.

Schedule your free 30 minute consult here!

alexandriawellness.com

Alexandria Wellness
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703.299.9333

contact@alexandriawellness.com