Increase Your Chances of Achieving a Fitness Goal by Doing This

A recent study conducted by researchers at Berkeley University has shed light on the benefits of working out with a friend. The study, published in Management Science, found that individuals who paired their workouts with a friend were more likely to show up and exercise compared to those who chose to go solo.

The experiment involved two groups of participants who were paired with a friend and offered a $1 Amazon gift card for each gym visit. One group received a gift card every time they went to the gym, while the second group only received the dollar if they went with their friend. The results were clear – the second group went to the gym with their partner twice as often as the first group and increased their overall gym visits by 35%.

Rachel Gershon, an assistant professor of marketing at Berkeley and the study author, highlighted the importance of social incentives in motivating individuals to achieve their fitness goals. She noted that the social aspect of going to the gym with a friend made future visits something to look forward to, while the sense of accountability that came with meeting a friend at the gym led to consistent follow-through.

“People feel responsible to their friends, as they wanted them to get the reward, but they may also have reputational concerns that their friends would think less of them if they didn’t follow through,” said Gershon.

The study also revealed that while more than 80% of participants initially expressed a preference for not coordinating their gym visits with another person, the benefits of the buddy system were undeniable. Participants who were less inclined to exercise before the experiment saw an even greater increase in gym visits when paired with a friend.

Gershon believes that the findings of the study have broader implications, particularly in the workplace and marketing world. She suggests that companies looking to increase employee engagement or customer participation could consider implementing joint-incentive programs to promote accountability and strengthen interpersonal bonds.

Overall, the research underscores the power of social incentives in motivating individuals to achieve their fitness goals. By working out with a friend, individuals not only enjoy the social aspect of exercise but also benefit from the accountability and motivation that comes with having a workout buddy. So, the next time you’re thinking about skipping the gym, consider inviting a friend along for some extra motivation and support.