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5 Reasons You Should Work Out with a Friend

January 07, 2025

Reading time: 5 minutes

Our Swim School Team have put together a few basic tips you and your child might find helpful as they progress their journey to becoming a competent swimmer.

Facilitate building trust

Children often do not know their instructor and trust is a huge part of teaching swimming. Before each lesson and in between lessons talk about the instructor using their name so the children are mentally prepared and make a big display of yourself meeting the instructor so that the children can see you trust them as well.

 

Not sure about wearing goggles

Some children really don’t like putting their googles on and using them, especially the little ones. A good tip is to let them play with them at home in the shower and bath.

Get that Streamline

The best position for moving through water is a straight line along the surface of the pool. For some kids this is a challenge but practice pretending to be an arrow or a rocket ship so that fingers part the water and keep head in line with body. 

Streamline position  - We do this with all levels starting with our toddlers by doing motor boats with them in the water. Arms stretched out in front or holding a board. Kicking legs with face in the water blowing bubbles to make motorboat noises. 

Pull - Breathe - Kick - Glide

Breaststroke can be tricky! Fix your breaststroke timing by getting the 'pull, breathe, kick, glide' sequence just right for a smooth and efficient swimming stroke.

  1. Pull with arms
  2. Breathe in
  3. Kick with legs 
  4. Glide for 3 seconds

Keep it positive 

Always talk about the positive things a child can do while swimming and only focus on that. It will build the child’s confidence, it feels good and distracts them from the things they do not like to do. 

This article is written by Darren Cuomo, WAIS High Performance Scholarship Athlete and Australian Wheelchair Rugby Player.

Exercising with a friend can be a fun and motivating way to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you're hitting the gym, going for a run, or taking a yoga class together, having a workout buddy can enhance the experience. Our venues offer multiple programs and incentives to encourage collaboration and bringing your friends into your fitness journey, such as Mates Rates promotions throughout the year, Refer a Friend and other programs.

Whether it’s through your time spent at the gym, or simply helping get you there in the first place, here’s a look at the some of the pros of working out with a friend.

 

1. Increased Motivation and Accountability

One of the most significant advantages of working out with a friend is the added motivation. When you commit to exercising with someone, you’re less likely to skip your session. You have someone to hold you accountable, and you may feel more responsible for showing up, especially if your friend is relying on you. This added layer of accountability can be a powerful motivator, particularly on days when your energy or enthusiasm is low.

2. Social Support and Fun

Exercising with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable and social. Instead of seeing your workout as a chore, you might look forward to it as an opportunity to catch up and bond over shared goals. This sense of camaraderie can turn an otherwise mundane activity into a more fun and rewarding experience.

3. Friendly Competition

A little healthy competition can go a long way in pushing you to improve. Having a workout buddy often brings out the competitive side, motivating both people to challenge themselves and go beyond their limits. Whether it's trying to beat each other's time, reps, or distance in a way that boosts performance and isn’t at a detriment to your body, a friendly rivalry can add an extra layer of excitement to your workout routine.

 

4. Safety and Support

If you’re lifting weights or doing an exercise that requires technique, having a friend around can provide a safety net. They can spot you, offer tips, or help correct your form, reducing the risk of injury. Additionally, if you’re doing high-intensity workouts or activities like running in less familiar areas, having a friend can provide a sense of security.

5. Variety and New Ideas

A workout buddy can introduce you to new exercises or routines that you might not have considered on your own. They may have different experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge when it comes to fitness, giving you fresh ideas to mix up your routine. Trying something new together can keep your workouts interesting and prevent boredom.

Working out with a friend can be a motivating and enjoyable experience that enhances your fitness journey. From boosting accountability and motivation to providing social support, the benefits are clear.  

To make the most of your workout buddy arrangement, it’s essential to communicate openly about your goals and preferences. If you can align your fitness objectives and support each other in a balanced way, working out with a friend can become a rewarding and sustainable part of your routine, the most important thing is to stay consistent and enjoy the process, whether you’re working out alone or with a friend!

Learn about the Health and Fitness services available at Perth HPC here. 

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