Do You Work Out Better Alone or With Friends?

For the longest time I was solitary in my exercise pursuits. When I exercised at all, I wanted to do things alone. Team sports were not my thing. I walked around my neighborhood or went to the gym by myself. When I started running, I would run at my own pace by myself. The thought of doing a fitness activity with someone else was nerve-wracking for me. I was sure I would be too slow, too out of shape, and too TOO…all kinds of things.

Turns out, I was wrong.

You need people along your fitness journey. I needed coaches to mentor me, friends to walk beside me, and teammates to kick my butt when needed. You need people, too.

You need coaches and friends to walk or work out with you. You need people to meet you at practice so you will actually show up. You need spectators to cheer you on from the sidelines.

You need other people in this adventure.

Overeating is often a solitary activity. While at times it’s socially acceptable to overeat, such as at parties or at holiday gatherings, much of my binge eating was done in secret. I hid from my family how much I was really eating. I threw away wrappers and cartons so people wouldn’t know I had eaten the whole thing by myself. I was ashamed of my behavior.

I John 1:5 says, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” You can walk in the light. Walking with other people is part of this process.

Time spent alone is great. You can enjoy a solitary run and the time for prayer, reflection, or jazzing out to music. But you also need people in your life regarding fitness to keep you accountable, teach you, and inspire you.

If you don’t have one already, this is your time to build a network of support people who encourage your active lifestyle. Pray for God to bring these people into your life.

Do you have friends who support your physical activity goals?