Many studies have shown that working out with a friend or loved one can greatly improve your chances of success. Working side-by-side with someone you know and trust to achieve your weight loss and fitness goals can provide the motivation, accountability, and sense of teamwork it takes to help you succeed.
Take, for example, a mother-daughter team. Curves, the women’s gym with the 30-minute workout, runs a very successful mother-daughter campaign during the summer that encourages women to exercise with their daughters 3 times a week. The support and camaraderie these mother-daughter teams enjoy helps them with three important mental aspects of any workout routine:
- Motivation. A loved one offers motivation by supporting and encouraging positive workout habits. Sure, a personal trainer can motivate you too, but they can’t provide the level of personal knowledge and trust that exists between mother and daughter (in the interest of full disclosure, Curves trainers are always available to help too). Someone who knows you personally knows how to get you started – and keep you going.
- Accountability. When you work out with a partner, you both share responsibility for the other’s success. You are more likely to stick to a plan – and keep an appointment – if you know your daughter is counting on you to be there. And she’s more likely to reciprocate. Of course, at Curves, appointments aren’t necessary - you can jump into the circuit at any time. But both of you are taking time out of your busy day, helping you both feel accountable and committed.
- Teamwork. Losing weight and getting into shape is a long-term commitment – there’s that word again – that takes determination and focus, but can have amazing results. When you and your daughter work as a team to accomplish a common goal, you support, encourage, and cheer each other on as you celebrate your success. The Curves circuit is especially good at fostering this supportive atmosphere, a key reason for the program’s success with mother-daughter teams.
These three aspects are the key reasons why working out with a partner is more effective – and more likely to produce success – than just going it alone. And what better person to partner with than your daughter? Try working out together, and spend some quality mother-daughter time.
