6 Reasons That Working Out With a Friend Makes Fitness Easier to Stick With

Starting a fitness routine is hard.
Sticking with it long enough to see results is even harder — especially when you’re doing it alone.

Research shows that people are far more likely to drop out of a fitness program when training solo, while those who work out with a friend are dramatically more consistent. That’s because social support and accountability remove two of the biggest barriers to long-term success: motivation and follow-through.

For busy adults balancing work, family, and stress, training with someone else can be the difference between falling off track and building a habit that lasts.

1) Accountability Turns Good Intentions Into Consistency

When you plan workouts on your own, it’s easy for them to slide down the priority list. When someone else is involved, showing up becomes a commitment — not just a hope.

Working out with a friend creates:

• External accountability

• Fewer skipped sessions

• Greater follow-through on goals

Knowing someone is expecting you makes it easier to stay consistent, even on low-energy days.

2) You Naturally Work Harder Together

Exercising with another person often leads to better effort — without it feeling competitive or stressful. You’re more likely to:

• Finish the workout

• Push a little harder

• Stay focused instead of rushing through

A training partner can raise your effort level simply by being there, helping you get more out of the same amount of time.

3) Shared Accountability Keeps You Focused on Progress

One of the biggest reasons people lose momentum is a lack of clear progress. Accountability helps shift fitness from “just getting sweaty” to working toward meaningful benchmarks.

That might include:

• Strength improvements

• Better movement quality

• Consistent attendance

• Feeling stronger and more energetic in daily life

Having someone alongside you makes progress easier to notice — and easier to celebrate.

4) Trying New Things Feels Less Intimidating

Whether it’s learning a new exercise or returning to fitness after time away, training with someone else makes unfamiliar situations feel safer.

A friend provides:

• Confidence

• Encouragement

• Support when things feel uncomfortable

That sense of shared experience often removes the mental barriers that stop people from starting in the first place.

5) Fitness Is Simply More Enjoyable When It’s Social

The more enjoyable something feels, the more likely you are to keep doing it.

Training with a friend or family member adds:

• Connection

• Routine

• A positive association with exercise

When workouts become something you look forward to — instead of something you dread — consistency happens naturally.

6) Accountability Helps Create Lasting Habits

Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, but information alone doesn’t create habits. Accountability does.

Whether it comes from a workout partner, structured programming, or professional guidance, the common thread is support — you don’t have to rely on motivation alone.

A Simple Way to Start Together

If you’ve been thinking about getting back into a routine, starting with someone else can make all the difference.

This January, BTB is offering a referral-based Accountability Program for people who want to start strong — together.

New members: Join with a friend and get 50% off your first 4 weeks

Current members: Refer a friend and receive 50% off your next 4 weeks (and bonus — multiple referrals mean multiple months of discounts)

👉 If you’re curious, reach out to us or book a No-Sweat Intro and see if it’s a fit.