Kimberly Vera and I have been going to the YMCA for an hour program two to three times a week for about half a month now. I’ve had a membership for about a year now and tried working out by myself. I ended up going two times the first month then never again for the next 7 months. Exercising alone, just wasn’t working for me.  Personally, going to the gym is equivalent to doing science homework. I know that it’s not the same thing for everyone, but it is quite a bit more fun with friends. “When you have a friend that exercises with you. It just makes it 100% better.” says Kim.

Why have we found that it’s more fun? For starters, doing a Zumba class is absolutely hilarious. It really does cheer me up, watching my best friend flare her arms about and see her laugh at me when I try to do the same thing. Trying to do a Zumba class alone is mostly you tripping over your own feet and thinking “Oh gosh, I look like an idiot right now!”. But doing it with a friend, at least you look like an idiot with someone. I was surprised to see quite a few girls my age in the class. They were giving me dirty looks too! Since Kim was there, we just laughed it off and made funny faces back at them. Which probably didn’t help with the whole them not liking us thing. But that’s why I brought a friend, so I wouldn’t have to make any.

Another reason that I’ve found working out with a friend is more effective, is they’re going to push you keep doing it. From Kim’s point of view, she added “…motivated me a lot since we have each other to keep pushing us to do better and work harder.” Not with all friends, so make sure to pick the right person to go with. Take into consideration that you’ll be spending a lot of time with them. I wouldn’t suggest that one friend that is always on their phone or constantly pokes you while they’re talking to you. Especially do not go with someone that will give up easily. Take the person who’s always on their phone over that, at least they won’t be able to use it during a class or swimming.

Overall, it has made us feel better about ourselves. I no longer feel like a lazy couch potato and Kim is, as she says “I’ve been feeling better about myself. I know I won’t see the results right away, but I like how I’m going to look.” It’s building up my self-confidence, which is something a lot of us lack. Practically I went from “Wow I’m fat.” to “Look at that improvement!” Going to the gym also gets my parents off my back and builds my friendship with Kim. As an end result, working out with a friend is a lot more effective and you’re more likely to continue doing it.