Did you know that training with friends can heighten your tolerance for pain, allowing you to potentially train longer and harder?
Why is this so?
Well, according to The Economist, when endorphins are released into our brain they make us feel good and more endorphins are released into our brain when we train with someone else.
Two friends training together have a chat in between sets
Dr Cohen from Oxford University conducted a test to prove this. She got 12 members of Oxford’s heavyweight rowing squad to row on machines in four 45 minute sessions over two weeks.
In two of the sessions they rowed in complete isolation. In the other two sessions they rowed in groups of six, perfectly synchronized. After each session their endorphin levels were tested.
Dr Cohen discovered that the rowers’ pain thresholds were significantly higher following group sessions.
So the next time you head off to the gym to do some exercise, how about taking a friend along with you. You might just find that you’ll have a more rewarding workout, that is more effective but also easier, and that you’ll get fitter and healthier faster than if you continue to train alone.
According to this new study, Rocky Balboa may have endured less pain and done even better if he’d trained with a friend!
To give it a go, quote BAF101 to Reception to bring a friend along for FREE to your next workout.
