The Power of Working Out with a Friend: How Social Support Boosts Gym Attendance

Title: Study Shows Working Out with a Friend Increases Gym Attendance

A recent study conducted by researchers at Berkeley University has revealed that working out with a friend can significantly increase gym attendance and motivation. The study, published in Management Science, offered participants a cash incentive of a $1 Amazon gift card for each gym visit, with one group receiving the reward for every visit and the other group only receiving it when they went with their friend.

The results showed that the group that went to the gym with their partner twice as often as the solo group and increased their overall gym visits by 35%. Assistant professor of marketing at Berkeley, Rachel Gershon, noted that despite the added friction of working with another person, participants became more motivated and more likely to go to the gym.

The study highlighted two main benefits of the buddy system: the social aspect of going to the gym with a friend made future visits something to look forward to, and meeting a friend at the gym provided a sense of accountability that led to consistent follow-through. Gershon emphasized that accountability and social engagement can also strengthen bonds and enthusiasm in the workplace.

The findings of the study suggest that companies looking to increase employee engagement or customer motivation could benefit from implementing joint-incentive programs or referral systems. Overall, the research confirms the positive impact of having a workout buddy and the importance of social connections in achieving fitness goals.

For more information, you can read the full article here.