Warmer summer weather is on the horizon, which means bathing suit and crop top season is among us. Unfortunately, actually getting – and staying – motivated to exercise is far easier said than done. And if you’ve found the strength to migrate from the couch to the treadmill, you’re one step closer to being fit AF. Us Fish ladies on the other hand have been on the Orangetheory Fitness (client love) train for a while now. We get our butts kicked, but we have each other to lean on for emotional support, which is very necessary during an OTF class. If you go too, you know what I’m talking about. Friends that sweat together stay together right? Here are some other benefits of working out with your pals from the Fish squad’s firsthand experience:
- Accountability – You’re far more likely to actually workout when (1) you’re forced to sign up for class ahead of time and (2) cancelling means inconveniencing the squad. Making solid plans with another person means you’ve committed to the early morning gym grind in lieu of sleeping in.
- Motivation – In addition to being held accountable, friends can provide an extra boost of tough love for those early morning workouts. It’s always nice to wake up to a “get up lazy we’re going” good morning text. There’s no doubt your pals’ encouragement can help you stick to your fitness goals with #nodaysoff.
- Socializing – Sure, we could catch up over cocktails. But doesn’t 5:30 a.m. treadmill gossip sound so much better?! Aside from the killer workout, OTF offers a sense of community to us Fish peeps and other gym-goers. The trainers always give us shout outs by name, with the occasional Tiffany/Andie/Sam mix-up. We’re all brunettes around the same height wearing similar gym clothes, so they get a pass. We also get to spend time with our morning crew, who share our crack-of-dawn workout values – OTF Fam is a real thing. Plus, having a friend that is equally miserable slaving away on the rower next to you can make the time fly by. As the fitness industry evolves, gyms are putting much more emphasis on the social aspect of workouts, which has kept us Fish girls burning for more.
- Competition – There’s a big difference from being Try Hard Tina on the treadmill (you know, the one that constantly checks out your speed) and having a little healthy competition. The other members’ superiority in the gym may intimidate you, but it’ll also challenge you to push yourself. For a 30 second all-out you don’t have to run at a 12 speed, but Andie will most likely be judging you. And don’t even say the word “push-up” around Simo – she will challenge you to a full on competition (and will probably win). Fitness classes are designed to bring out our competitive spirit, it’s just important to find a right balance between pushing yourself and pushing it too far.
- Recover together – Is there anything worse than undoing all of your hard work with a cheat day? A friend who sweats with you will probably be on the healthy eating train as well. This lifestyle bond give us the #SadSnackSeries here at Fish. From veggie burgers and broccoli bites to carrots and cucumbers, you name it and we most likely have it shoved in the fridge. Sticking to a healthy diet routine can be difficult without the right support, but we serve as a strong motivation for each other. Just like when we gave the Cabbage Soup diet a try – do I need to bring up the blueberry, Clay? The entire office thanked us for throwing in the towel on that one.
So if you’re ever in need of some motivation, we recommend ditching the solo sweat sesh, grabbing your squad, and hitting the gym together. We welcome you to come with us to Orangetheory, if you’re up for the challenge!
