Boost your gym attendance by 35% with this simple social hack

Friday, June 7, 2024.

Research shows that working out with a friend might be the game-changer you need.

A recent study revealed that people who hit the gym with a friend boosted their attendance by 35% compared to solo gym-goers.

While this might seem intuitive, it's surprising that 80% of people prefer to work out alone. Why?

They believe that coordinating schedules with a friend adds an unnecessary hassle.

Seeing Only the Downsides?

It's easy to understand why some might see coordinating gym times as a barrier. But let's flip the script. What if working out with a friend isn't just an extra step but a motivational boost? Imagine the gym being more enjoyable, your friendships stronger, and your motivation levels higher.

Dr. Rachel Gershon, the study’s lead author, noted:

"Despite adding the friction of working with another person, we saw people becoming more motivated and more likely to go. This illuminates how social incentives, which aren’t always taken into consideration, can help people overcome other barriers that stand in their way."

How The Study Was Conducted

The study examined nearly 800 gym members, testing the effects of rewards and 'tandem goal pursuit.' Some participants were told they'd receive a reward only if they visited the gym with a friend. The results? Despite the challenge of coordinating schedules, those who paired up with a friend went to the gym 35% more often.

The Accountability Factor

So why does this happen? Accountability is a significant factor. Dr. Gershon explained, "Our study identifies two types of accountability. People feel responsible to their friends, as they wanted them to get the reward, but they may also have reputational concerns that their friends would think less of them if they didn’t follow through."

Interestingly, the study found that those who typically exercised less reaped the most benefits, although both partners in the pair saw improvements.

Broader implications: Beyond the gym

This research highlights a broader truth: we often underestimate the power of social incentives. Whether it's hitting the gym, studying, or pursuing personal goals, having a friend by your side can make activities more enjoyable and motivate you to stay committed.

Practical Applications: How to Leverage Social Incentives

Find a Fitness Buddy: Identify a friend with similar fitness goals. Schedule regular gym sessions and hold each other accountable.

Set Joint Goals: Whether it's losing a certain amount of weight, running a specific distance, or attending a set number of classes, having a shared goal can enhance your commitment.

Reward Each Other: Implement a reward system. It could be as simple as treating yourselves to a healthy meal after reaching a milestone or enjoying a fun outing together.

Expand to Other Areas: Apply this strategy to other parts of your life. Have a study buddy, a project partner at work, or a cooking companion. The principle remains the same: shared goals and mutual accountability lead to greater success.

Questions to Ponder

How can you apply this social hack to other areas of your life where you struggle with consistency?

Think about activities like studying, learning a new skill, or maintaining a hobby. Could a buddy system help you stay on track?

What other activities might benefit from the power of social accountability?

Consider work projects, volunteer activities, or even household chores. Sharing these tasks with someone else could make them more enjoyable and ensure they get done.

Could the idea of tandem goal pursuit be used in workplace settings to boost productivity and morale?

Imagine pairing employees for specific projects or setting team goals with shared rewards. How might this approach transform your work environment?

By considering these questions, you might uncover new ways to leverage social incentives for personal and professional growth. Happy hacking!

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCE:

The study was published in the journal Management Science (Gershon et al., 2024). Thanks again to the research of Dr.Jeremy Dean at Psyblog.