Train with a Friend

If you are new to exercise, or just want to revamp your fitness plan, one of the best ways to accomplish your exercise goals is to hire a personal trainer. He or she will create an exercise prescription specific to your needs, and provide the motivation necessary to get you to the next level. To ease some of the financial burden of a trainer, plus get even more pumped up about it, try group or couples training sessions.

There are many advantages to working out with a friend. Someone else is working with you, motivating you, and making sure you get to the gym. The Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants recommends that people exercise with a partner because they "are more likely to stay on track." Exercising with someone else is also usually more fun than working out by yourself. The main reason my group training clients like working out with a partner is the drive that the other person gives them. Just ask Tammy McDonald and Susan Birbiglia, who have both come a long way in the last few months with their training sessions.

Research also shows that working out with your significant other can be very beneficial to your relationship. A University of Pittsburg study shows that active men are three times more likely to be married to a fit woman. Another study from University of Pennsylvania determined that working out as a couple boosts weight loss.

Exercising with your partner can reduce your stress levels, and show your other half that they're important enough to make you want to take care of your body. It can also be a great way to spend quality time together. Regular exercise is known to increase libido as well, contributing to all the positive effects working out can have on your relationship.

A session with a personal trainer can be expensive, not to mention intimidating, so I have decided to make things a little easier for potential clients. I am offering a special couple training rate of $40 per session. That's just $20 per person, not much more than a group fitness class, and you get an individualized plan and the support of a friend there with you, sharing the experience. One hour group sessions are usually $50 and individuals are $35.

Anytime Fitness, where I do all my personal training, is about to run a killer two-for-one membership special. Grab your BFF, husband, girlfriend, or even someone you barely know, and make sure you drop by or call Anytime (229.247.9925) on Valentine's day between the hours of 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Here's the deal for TWO people: three month membership for $150, which includes tanning and a free T-shirt, six month membership for $250 that includes all that plus a functional training class card to share, and the best deal is the twelve month membership for $360, which has everything the smaller packages have, and has gift cards to Lemongrass Day Spa and the Green Iguana Mexican restaurant as well.

I will remind my readers on my Facebook page periodically between now and Valentine's Day about this amazing special. With these rates, there's no excuse for not getting started on your fitness plans. Work out with a friend and reap the rewards! Please contact me through email with the tab above or call me at 229.415.3782 if you are ready to get started with a trainer or if you have any questions.