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Working out in itself can be quite a feat for most of us. Just getting to the gym or getting out of the house can be tough. Moreover, whom you work out with (or without) can make a big difference.

Some people prefer to exercise alone, while others are more efficient when exercising with others. Both have their benefits, so let’s see what might work for you! 

Here are the benefits of working out alone:

• No distractions. Friends are great, but they can get in the way of a focused work out. We get distracted by chit chat and catching up, and we waste precious time that could’ve been spent getting in another set of crunches.

• If they cancel, you might too. If you plan your workout so it’s dependent on another person, you lose out if your friend can’t make it that day. When you work out alone, you decide when and where you want to head to the gym or go for a run depending on your schedule.

• Your exercise routine will benefit you personally. When working out with a friend, it can be easy to just do whatever they’re doing, which might not be the best routine for your body. If you work out alone, you can plan out exercises that are tailored to your personal needs to get the most benefits from your time at the gym.

But not everyone does better alone. According to a study at Indiana University, couples who worked out separately had a 43% dropout rate, while those who went to the gym together had only a 6.3% dropout rate.

Here are the advantages of working out with a friend or partner:

• You’ll have more energy! Working out with a friend has proven to decrease fatigue and increase energy during workouts. Having someone around can provide some friendly competition, which makes you want to push yourself harder and can increase the intensity of your work out.

• Your mood may improve. In addition to increased energy, the mood boosting effects of exercise are enhanced when working out with a friend. Some people tend to enjoy exercising more when doing it with a friend, and so they’re more motivated and have a better time! 

• You can learn from them. Perhaps they know some tips and tricks that you haven’t heard of before that will be beneficial for you as well, or maybe you’ve been doing an exercise with incorrect form and they can point out your mistake! 

So if you’ve been going it alone and need motivation, invite a friend, your spouse, or a coworker to make a set exercise schedule with you! On the flip side, if you’ve been working out with someone who cancels frequently or doesn’t do the types of exercise that would benefit you most, don’t be afraid to go your own way and find what works for you. Now, go get a sweat on!