Motivation. I know what you’re thinking – why is it so hard to get? Whether it’s doing homework, waking up for class, or even working out, finding the motivation to do anything can be challenging.

However, this week I only have one small, but very important, piece of advice for you readers. Don’t work out alone!

Sure, going to the gym to let off some steam or have some alone time is perfectly fine. I do it myself sometimes. Working out can be soothing, and sometimes exactly what you need. Although this may be the case, working out with friends may make it easier to actually get to the gym.

Recently, I have found this to be true.

Over the summer, I got Insanity on DVD, and convinced myself I was going to do it every day. It didn’t happen. However, I posed this challenge to a couple of my friends, and they were more than willing to attempt the hardest work out on DVD with me.

We decided to get up early every morning, 7 a.m. to be exact, and work our butts off at the Rec. Although we’ve only been a few days into this challenge, I have no doubt that we will succeed.

It’s hard. That’s an understatement. But I’m not writing this column to tell you about my work out hardships. I’m writing this column to tell you how much of a difference working out with a group of people can make.

Perhaps it’s a bit easier because one of the members of this group lives with me, but it is so much easier to get up in the morning when I have my friends supporting me, and are counting on me for support. If I were to attempt to wake up two hours earlier than I normally do in order to work out by myself, I can almost guarantee it won’t happen.

Another thing that makes this easier is the fact that we are all struggling. It’s hard for all of us. I am certain that we all hate every moment of our morning workouts, but we still hold each other up.

Think about it: if you decide on your own to work out, and then decide not to, you are only letting yourself down. However, if you and your closest friends make a pact to work out together and support each other through it, you are letting down more than yourself. If you and your roommate decide to go running, there is more of a push for you to actually do it. For me, I know that having my friends drag me to the Rec, sometimes literally, is a huge help.

Thetravelingnuturopath.com talks about the benefits of working out with others. Like I mentioned, she talks about the great accountability it is. She also discusses the safety benefits of working out with others.

It can be a lot better to have someone with you while you’re doing something hard. Lifting something heavy? Having a friend there can help spot you. Running through a neighborhood you don’t know very well? Being by yourself can be dangerous; there is always safety in numbers. And even in worst-case scenarios, if you injure yourself while working out, being with others can be very helpful.

Another benefit of going to the gym with others can help push you to your best. Working out with friends creates a higher intensity.

If working out by yourself is your thing, then go for it. I’m not saying working out with others is for everyone, but it can be very beneficial.