{"id":3409,"date":"2021-08-09T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-09T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/slimmingworld.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=3409"},"modified":"2021-09-16T09:05:07","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T08:05:07","slug":"move-body-magic-is-better-with-a-buddy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.ie\/blog\/move-body-magic-is-better-with-a-buddy\/","title":{"rendered":"6 reasons why Body Magic is better with a buddy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re a Slimming World member, you\u2019ll know that sharing your weight loss journey with others can help you see even better results on the scales (and if you\u2019re not a member yet, you can find your local group here<\/a> \ud83d\ude09). But did you know that teaming up is also a great way to help your fitness plans take flight?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slimming World\u2019s Summer of Love campaign is all about harnessing the power of friendship, and tapping into the support of a Body Magic buddy could send you soaring towards the brilliant health and wellbeing benefits that moving more can bring. Here\u2019s how\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\uddd1\u200d\ud83e\udd1d\u200d\ud83e\uddd1 Magic for\u2026 strengthening friendships<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A recent study by the University of Oxford found that exercising in a group builds strong bonds because coordinated movements encourage feelings of togetherness. Any moderate-intensity activity that raises your breathing and heart rate and makes you feel warmer while still being able to hold a conversation counts towards your Body Magic awards \u2013 so you can enjoy a good old catch-up while working towards your fitness goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE ON THE BLOG: 11 summer activity ideas \u2013 how many will you try?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26bd Magic for\u2026 making activity more fun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research shows that people who work out with friends say they enjoy it more than those who exercise alone. Plus, it opens up a whole world of activities to try \u2013 from racket sports such as tennis, badminton and squash, to team games like football, water polo and netball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Lou<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lou (@sw_run_love_repeat) enjoys her morning run so much more when her friend comes along, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE FOR MEMBERS: Don\u2019t miss our <\/strong>guide to fitness classes <\/strong><\/a>on the exclusive member website and app<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\uddd8\ud83c\udffd\u200d\u2642\ufe0fMagic for\u2026 your mental health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We already know that regular activity is brilliant for our wellbeing, setting off a cascade of powerful chemical responses in our bodies that leave us feeling calmer, more confident and in a much better mood. Well, those benefits are increased when exercise involves spending time with supportive people. According to one study, for every club you belong to \u2013 which includes sport teams and, of course, your supportive Slimming World group \u2013 your happiness can be boosted by as much as 9%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE ON THE BLOG: Five stress-busting activity ideas<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcaa Magic for\u2026 your motivation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No one wants to feel like they\u2019ve let someone down, so if we arrange to meet a mate for a walk or book an exercise class, we\u2019re far more likely to keep that commitment. In fact, research by the University of Aberdeen found that if you team up with an exercise buddy, you\u2019re likely to be more active than if you go it alone \u2013 especially if it\u2019s someone you can rely on for emotional support. Plus, a bit of friendly competition can give your motivation an extra boost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Slimming<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

@slimmingworldtipp got a Body Magic boost when her friends joined her for an 18k run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE FOR MEMBERS: Discover <\/strong>how to turn activity into a habit (and make it stick!)<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udd17 Magic for\u2026 feeling supported<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re trying to make a lasting lifestyle change, it\u2019s normal to hit obstacles along the way. And, let\u2019s face it, some days you just want to take it easy! At those times, a bit of encouragement from a friend can give you the lift you need to get moving. It also means you get to celebrate your successes with someone who understands and shares your goal. You\u2019ll find all of this and more in your Slimming World group – where you\u2019re surrounded by a bunch of like-minded people, cheering you on every step of the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE ON THE BLOG: Discover the freedom to get active your way<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 Magic for\u2026 getting inspired<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Research also shows that friends inspire us to try new things \u2013 and mixing up your routine is a sure-fire way to keep Body Magic interesting. Slimming World groups are a hotbed of activity ideas and tips on how to make moving more a habit you enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Natalie<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Natalie (@natalie96_sw) enjoyed a brisk stroll through Kew Gardens with her buddy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MORE FOR MEMBERS: Head over to our <\/strong>Body Magic hub<\/strong><\/a> for these 7 activity ideas that are perfect for trying with your favourite people:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n