Why You Should Definitely Get Manis With Your Workout Buddy RN
There’s something really special about the bonds we make at the gym. Whether it’s commiserating about one-too-many burpees or pushing each other to finish that last sprint, relationships solidified in sweat can help keep us accountable through even the hardest workouts. Plus, having friends at the gym makes working out even more fun!
But life isn’t just about endless cardio and sneakers. Every now and again, the gym squad needs to get away from the barbell rack and unwind. Looking for fun things to do with your crew on your next rest day? We’ve got you covered with these seven low-key ideas that your group will def enjoy.
1. Take a day trip.
You all have a mutual interest in being active, which is great when it comes to planning fun daytime activities, no matter where you may live. When Amber Reese, co-founder of Brave Body Project and Barry’s Bootcamp instructor, needs a breather, she heads to upstate New York with her friends to do things like hike and kayak. “It’s a lot of fun to soak in the fresh air, chill by the water, and even sneak in some bevs after.”
2. Hit the spa.
Kettlebells, weights, pull-up bars—you name the piece of fitness equipment, and it likely takes a toll on those hands of yours. Treat yourself to a little R&R with your buddies and book group manicure/pedicure treatments. The best part? No one will judge if you splurge for the $15 add-on massage. Your muscles def need it, and you totally deserve it.
3. Play 50 questions.
There’s something rad about taking the time to have a conversation about things that don’t involve fitness with your fit friends. “So many of our daily communications are purely polite pleasantries,” says Chelsea Aguiar, coach at Precision Run by Equinox in New York City. “My idea of a great Friday night is getting a handful of my closest girls together at my place, laying out our favorite snacks and drinks, and posing thought-provoking questions to the group for discussion.” Like the sound of that? Spice things up with our 200 Non-Boring Questions To Get To Know Someone or pick up a deck of TableTopics.
4. Catch a matinee (and don’t skimp on the popcorn).
The best thing about movies is that they’re the perfect low-budget opportunity to forget about everything that’s happening IRL for a couple of hours and focus on something else. Treat yourself to a matinee, and don’t overthink calories when you see a treat at the snack bar that has your sweet tooth screaming.
5. Channel your inner Giada.
We have a hunch that your gym gang likes to eat just as much as they like to work out. When Bree Branker, New York City personal trainer, kicks back with her pals, it’s all about time in the kitchen. “There’s nothing better than cooking a meal together to unwind,” she says. “With enough cooks in the kitchen, someone is bound to know what they’re doing, leaving the rest of us to sip wine and dish until it’s time to actually dish.”
6. Pack a picnic (and a portable speaker).
Meals out at restaurants can cost a pretty penny. Plus, having lunch at a restaurant is so run-of-the-mill. Take things into your own hands and suggest a picnic in a local park, where everyone attending brings one to two items max. Just don’t forget the portable speaker. The right jams are essential to the perfect picnic.
7. Nab some new fitness gear.
Ask yourself: When was the last time I actually treated myself to new workout wear? Fold up that old college sorority T-shirt and head to a couple of cute shops with your friends to try on some fresh stuff.
Plus, research shows that what you wear influences your behavior and attitude. Rockin’ a new crop top that makes you feel like a total boss while crushing that second set of squats? You may just have the gusto to hit a new personal best.
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