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Women ‘train harder’ with gym buddies
Almost two thirds of women work out harder when they exercise with a friend, according to new research by Virgin Active.
A study of 1,000 women found that 64 per cent of women that run, go to the gym or attend group classes with friends will push themselves harder than if they go alone.
Women, who have an exercise partner train for longer, burn more calories and workout more regularly.
More than 30 per cent of women said their friend provides the motivation they need to stay in good shape.
The study shows that during the average exercise session, women who exercise with friends burn up to 236 calories, compared to 195 for those that workout alone.
A spokesman for Virgin Active, which carried out the research, said: 'We all have a need to socialise and be with other people, it's written into our DNA.
'Sometimes having an exercise partner is the difference between sitting on the couch in the evening and getting up and out of the house.
The average workout for friends lasts for 42 minutes - with the average run taking around 31 minutes.
For women who attend the gym alone, sessions last for 36 minutes, and runs just 29 minutes.
Less than half of those who train alone claimed to push themselves very hard when keeping fit - compare to 64 per cent of girls in groups.