MOST Magazine Fitness APR-MAY'15 ISSUE NO.1 | Page 146

Why having the right workout partner can make the difference
By: Jessica Jessie, MCPT

hen I was a little girl, I dribbled
and juggled soccer balls all day.
Ultimately that helped me earn a
soccer scholarship from Virginia Commonwealth
University. As a professional NFL cheerleader
for the Washington Redskins, weekly weigh-ins
motivated me to learn everything I could about
fitness and nutrition so I could perform on the field.
Now I love my job as a master personal trainer and
certified nutritionist.
For three years, I used my knowledge and
pushed my body to the limits as I competed in
the IFBB bikini division (International Federation
of Bodybuilding and Fitness). I’m proud to say
that I graced the Miss Olympia stage twice and
competed in the prestigious Arnold Classic. But
I couldn’t have done it without great support. My
life-long partner in fitness, motivator and best friend
has always been my cousin Sarah.

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M A G A Z I N E || APRIL / MAY 2015

Sarah, an assistant professor in kinesiology
and sports psychology at James Madison
University, has always kept me on the right path.
Whether we are working out together or simply
talking about fitness on the phone, my cousin has
pushed me in the gym as much as I have pushed
myself.
The benefits of having a workout partner are
undeniable. A Stanford University study found that
even just receiving a phone call about your fitness
progress once every two weeks can boost the
amount of exercise you do up to 78% (on average).
And that’s just with phone calls!
Having a workout buddy by your side in the
gym can reap even greater rewards. Here are
five benefits.