We’re so into working out with friends, we’re dedicating our whole summer to Free Friend Fridays! Come to either 8:30am CoreBoxing with Heather or 12noon Mat Pilates with Cady, and bring a friend for free — no need to register your friend, just show up early enough to fill out the new client paperwork.

In the meantime, want some extra motivation to grab a pal and get moving? Here are some of the proven bestie benefits:

• Men’s Fitness reports increased motivation (once you make that date, you’re unlikely to cancel!), more fun (isn’t everything more fun with your friends?), harder workouts (you step up your intensity when someone you know is watching), and fitter friends, which Harvard University researchers have shown reduces your own chances for poor health.
• FitBodyHQ reminds us that nothing’s as scary with a friend by your side, so you’ll feel less intimidated to start a new workout routine or try a class you might otherwise shy away from. Plus, your friend will support you and even call you on it when your form’s not looking so hot!
• FitDay says the workout time flies by with a friend — and you’ll have someone to celebrate successes with.
• PopSugar uses one of the best photos of a magic circle and its nemesis we’ve ever seen to share THIRTEEN reasons to work out with a buddy, including having a personal motivator/competitor/spotter, having fun coordinating workout gear and bitching about the toughest moves in the locker room, getting closer by seeing each other at your sweatiest, and conquering the toughest, silliest new classes because we’re always braver in pairs.

See you in the studio!