Expert: Work out with partner to keep up with fitness goals

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- David Mora is not a group exercise type guy.

"I like to hide. I like to not have that much structure," Mora said.

His wife Veronica encouraged him to take a class with her. The result? He's lost ten pounds and gained better health.

He's not alone. At Orange Theory in Santa Monica, there are quite a few duos that say partnering is what keeps them on their game.

"Where if I go by myself, I don't push myself hard enough," Natalie Wozniak said.

"Just knowing that we're right there, we still push each other," said Daniella, her twin sister.

Jim and Michelle Cahlin met at a Florida Orange Theory and now own the Santa Monica franchise.

"We saw what it did for us. We saw what it did for other people. Now here we are owning our first one," Jim Cahlin said.

Michelle dragged Jim to his first class and admits she's competitive. She enjoys beating Jim at a workout, although in the end, they both win.

Three big reasons why you want to buddy up: First, studies show you're more likely to achieve your goal. Second, you're more inclined to try something new. Last, somebody is watching you, so your form is going to be better, and you're less likely to get injured.

"Stanford studies and some of the UCLA studies are coming out that couples that have that shared context with their lifestyle, working together, working out, playing together, they stay together. They're more satisfied," said psychologist Vim Whitcome of Santa Monica.

It's not just for couples. Partnering with friends or family works too. That's why Whitcome plans workout dates with his daughter.

"It gives us a shared context, language, purpose for our relationship and goals that we're setting," Whitcome said.

He also stresses the importance partner exercise can be for Baby Boomers.

"They get into their 40s, 50s, 60s. Having something like this for them helps them reduce a lot of problems around hormones issues, sleep apnea, weight gain, staying attractive, staying fit, libido," he said.

Whether it's a group class, a walk or other type of fitness, Whitcome says knowing that someone is counting on you can help you reach your own goals. It helped him lose 50 pounds.