New Study Finds 2 Factors That Can Increase Motivation To Exercise

Researchers sought to better understand how the addition of a buddy incentive on the fitness app Carrot would affect users' activity. The app had already indicated people tend to work out more if there is a small financial incentive. Points that translated to discounts on things like gas and movies led to more steps on average (600 steps more per day, to be exact).

It should be noted that after 12 weeks, partners on the app barely earned enough for a cup of coffee. So, it's not like these are huge financial incentives. But—they seem to work.

"Even though it's a very small reward," says lead author of the study Emma Pearson, "it does motivate people both to participate in the challenge and to achieve the challenge. Having a partner who shares the same aims and rewards builds on that incentive. It's feeling connected with someone, having someone to hold them accountable."

There are two big takeaways here: First, apps that include reward-based systems are a good idea if you're on the virtual workout train. "More people are using wellness and activity apps. I think it's important to design ones that actually work and have the methodology to show they work," notes study co-author and kinesiology professor Marc Mitchell.

And on top of that, finding a partner to work out with can help keep you both motivated and accountable. Maybe the two of you even figure out your own reward system or compete with each other. (Whoever runs faster buys the other coffee, for example.)