NEW research shows that working-out with a partner helps you stick to an exercise regime.

But, a couple of gym trips a year with your nearest and dearest won't work, you have to do it regularly to reap results.

A study published in Health Education Research that looked into the management of diabetes through diet and exercise found that those people who worked-out with a partner fared better in controlling their symptoms than those who didn't.

It also found those people who exercised in pairs at least once a week for more than six months stuck to their workout regime around 25 per cent longer than those who went solo.

So the message to anyone with the option of exercising a deux is: GO FOR IT!

The benefits of pairing-up include:

* Getting to the place of exercise - if one person's going, the other's more likely to want to go 

* The thought of hard work is more palatable if two of you are sharing the pain

* Motivating and supporting each other - before, during and after exercise

* Competition - a partner is a ready made opponent

* Doing an activity with someone you're close to is likely to be more rewarding and fun

* Sharing a common interest promotes a sense of social well being

* You've always got someone to share a glass of red with afterwards!