By Deborah Brooks, Our Fit Tip Expert
Do you remember when you were a kid and you had to find a buddy for class trips, swim classes, etc? You’d rush to be with a good friend.
Then you’d line up and be given a number or letter to designate your pairing. Someone in charge would call a practice drill and you’d “sound off” at the top of your lungs. As the day progressed there’d be intermittent buddy calls to make sure everyone was accounted for. Schools, camps and youth groups understood the value of keeping kids paired up. Accountability was the key. You had to watch out for one another to make sure no one got lost, hurt or “in trouble”.
This got me to thinking that the buddy system was not just for kids. It could be the perfect plan for helping people maintain a fitness program, even for people who are more prone to working out on their own. We have become so independent of one another in this Instagram, facebook, twittered out world. Sharing time with someone you like, doing something that’s good for you, is a great way to spend your time. And holding one another accountable is a great way to stay out of “health trouble.”
Here’s how it works.
1- find a close friend or relative with a similar schedule and workout goal and create a fun, manageable fitness plan together using the following criteria.
2-Decide how many days you can commit to. Be realistic. We often over commit in the beginning, due to our excitement to get started. One day a week is fine to start. It’s better to add days as you see your success than to become discouraged when an overzealous plan to get together everyday doesn’t happen.
3-Decide what kind of workout you’ll be doing i.e dance classes, walking, hiking trails, joining a gym. Discuss adding healthy eating to go along with your workouts. No need to starve or detox, either, just eat well!
4-Set up a calendar. You can set it up on your phone, computer or create a printable calendar and post it on your fridge. Whatever gets your attention! Designing a handmade calendar is my favorite as it gets you to sit down and put more effort into creating the workout schedule. I encourage you to go all out, using stickers, colorful pens, etc. Have fun with it. Bring out your inner child/artist.
5-Now, the most important thing is to commit to being held accountable. Call, text or e-mail reminders to one another. Have a buddy code name and “sound off.” Be a kid again and have fun with it.
When we were kids we didn’t have to be told to run around and get some exercise, it happened naturally. Find that in this program. Fitness should be fun and social. You’ll find that exercise will become something you look forward to and want to do instead of “have to do.” The more effort you put into the program, the more you’ll be motivated to keep your commitments to it. Sound off!
I agree, working out is so much more fun when you have a friend to join. I like to do Bikram Yoga, so far I only have 1 friend who likes to do it with me….I know, Yoga in a 105 degree room is not for everyone.
Cathy, yes, Bikram Yoga is definitely a unique experience and not for everyone. But you don’t know that until you try it. Perhaps you could find a friend to “trade” with. Tell her you’ll take her to a Bikram class (your gift to her) and she can share her favorite fitness program with you, (her gift to you) with no obligations to continue. Then both of you can experience something new, together. Sharing our passions is a great way to deepen a friendship and you might find a new fitness buddy.
Thanks Deb. I did this with a gal twenty years younger than me and really got me into the swing again! It all started with walking together…
I remember doing this with a coworker, We got so much done on our power walks.
Can wine be my friend…I love it so much maybe it will take a walk with me.
Great idea Deb. I have a hard time finding a buddy because of where I live which is far from all of my friends. BUT, I’d be willing to do this when my daughter starts a new school in Hollywood in August. I could workout with a buddy before I pick her up. I’m down for Yoga, Hiking, whatever…Anybody in?
I have had a work out partner for many years and it’s absolutely what gets me to the gym and keeps me consistent. We keep each other on the ball! Great tip Deb!
Clara, Maybe we can meet somewhere once a week after drop-off.
I love hearing how all of you have used buddies to enhance your fitness programs. Thanks for sharing!