GadgetNewsBlog

It’s raining outside. Your shoes are still wet from your
last walking session. You really should just go out and exercise, but
there’s something good on TV. Maybe later…

Sound familiar?

Now try this scenario: It’s raining outside. Your shoes
are wet and you don’t really feel like going for a walk, but your cell
phone is blinking with a message from your buddy that says she’s
already left the house and she’ll meet you at the trail. You know you
have to go, or she’ll give you a hard time for ditching her. So, you
grab your soggy shoes and head off for a power walking session.
Afterwards, you feel good. You always feel good afterwards; it’s the
getting started part that’s hard.

That’s why it’s so beneficial to have someone else to
exercise with on a regular basis. There’s no type of fitness regimen
that can’t benefit from having a fitness buddy. If it’s weightlifting,
your buddy can spot you. If it’s running or biking, they can push you
to go faster than you would if you were alone. If it’s climbing, she
can catch you when you slip and start careening down the mountain
(maybe climbing isn’t the safest fitness activity).

Whatever your choice of fitness outlets, a workout buddy
can not only push you harder than you would yourself, but they can
actually get you out the door. Never underestimate the power of social
obligations. Those of us who wouldn’t think twice about breaking a date
with ourselves cringe at the idea of breaking a date with a friend.
Especially if we have friends who are experts at giving the guilt-trip.

OK, so you’re sold on the idea of a fitness buddy. But
wanting one can be easier than finding one. Your regular friends might
not be into fitness, or they’re the kind of people who start something
with good intentions and gradually slack off. It’s important to find
someone who is as dedicated to fitness (or more dedicated) than you
are. But where to look? Here are some ideas:

Ask a friend, or see if a friend of a friend is looking for somebody.

If you belong to a gym or health club, see if there is a bulletin board out front where you can post requests.

Join an exercise class or take some sports lessons; you might find an interested person or two.

Check fitness web sites, especially related to your
interests; there may be a message board where you can look for activity
partners.

Whatever route you choose, don’t be afraid to initiate
proceedings by starting up conversations with people or starting new
threads on message boards. You might be surprised at how many people
are also looking for regular workout buddies.

Once you find a fitness buddy, don’t let him or her
down. If you both show motivation and keep to a regular schedule,
you’ll both reap the benefits.

Source: ServerForever.com