Let the Buddy System Make Your Fitness Goals a Reality

A recent interview on the Kathy Lee and Hoda Show with an expert in diet revealed that the most successful programs for sustainable with loss were those that purposefully promoted a buddy system. This partnership was a direct part of the programs. The buddy system is a core piece of any exercise plan and it is often ignored or not even thought about. While yes, certainly we can go running alone or pop in a yoga class alone but when you deliberately ask someone to work out with you as your “exercise buddy” on a regular basis things change for the better in your physical fitness routine.

Human beings naturally want to avoid pain and seek pleasure; it is part of why we are still alive today. Our brains actually tell us to avoid pain, and let’s face it, sometimes breaking a sweat for the prerequisite 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can feel like a pain. But the buddy system intervenes in this pleasure-seeking/pain-avoiding motivational trap that our brains put in us daily.  When you make a promise to another person you are suddenly being held accountable. Make a pact to carpool to the gym, walk with a friend every day at lunch, or hit the same yoga class the same time each week with your “buddy.” You must select a person you are comfortable with and one that will take this partnership seriously. Don’t take this lightly. Have a sincere conversation with them about becoming your permanent work out buddy. It works. Of course nothing is in stone and you don’t have to have just one work out buddy. This is an area when you can truly have “multiple partners!”

Need a little more motivation? Check out the massive benefits of exercise:

• Better Digestion
• Better Sleep
• Better Endurance
• Improved Self Esteem
• Increased Energy
• Improved Balance
• Increased Flexibility
• Lower Cholesterol
• Increased Metabolic Rate
• Positive Attitude
• Improved Muscular Strength
• Stronger Bones
• Improved Coordination
• Reduced Depression
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Improved Mental Clarity and Alertness
• Improved Stamina
• Improves Breathing
• Cleans Toxins

Lana M. Kontos is a Board Certified Naturopathic Doctor, A trained and certified lifestyle medicine practitioner and founder of Operation Girlfriend Empowering Women Embracing Wellness virtual workshop system and author of upcoming book: The Guide to Your Skinny Kitchen: Drop Dress Sizes, Melt Belly Fat and Stop Your Symptoms in 5 Simple Steps.