Enlisting the help of a buddy or workout partner can often times be the difference between fitness success and failure. There are very few “self starters” when it comes to fitness and exercise. For this reason, people who start a fitness program with a friend have a greater likelihood of sticking to their fitness regimen, staying more focused on their goals and have an “accountability system” built in. This is one of the greatest tools you can use to help you and a HUGE reason why my fitness bootcamp clients have such great results!
Enlisting the help of a few fitness buddies might be the MISSING LINK to your success!
I’ll be completely upfront, originally, I never thought it was important to have a workout partner. I am one of those few “self starters”. In fact, I am an EXTREME SELF STARTER! So in my mind, why would I need someone to push me?
The truth is, until you start working out with a buddy, family member, co-worker or personal trainer, you will never get the most out of your fitness and diet efforts…PERIOD!!
1. The Time Flies By
Working out with a friend or family member can make your workout time go by much more quickly. When you are exercising by yourself, it’s easy to put limits on yourself, watch the clock and rationalize doing less. When you’re able to chat with a workout partner and catch up on each other’s lives in between sets as you exercise, the time will fly by and become an occasion to which you can look forward. Some of my bootcamp ladies stick around and chat for an hour after their workout is over!
2. You Won’t Skip your Workouts
When you answer to no one but yourself, it can become a habit to cancel a workout after a long, busy day because you feel tired or because you feel that it’s a waste of time. You may think that canceling one workout won’t hurt you, but if you cancel even one session, it can be more difficult to get back into the habit because you may decrease your endurance. If your workout partner is counting on you to be there for an exercise session, you’ll be less likely to cancel. Plus, thanks to our facebook page, bootcampers and workout partners can call each other out to get them back on track!
3. Plan Around Busy Schedules
If you always seem to “not have the time” to workout, it’s easy to let things get into your way. If you have to cook dinner, find a babysitter and still find time to workout the excuses continue to pile up. When you workout with a buddy or family member, it’s much easier to plan dinner times, share babysitters and EVEN CARPOOL. I even have parents that trade off the kids in my parking lot! Dad works out first, then mom shows up with the kids and passes them off to dad so she can get her workout in. Plus now the kids are being exposed to exercise and their young daughter is now doing pushups before she even starts preschool! (click here to see the cutest picture of her doing pushups with daddy) 🙂
4. An Un-objective Perspective
Your buddy won’t let you down…your buddy should PUSH you!
We are always our own worst critic. When it comes to your fitness progress, you may not notice how your strength and endurance is improving or that you’ve lost weight or gained muscle tone over time. Your partner can view you more objectively and remind you of your progress so far. Having that validation can help bolster your self-esteem and keep your motivation levels high. I take measurements, body fat % tests and fitness challenges regularly for all my clients. NUMBERS DON’T LIE! Knowing your measurements and celebrating your success with others is extremely motivational.
5. You Can Celebrate Your Successes
A party by yourself isn’t much of a party right? So wouldn’t it only make sense to set goals with deadlines and then celebrate your success with the person that was there with you 100% of the way? After sharing several weeks of hard work and sweat, reward yourself with a night out, a movie, a nice martini at a bar or go shopping together. MAKE IT AN EVENT!!
There will always be people in your life who are pessimistic, unsupportive and full of excuses. THEY WILL NOT HELP YOU!
Ultimately, your success is up to you. You choose to exercise, you choose your meals and you choose your own path.
Surround yourself with people better than yourself.
Find a role model, a leader and someone who inspires you.
Each day you wait is another day wasted.
YOLO- You Only Live Once.
Live your best life today!
Committed to your fitness success,
Derek Kuryliw, Certified Sports Nutritionist & Personal Trainer
Slim Fit Diet & Fitness, CEO/Founder
