| It's raining outside. Your shoes are still wet from your | | | | experts at giving the guilt-trip.OK, so you're sold on |
| last walking session. You really should just go out and | | | | the idea of a fitness buddy. But wanting one can be |
| exercise, but there's something good on TV. Maybe | | | | easier than finding one. Your regular friends might not |
| later...Sound familiar?Now try this scenario: It's raining | | | | be into fitness, or they're the kind of people who |
| outside. Your shoes are wet and you don't really feel | | | | start something with good intentions and gradually |
| like going for a walk, but your cell phone is blinking | | | | slack off. It's important to find someone who is as |
| with a message from your buddy that says she's | | | | dedicated to fitness (or more dedicated) than you |
| already left the house and she'll meet you at the trail. | | | | are. But where to look? Here are some ideas:-Ask a |
| You know you have to go, or she'll give you a hard | | | | friend, or see if a friend of a friend is looking for |
| time for ditching her. So, you grab your soggy shoes | | | | somebody. |
| and head off for a power walking session. | | | | -If you belong to a gym or health club, see if there |
| Afterwards, you feel good. You always feel good | | | | is a bulletin board out front where you can post |
| afterwards; it's the getting started part that's | | | | requests. |
| hard.That's why it's so beneficial to have someone | | | | -Join an exercise class or take some sports lessons; |
| else to exercise with on a regular basis. There's no | | | | you might find an interested person or two. |
| type of fitness regimen that can't benefit from | | | | -Check fitness web sites, especially related to your |
| having a fitness buddy. If it's weightlifting, your buddy | | | | interests; there may be a message board where you |
| can spot you. If it's running or biking, they can push | | | | can look for activity partners.Whatever route you |
| you to go faster than you would if you were alone. | | | | choose, don't be afraid to initiate proceedings by |
| If it's climbing, she can catch you when you slip and | | | | starting up conversations with people or starting new |
| start careening down the mountain (maybe climbing | | | | threads on message boards. You might be surprised |
| isn't the safest fitness activity).Whatever your choice | | | | at how many people are also looking for regular |
| of fitness outlets, a workout buddy can not only | | | | workout buddies.Once you find a fitness buddy, don't |
| push you harder than you would yourself, but they | | | | let him or her down. If you both show motivation |
| can actually get you out the door. Never | | | | and keep to a regular schedule, you'll both reap the |
| underestimate the power of social obligations. Those | | | | benefits.TC Thorn writes for a site with articles on |
| of us who wouldn't think twice about breaking a date | | | | fitness and weight-loss as well as a forum for helping |
| with ourselves cringe at the idea of breaking a date | | | | people find fitness buddies. This article may be |
| with a friend. Especially if we have friends who are | | | | reprinted providing the link is included and active. |