The buddy system; exercise with friends (and read about the new health guidelines)

April 8, 7:33 AMFemale Friendship ExaminerDebbie Puente

Previous Next

13 comments Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Female Friendship Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

What got me out of bed this morning at 6:15? It was knowing that I was going to meet up with three fun friends for a hike. If exercise is boring, I won't do it. Exercise has to be fun. If you have a good buddy giving you encouragement, you'll stick with it.

According to the CDC, we should all be exercising 150 minutes a week, plus muscle-strengthening, two or more days a week. That's for the health benefits. So: 30 minutes of moderate intensity workouts per day. Physical activity guidelines for weight loss can be viewed here.

Here's why you'll be more successful if you embrace the buddy system.

Because you will call each other

The phone call puts you in the mindset that tomorrow, you will get up and exercise, and there’s no way you're going to hit the snooze button when you know that someone’s waiting for you.

Because you’re making it a priority 

Here’s a concept—get out of bed earlier and exercise before the regular daily routine. Michelle Obama does it, and I'm sure she's very busy. Or, use your lunch break at work to take a brisk walk with a work buddy.

Because you all want to be healthier

You want to drop a few pounds, get toned, and improve your Cardiovascular health. There's so many health benefits to exercise. 

Because the buddy system works

Your first step is to put yourself in a positive frame of mind, and surround yourself with positive, fun friends that you know will be encouraging. Fitness should  be fun. It’s spring, and the perfect spring exercise is hiking. I love hiking with my friends because we talk the entire time, often giving each other advice, or venting about one thing or another. It’s still too chilly for snakes, the hills are so green, and hilly terrain is perfect for wind sprints.

Because with the buddy system, you'll be motivated to make it a habit forever

Exercising with a friend or a group of friends, will keep you motivated to continue. Friends keep it more interesting because you're more likely to mix things up if everyone likes working out in different ways. And mixing it up keeps it from being boring. Also, your body burns fat more efficiently if you vary your workouts. Be open-minded about giving something new a try. It might feel weird, but how could it not be fun if you're with friends? If you're a hiker and your friend loves spinning, compromise and agree that if she hikes with you on Monday, you will spin with her Wednesday.  Once in awhile, try something totally different and new for you—a  weight class on the beach, or a boot camp, step aerobics, or the elliptical machines.

Because talking to our friends AND exercising are both stress reducers

Combining two known stress reducers into one will increase your potential for a better quality of life. Your health and well-being are in your hands. While you can never eliminate your stress 100%, you can de-stress and take better care of yourself.

All this takes is two friends and a good dose of determination. Good luck!  

Your comments are very important! They are a continuation of the article. Share your thoughts below. And if you aren't receiving these articles automatically, and you would like to, please click the subscribe link (just above, the the right of my photo) and add your email.  Thank you so much.