One Is The Loneliest Number

Today I wanted to talk to you about having a buddy to help you reach your goals.  Do you have someone that you can go to, that can encourage you to NOT eat that bowl of ice cream, to encourage you to GO workout, etc?  We all need supportive people in our life to reach our goals.  This person could be your husband, your friend, your co-worker, your sister, etc.  They need to be willing to call you out when you are not on track, and they need to be able to encourage you when you feel discouraged.  Can you think of that person? 

Right now you are in this class for the purpose of more accountability.  As you know, Jenn & I are here for you anytime you need advice or a word of encouragement.  But I would challenge you to stretch your accountability further.  If you've not done it, find a "guilt buddy"!  Report your workouts to each other, workout together when your schedules allow, be accountable with each other, report weigh-ins….keep each other on track.  When you have a buddy like that, you know if you overeat for a week and it shows up on the scale, you are going to have to tell her.  And she knows when she did everything “right” and the scale does not cooperate, she can come to you and you’ll give her a boost of encouragement.  You need each other!  I've always been much more successful with my health & fitness when I've had a guilt buddy.     

In his book, The Portable Personal Trainer, Eric Harr talks about the importance of having people around you when you are working out. 

“If you work out with encouraging people who challenge you physically, mentally, or spiritually in some way, you will get a great deal more from exercise.  That is why WHOM you choose as your workout buddies will not only determine your long-term success; it will also determine how much you enjoy the process.  We will give more to a workout when we do it with others.  In addition, we are less willing to skip a workout if others are relying on us.”

Several studies that I have read over the last few years have pointed to the fact that folks that work out in a group are more successful in their long-term weight loss goals when compared to those that try to go at it alone.  Jazzercise is a great place to be in a group….but it’s easy to go to a big Jazzercise class and walk in, work out, walk out, and never interact with anyone.  Don’t do that!!!

Ok, so for this week I have a challenge for you:

If you have a workout buddy, make sure you guys are chatting it up and communicating!  Find out what their workout schedule is this week, and try to work out with them!  Tell them how many classes you plan to attend, and what your goals are.  Check in with her and be accountable to her.  If you don't have one, be on the lookout for one.  Don't be afraid to meet a new person (in our class, or not) and buddy up to them!  

If that just sounds terribly intimidating, then please allow yourself be held accountable by Jenn or myself.  During your weigh-ins, be honest!  Think about what you could do better this week and tell us to hold you accountable.  Give us specific things we can ask you about and tell us how much you plan to work out and hold yourself accountable to it!  

This Powerful Life class is a great way for you to jumpstart your health, fitness, & weigh-loss (for those of you that need to lose weight).  But a guilt buddy can long outlast this class and bring a lifetime of friendship & health.  Don't miss out on this wonderful gift!