FitSugar

Friends and Weight Loss: Use 'Em and Lose It

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:57:30 PDT

Losing weight is not easy for so many reasons. Not only does it take commitment and determination, but it can be such a long journey that it's tempting to give up before reaching your goal. If you have a close friend you can lean on, it's likely to make dropping pounds easier and more likely. It should be someone you're comfortable with, someone you can count on to be there when you need them most, and someone you can share your achievements with. Here are some specific ways you can use your buddy on your weight-loss quest:

Call when cravings are at their worst. When you’re having an insatiable urge to hop in your car and head to the nearest bakery, speed dial your friend so they can talk you into eating fruit instead.
Swap healthy recipes, strength training tips, fitness DVDs, health magazines, and running playlists. Boredom can drive you to hop off the healthy wagon, so spice things up with new snack and meal ideas, workouts, and kick-butt tunes courtesy of your fellow fit-minded pal.

For some other ways you can use a friend to help you slim down and get healthier keep reading.

Are You a Treadmill Talker?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:00:20 PDT

I have two workout buddies, one I work out with during the week and one on the weekends. My weekday buddy and I chat while walking to the gym and getting ready, but then we divide and conquer once it's time to work out. We both put in our headphones and go at it in silence. My weekend friend and I spend the first 20 minutes or so on side-by-side treadmills, StairMasters, or ellipticals catching up on life before splitting up to do our separate workouts.

To talk, or not to talk? Personally, I don't have a major preference either way. It's definitely easier for me to focus on pushing myself when I'm not trying to chat in between breaths, but it also passes the time quicker - time flies when you're having fun, right?

What kind of workout partner are you?

Tips For Finding an Exercise Buddy

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:00:07 PDT

Even though many of you prefer to work out alone, having a workout buddy is a great way to stay motivated. And since ditching out on a workout means you're flaking on someone else, an exercise buddy is a great way to keep you accountable. It's also like having your own personal cheering squad. Encouraging words are often all it takes to push a fitness routine further or try harder. If you want a workout buddy but don't know how to find one, follow these tips. It won't be long before you're hitting the trail with a comrade in arms!

Meet someone in a fitness class. Familiarity has a way of making people feel comfortable, so it won't seem odd if you strike up a conversation with someone you see regularly in class. I used to go to the same yoga class every week and eventually became friends with a classmate. In no time, we were sharing rides to the studio and dinner afterwards.
Join an exercise group. Most cities have running and cycling groups - guaranteed ways to meet people who like exercising with other folks. A simple Internet search should help you find a group, or, as an alternative, check with your local sports store. The sports stores in my areas host free weekly exercise events that include running, cycling, and yoga.
Sign up for a partnered sport or group lessons. Some sports - like rock climbing - lend themselves to finding a partner because you can't do the sport without one. You can use Internet forums to find a partner, or go to a specialized gym where they'll help you. If you're new to the sport sign up for group lessons. You'll meet other people who want to learn the same activity as you, and who are also on the same skill level.

Once you've found yourself a partner, make sure you make the most of it, and don't feel like you have to limit yourself to one person. The more exercise buddies, the merrier!

Don't Be Married to One Exercise Buddy

FitSugar — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:22 PDT

I'm grateful for my neighbor down the street who also loves getting in a good run before her morning cup of joe. Having someone to exercise with can give you that extra push you need to lace up your sneaks. When choosing an exercise buddy, it's great to find someone who is at the same fitness level as you, but it's not imperative. You really just need someone with the same level of commitment. You want this to be an equal partnership where you're both on the same page about how often you want to work out. A good exercise bud won't bail on your post-work spinning class and try to persuade you to have margaritas instead.

You definitely don't need to be loyal to solely one fitness partner. It's smart to have more than one buddy for all your fitness needs, as long as they're as driven as you are to stick with regular workouts. If you find a fitness partner who's way more athletic than you, who's idea of an easy run is eight miles rather than three, then meet with them once or twice a week when you need your competitive buttons pushed. If you feel that your partner is not as fit as you, then make a fitness date on days when you need a leisurely workout in between intense ones. The more ways (and people) you have in your life to motivate you to move the better!

Do You Get a Better Workout Alone or With a Buddy?

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:00:32 PDT

With my busy schedule between work and family, it's hard to coordinate exercising with a friend. So I end up sweating it out on my own most of the time. I do love working out with a buddy though, so at least once a week I try to plan fitness dates. If I exercise with someone who loves to push themselves, it really motivates me and I end up getting a better workout than if I were solo. How about you?

Do You Have a Fitness Partner?

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:30:00 PST

For some of us, fitness partners are the best way to keep motivated. Right now, my fitness buddy is my husband. We've been running together at night since it gets darker earlier these days. What about you, do you have a fitness partner?

Source

Why Your Friends Are the Secret to Weight-Loss Success

Self — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:46:36 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

You may be trying hard to get regular exercise and make healthy food choices, but if you don't have like-minded friends, this can be pretty tough.
"Working out by yourself can be pretty difficult. I highly recommend finding a workout partner to maximize your program," exercise physiologist Tom Holland says in his new book Beat the Gym: Personal Trainer Secrets Without the Personal Trainer Price Tag.
According to Holland, workout buddies can help you get bikini-ready in five key ways:

They provide motivation. The days you don't want to work out, she will get you out the door. The days she feels like skipping, you will get her to the gym. When you want to give up completely, she will talk you into sticking with your plan.
They serve as spotters. The bench press. Squats. Your partner can help spot you, keeping your workouts safer yet more challenging at the same time.
They increase your exercise arsenal. There are numerous strength moves you can do with your partner, like crunches with a medicine ball, partner pushups and leg tosses. These are fun and very effective.
They provide companionship. Working out can be lonely, especially long cardio sessions. Having a friend next to you to talk with while you slave away on the elliptical can make the time fly by.
They provide competition. Let's be honest: We as human beings like to compete with one another. Try finding a workout partner who is just a little fitter, just a little stronger than you are. By trying to keep up with them, you will challenge yourself in ways that you cannot do alone.

Looking for a new workout buddy? Check out a few ways to find one after the break!

Sweaty and So in Love: Celebrity Couples Who Work Out Together

Leta Shy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:13:14 PST

The couple that plays together, stays together, and the same seems to be true for these celebrity duos who work out together. Keeping fit is a high priority in Hollywood, and these celebrities definitely know how to go from significant other to workout buddy. Take a look at these couples that love to sweat as a pair, whether it's at the gym, on the hills, or on the road!

Sources: INFDaily.com and Bauer-Griffin Online

Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Morning Workout

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:50:47 PST

If you work or go to school full time, getting your sweat on in the wee hours of the morn is probably the only time you can fit it in. Kudos to you for resisting the urge to hit the snooze button and skip out. Make setting your alarm and pulling yourself out of bed worth all the effort and avoid these morning exercise mistakes.

Not eating: It's super early, but you need to eat in order to fuel your workout. Munch on something small while you're getting ready, like half a banana or half a piece of toast with a little peanut butter. You'll not only avoid the gnawing hunger pangs, but you'll also have an extra pep in your step to exercise harder or longer than you would on an empty stomach. When you get home, you can enjoy your usual breakfast, which is always something to look forward to.
Loading up on fiber: While it's important to eat a little something, you don't want to load up on bulky fiber that can make you feel too full or upset your stomach.
Not hydrating: Aside from food, you also need water. Definitely don't down half a gallon before you hit the gym because too much water can cause cramping, but make sure you sip a short glass of H2O while enjoying your small snack.
Not laying your outfit out the night before: You don't have oodles of time in the morning, so don't take away from your exercise time by scrambling to find your missing sock. Plan your outfit before you go to bed so you can just slip it on and go.

Keep reading for more morning exercise mistakes to avoid.

A Few Reasons It's Better to Sweat It Out Solo

Jenny Sugar — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 11:01:22 PST

Exercising with a buddy definitely has its perks, but when it comes to most of my workouts, I prefer to exercise alone. Here are some reasons it's sometimes better to sweat it out solo.

You can work out whenever you want and when it best fits your schedule. Plus you never have to deal with someone being late.
You can skip the chitchat and focus on your breath and inner thoughts. It's a great time to make mental to-do lists, brainstorm for work, or daydream about weekend plans. Going solo means it's really "me" time.
The type and intensity of the workout is up to you, whether you feel like going for a run in your neighborhood, hitting a Zumba class, or following a gentle yoga video.
You can stuff your ears with headphones and rock out to that new cardio mix you made.
It's OK to wear the same outfit you wore yesterday, even if you didn't wash it. There's no one to make a comment or complain about a little stink.

Keep reading for more reasons it's better to exercise alone.