FitSugar

How a Workout Buddy Challenges Your Fitness Routine

Leta Shy — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:35:13 PDT

You know that having a workout buddy can make exercise fly by, but it's not just about having someone to laugh and talk with you while you sweat. Read on for three ways exercising with a buddy challenges your workout.

They make you push yourself: The right workout partner helps challenge you to become better at your workouts, whether you're side by side on the elliptical or on an outdoor run. By racing each other, pushing each other to go for a few more minutes, or teaching each other the most effective ways to exercise, you and your workout buddy can both help push each other to the next level.

They help you branch out: You swear that you hate Zumba but begrudgingly take it at your buddy's urging - and now, you've found a new fitness love. Not only can trying something new with a friend help you feel less self-conscious if you're worried about looking awkward, but acquiescing to a friend's insistence to try something new can also inject fun and variety back into your workout routine, helping you avoid that dreaded fitness plateau and continue to see results.

They're foils for your excuses: Can't meet your friend at the gym because you forgot your socks? She just so happens to have an extra pair. Woke up late and now don't have time to fit in a run? "We'll just go for a quick one," your buddy says. No matter how much you've talked yourself out of your workout for the day, a good workout buddy won't take no for an answer so you continue to stay on track with your workout plan.

Buddy Up! 5 Workouts That Are Better With Friends

Michele Foley — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:32:54 PDT

The benefits to having a workout buddy are myriad, but sometimes a fitness friend just gets in the way. Whether you want a talk-free run, or need to train hard for an upcoming tri, sometimes you need to go at it alone. That doesn't mean flying solo all the time though! Check out these five workouts made better with a friend.

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!

6 Beach Workouts For a Sunny Memorial Day Weekend

Leta Shy — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:52:50 PDT

Hopefully this weekend will involve some fun in the sun, but that doesn't have to be limited to sipping a frozen cocktail on a deck chair. To get you inspired for an outdoor sweat session, we've rounded up some fun fitness routines for the beach - check off your daily workout for the day while enjoying the sun!

Fit and fast: Got 12 minutes? Do this simple CrossFit circuit workout as hard as you can. Bonus: after the intense session, all you have to do is take a dip in the sea!
Leg up: Want to tone legs and thighs? This leg workout from a FitSugar reader helps save your knees from too many squats - and you can do the moves while laying out in the sun.
On the ball: If you happen to have an exercise ball handy, this Kerri Walsh-approved full-body workout will get you in pro-athlete shape.

More beach workouts to inspire you after the break!