Using the Buddy System for Weight Loss

I know you've heard the saying "Two heads are better than one"

Well, I'd like to modify that a bit and say that "Two heads WORKING TOGETER are better than one".

This is particularly the case when embarking on something as discipline oriented as a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Having a training and lifestyle partner, or using "the buddy system" as it is more commonly referred to as, has major benefits for maximizing the results of both your initial program and your maintenance lifestyle.

1. Motivation

   Whether its one or several people involved, buddies are great for getting motivation about working hard to meet your goals.

   Very rarely will two or more people all be "down" about their regimen at the same time. Having a partner during times of doubt and anguish gives you a reservoir of positive energy that you can access without having to generate it yourself.

2. Accountability

   On the flip side of a getting a boost of positivity when you need it, a buddy can also be counted on to give you swift kick in the pants and reality check when you are not living up to the commitment that you made to yourself.

   We all need this from time to time, and it serves to get us back in to action much faster than we would if we had to wait on our own individual "mood" to change before we got back on the horse.

   Another thing is that you and the other person or people will feel like you are letting others down if you slack off. Studies show that we will do more for others than we ever would for ourselves. This works nicely to keep everyone on their toes.

3. Use a Spotter for tough sets

   For those times when you may be dealing with heavier weights or you're just a little exhausted, a buddy can help to give you a "spot", or guide you through the movement so that you won't have to worry about handling the weight when you are completely spent and at your weakest.

4. Safely push yourself

   When there is someone else besides you, you can really "go for it" and push yourself knowing that they've "got your back" and won't allow you to get hurt or be in jeopardy of getting hurt after you've really stretched your abilities to the limits.

5. Be pushed by the other person or people

   When you are working out or managing your diet by yourself, you get to choose when you take it easy or really go full out.

   With the buddy system, you don't get off so easily. At any moment, either of you could decided to "kick it up a notch", or just merely not let the other person slack off on things like form, consistency, going the extra mile, and what have you.

How to pick your buddy

Although using the buddy system has many benefits, there are certain things that you want to make sure of when selecting who you are going to partner up with, or create a support group with:

A) Make sure that everyone involved has similar fitness goals. This will keep momentum high because you are all pulling in the same direction so to speak.

B) Everyone has to be willing to synchronize schedules. The more activities (working out, eating, cardio, etc) that you do together, the better results you'll get. This is because you have more opportunities to encourage, push and check each other as you are working towards your goals.

C) Each and every person has to be willing to be held accountable. This just won't work if one or more buddies refuse to take direction from the other(s). It's got to be a team.

If you simply use the information here as the official blue print for setting up your very own buddy system, it will prove to give you huge results far above and beyond anything that you could produce all on your own.