#GotYourBack: Your Fitness Buddy

FitGirl918's #GotYourBack campaign shines a spotlight on how social support from friends or loved ones can help you maintain total fitness. Whether you’re looking for a group exercise class, a spotter for strength training, or a partner to join you on your run, social support increases your chances of sticking to your exercise plan. When it comes to getting out the door for a workout, everyone has their little tips and tricks to stay motivated. Maybe your phone sends a reminder, or there’s a goal pictured on your fridge. But how many times have you turned off your alarm or walked past that inspirational quote and said, “I’ll do it tomorrow”?

Up your fitness

Sometimes you just need a little more accountability, and this is where friends and family (even your pet!) can help. It’s harder to skip out on exercise when your “fitness” buddy—who has your “back” and looks out for your well-being—is waiting for you on your doorstep. And the social and mental health benefits of exercise can be just as important as the exercise itself. For example, women are more likely to engage in physical activity if they do it as part of a group and if they have friends who are active. They also tend to enjoy exercise more with others vs. alone. Feeling better about your workout leads to more minutes of exercise per week too. 

• Look for others who are similarly fit and skilled. It’s difficult to spot someone in the weight room if there’s a large difference in strength. Or it might be frustrating if your running partner is significantly slower than you. Find a fitness battle buddy who shares the same goals and will challenge you to optimize your strength and performance.
• Pick a regular day or time to work out with your partner. It’s important that you rely on each other to be there. Developing a routine and sticking to a schedule will make exercise a habit, which takes a bit less effort to get your workout in on scheduled days. And you don’t need to think as much about getting started since it becomes “just what you do now.”
• Be flexible. Things come up, and life happens. Sometimes you have to move the time or even reschedule. Still, working through last-minute conflicts can help remind you to work out on your own that day as well.

Learn more

Ready to make exercise a habit, but not sure where to start? Sign up here for more information or to get a FREE Fitness Coach