Do you remember when you were a kid and you had to find a buddy for class trips, swim classes, etc? You'd rush to be with a good friend, line up and then be given a number or letter to designate your pairing. Someone in charge would then call a practice drill and you'd "sound off" at the top of your lungs. As the day progressed there'd be intermittent buddy calls to make sure everyone was accounted for. Schools, camps and youth groups understood the value of keeping kids paired up. Accountability was the key. You had to watch out for one another to make sure no one got lost, hurt or "in trouble".
Now lets progress to today. The buddy system is not just for kids. It's the perfect plan for helping you maintain your fitness program. Find a good friend or relative (someone you like spending time with) with a similar schedule and workout goal and create a fitness plan together. Decide how many days you can commit to, what kind of workout you'll be doing (classes, walking, joining a gym) and how you'll be keeping in contact. You can set up a calendar on your phone or computer or create a printable calendar and post it on your fridge. Whatever gets your attention! Now, the most important thing is to commit to being held accountable. Call, text or e-mail reminders to one another. Have a buddy code name and "sound off." Be a kid again and have fun with it. Fitness should be fun and social! You'll find that it will become something you look forward to and want to do instead of "have to do."
