| How many of you reading this finds it difficult to | | | | more energy in the mornings, others prefer to train in |
| adhere to a fitness regime? If you're like most | | | | the evenings. No one is better than the other, just |
| Americans, you probably find it at least challenging, | | | | choose a schedule that will work well for you. There is |
| some may even go so far as to say impossible. From | | | | probably more time in a day than you realize, and if |
| my experience, I find that you must adhere to a | | | | you set out to make the most of it, you may be |
| program for at least six months before it becomes | | | | surprised and amazed at the outcome. |
| routine, and several years before it becomes a | | | | Safety is another reason to train with a partner. |
| lifestyle. For most people, this is challenging to say the | | | | Especially in the beginning, everything is new and |
| least. If you're lucky, you may have a circle of friends | | | | unfamiliar, so it is very easy to forget how to do the |
| or an active family to support you, but if not, getting | | | | exercises appropriately. Form is extremely important in |
| going in the beginning can be tough. | | | | the safety of an exercise. Having another person |
| So the focus of this edition's column will be on the | | | | there to remind you of what you may forget, can |
| benefits of exercising with one or two buddies. Not | | | | work very well. You know the old saying, "two heads |
| only does this increase your likelihood of sticking with a | | | | are better than one." In addition to proper form, having |
| fitness program once you start it, but it can make it | | | | a training partner to spot you during a heavy lift is |
| more enjoyable for you as well. Weather you will be | | | | necessary unless you are lifting on specialized |
| training at a health club, home gym, or participating in a | | | | equipment like the Smith Machine. |
| sport, this can work for you. It will contribute three | | | | Enjoyment is perhaps the single most important reason |
| major factors to the success of your newly | | | | to train with a friend. Your workouts can be |
| undertaken fitness regime: accountability, safety, and | | | | somewhat of a social occasion as well as a |
| enjoyment. | | | | productive workout session, if done correctly. They |
| Being accountable to another person will help you to | | | | can serve as a nice way to spend time with friends or |
| keep your workouts on schedule and on track. It is | | | | loved ones while simultaneously doing something that is |
| often very easy to tell yourself that you will work out | | | | moving you towards better health and a longer life. |
| later on in the day, after you get your more important | | | | So if you can't seem to get into gear training of your |
| tasks out of the way. While some people probably | | | | own, try giving it a try with a friend or family member. If |
| can do this, most cannot. Having a workout partner | | | | no one seems to be available or interested, take a |
| usually forces you to perform your workouts at your | | | | look around the gym and see if someone else like |
| scheduled time. You will most likely be more consistent | | | | yourself isn't having the same problem. You can help |
| if you outline an exercise schedule in advance and | | | | each other by training together. Don't be bashful, you |
| then stick to it consistently. While some people have | | | | have nothing to lose just by asking! |