Why Getting Fit Is Easier With Friends!!

I had no idea 3 years ago that my life would have changed so drastically.  Thanks to the encouragement of a neighbor/friend a new pathway opened up for exploration.  She needed an "accountability buddy" to work out with on a regular basis.  An accountability buddy is someone that pushes you to surpass your limits, encourage you when you feel a lack of motivation, and most importantly, a person you don't want to let down.  The thought of one of us bailing on a workout carried more weight since you were not only failing yourself but your "buddy" as well.  You would schedule a workout and you made sure you were present with positive energy ready for that workout.  Thanks to Caitlin, November 12th, 2007 was the first day I have ever actually applied myself in a physical manner with the goal in mind to lose some weight.  I previously hadn't owned a scale in my adult life and frowned upon buying one.  I knew in order to keep myself motivated (and what motivates me is data), I knew I had to purchase a scale.  I found out the consequences when you just do not concern yourself with such equipment for over a decade.  I was 30 years old and 235 lbs!  We would ride together to work and discuss what workout we were going to do when we got back from work and have no excuse to not exercise.  It really seemed to work and helped me "schedule" time to workout in my life that I couldn't blow off. 

When I started to lose weight I wanted to show others how much more motivating it is to "get fit with friends".   Our group grew and we were up to 3 people working out regularly together.  I wanted to reach more people.  In April 2010, the three of us went and got TurboKick Instructor Certified and Caitlin and I started to teach at our employer's Wellness program. 

 

At this point, I have a happy class, full of energetic coworkers that have known me throughout my weight loss and I hope I am as much of a motivation to them as they are to me.   I have lost 85 lbs and I have a confidence that I never knew was possible.

My suggestion at this point is to make sure you hold yourself accountable first, and make sure to find at least one buddy to share this experience with.  I'll always be available :)