The Buddy System Weighing In

Lindsay Eichelman
Project & Promotions Manager

It’s been brought to my attention this week by multiple people that this whole healthy living situation is much easier with a buddy. In fact MOST things in life are much easier with a buddy. That’s the great thing about having them in your life! However, failing also can be easier with a buddy.

We all work better when we are held accountable. Using the buddy system with a friend on workouts is especially helpful. I’m much more apt to roll over and go back to sleep instead of going to the gym if I’m only letting myself down. If someone else is involved, I would rather not disappoint.

The same goes for the actual act of working out. Sometimes we don’t push ourselves as far or as hard as we would when we have someone training with us. When it comes to exercise the buddy system definitely works.

In regard to healthy eating and other good lifestyle choices, the buddy system also is helpful. I have a few friends, both coworkers and outside of the office, to whom I can go when I’m about to stress eat or fall off the wagon. They GENTLY remind me I’ve worked so hard, and some of them are very good at suggesting healthy alternatives.

In addition, having friends who are also on the road to a healthy lifestyle is extremely helpful in keeping a good social life. They understand your difficulties and struggles and help you participate in activities that won’t challenge you in ways that will be detrimental.

Sometimes though, the buddy system can hold us accountable in the wrong way. For instance, the other day, I really wanted to eat poorly and not exercise. I suggested to my best friend that we simply skip our weigh in the next day and indulge in lots of bad choices. And what do you know — she agreed! Afterward she commented that “we did so well at the beginning of our Biggest Loser challenge and we really needed to get back on track.”

Amen sister. Sometimes that buddy system of people who normally hold us accountable in good ways backfires by giving us someone to misbehave with, which makes it that much more fun. Just remember, our buddies help us through our rough patches on the road to a healthier lifestyle, and we want to help them in the same way. By holding yourself accountable, you won’t want to let your friend down.

Here’s hoping that you have many buddy systems that help you and the ones you love stay on track to a healthy lifestyle!