Work Out Buddies

Work Out Buddies

Photo Credit: acam.typepad.com

You see them coming from a mile away ... clad in sexy work out attire, looking fly, daring you NOT to check out that cleavage.  They've got swagger, and strut their stuff like beauty queens.  You half expect one to pull a stripper pole out of her bag.

Yeah right.  

I don't know about you but those socks would irritate the hell outta me, that chain would find a fold to fall into, my boob would flop out mid-stride and that gold uni-tard would have sweat stains in the most unattractive places ... When I work out, I tend to be in an over-sized shirt and shorts and well, that's just fine enough for me.

But, these girls have an important thing to teach you.  Yes, they do. Yeah, I'm serious.

They kinda match each other in flamboyance and confidence/arrogance.  And, that's what we are talking about today ... finding a good work out buddy that matches YOU.

It's so hard to find that person, isn't it?  To be honest, my most consistent work out buddy is my dog.  She is always ready to go and motivates me (read: pulls my arm out of its socket) to keep going when we go for a walk.  Most of the work out buddies I've had fall by the wayside sooner or later.  They are either too busy, too tangled up in drama or not dedicated to hitting the gym as you are.  It's irritating.  Kinda like those socks, isn't it?  Just rubs you the wrong way.

So, here's my recommendation ... find yourself a good friend hopefully that is as motivated as you are.  Don't go work out with a Barbie doll because you won't feel motivated but will feel self-conscious next to her like she brought along her favorite football player to hold her pom-pom's.  Know what I mean?  So, someone that matches you but wants it as badly as you do. This person should motivate you, encourage you and cheer you on - just like you should do for her.

Next, pick a time that is realistic and that you both can commit to showing up.  If you are a trained tri-athlete, you MIGHT be willing to hit the gym at 4am "to beat the rush."  But, for most of us, dragging our butts out of bed at 0 dark 30 is just that ... a drag.  Right after school gets out is another bad time - why?  Well, Mom will probably have to run errands, take the kids to soccer practice or do homework so not a good time.  For  me, the best time is after dinner.  The day is done, kids are fed, homework's completed (I hope), my errands are run and after I'm done, I can shower and hit the sheets.  I like it too because I feel like I've burned off some of the calories I've put on during the day and I can feel it the next morning.

Hopefully, you find someone who's in it for the long haul and not just for 30 days.  That is so irritating!  Maybe you can't go every day, but try and at least commit to 2 - 3 times a week together.  You will see a difference!!

Challenge of the Day!

Match yourself up with a good work out buddy!  Then, motivate each other, encourage one another, laugh during your work out and have fun.  You will find that working out is not a bore or a drain, but something you look forward to!  Until next time, you lovely Fat Chicks ...