Out & About September 2017

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Isaw a post the other day online and it got me
thinking. It was a post looking for a workout
buddy.
This person knew what they should be eating
and what exercise they should be doing, but
even with this knowledge, they needed help.
They were looking for a workout buddy,
because sometimes all someone needs is a
little encouragement to stay on track.
A goal can seem extremely daunting and
overwhelming if you feel alone when starting
out, so having someone to encourage you
and who you can encourage back is a great
idea.
HOWTO FINDYOURSELF A BUDDY
The first thing worth trying is asking those
close to you – family, friends and work
colleagues – to see if any of them would
like to work with you to achieve a goal.
Even if your goals are not exactly the same,
you could still meet up and go for walks, go to
an exercise class or attend the gym together.
They will be a great support for you and you
for them.
Going it alone, it is easy to say ‘Oh I won’t
bother today’, whereas when someone else
is relying on you, you are much less likely to
cancel.
This is a great way to maintain continuity and
support each other when you feel like you want
to give up or are just having a tough day.
If you can’t find someone close by to buddy up
with, you can look further afield, and you just
might make a new friend at the same time.
THE INTERNET CAN BE A GREAT HELP
Look for local community groups that you can
post on, asking for someone who would like to
team up – chances are you will be inundated
with those who are in exactly the same boat
as you.
When you think you’re on your own, asking for
help can make you feel much better, when you
realise that actually lots of other people feel
that way too.
If there is a class that you want to attend, sign
up and go.
I completely understand how intimidating it can
seem, but remember everyone was new once.
Once you get chatting to people, you may
make some friends with similar goals and
again you will benefit from the support network,
which should encourage you to go back each
week.
JOIN A CLUB OR GROUP TO GETYOU
STARTED AND KEEPYOU ON TRACK
There are so many clubs around: running,
cycling, walking, martial arts etc.
These can make you feel part of a team and
are fantastic for giving guidance.
So often when you want to start out,
particularly cycling or walking, you can be
unsure of which routes to take or you may be
wary of going somewhere on your own.
This is understandable, which is why joining
a club can calm those nerves and get you
motivated.
Every town seems to have a list as long as
your arm of various groups, so have a search
for your desired interest and get in touch with
them. Chances are you will be welcomed with
open arms by a friendly and encouraging
bunch of people. Just what’s needed when you
need focus and support.
WORKING ALONEWITH SUPPORT
Some people need support, but like to work
alone – if that’s you it might be be to consider
getting a personal trainer to give them
some guidance. Having someone to be held
accountable to can make a big difference.
Many people have an idea what they need to
do, but still need help to discipline themselves
and make better choices.
So get out there and find yourself a keep fit
buddy or a support group to kickstart your way
towards your target. Give it a try and see how
much easier it can be to stick to your goals.
OA fitness
When it comes to wanting to adopt a healthier lifestyle you are not alone and VICKI BROWN
suggest various ways you could find a support network – whether it’s one exercise buddy or
a group of like-minded individuals – to get you motivated
Team workout
Personal trainer Vicki Brown is the founder
of LiveFitNow, based in Wash Common.
For a free consultation, more information
and links to online home fitness videos, visit: