The Buddy System
Thinking back to classroom field trips, there is nothing that stands out more than the required “buddy system” method of monitoring the whereabouts and behavior of multiple students at once. It’s obvious that the adults in charge knew that forming a peer connection would encourage accountability, safety and positive decisions throughout the day. When it comes to wellness practices in adulthood - it’s much the same!
The WHAT
As an adult, having a “wellness buddy” can look like spending intimate moments conversing with a friend about personal wellness goals. It might incorporate discussions around healthy meal planning for the family. Hopefully, a good buddy would talk with you about enrolling in a fitness class or join with you to build a consistent exercise routine that fits nicely into your hectic schedules.
The WHY
Research shows that the way people think about a given situation determines how they feel emotionally and physically, eventually altering behavior (1). So when it comes to wellness practices, having a buddy can promote positive feelings instead of dread. A peer can encourage behavior change for the better and serve as the face of inspiration.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Wellness habits that may have, previously, been difficult to create receive much more attention when you’ve got someone consistently encouraging you to see them through. Remaining accountable in the midst of the daily grind seems much more feasible when you know that a peer will be checking in. As time passes, a buddy can provide feedback on what she sees as successful and can also work with you to create a realistic strategy for wellness that keeps you exercising consistently and sticking to your schedule.
MOTIVATION
A buddy can help to highlight strengths that you may not have previously noticed about yourself. In our society, we frequently search for “more”, “better” and are faced with the self-deprecating belief that we are “not enough” - but a workout buddy can squash all of those fears and speak positivity into your workout routine! Often times it makes us feel good to know that someone else is expecting our presence and the benefits of companionship during a workout can be a strong motivator. Just the simple fact that someone else is counting on you can be enough motivation to slip on your workout pants, lace up your shoes and hit the gym.
COMMITMENT
While committing to an exercise routine is a personal choice, staying committed for the long haul can be highly influenced by a workout buddy. This is why goal setting becomes a whole lot easier when you involve others in the process. The Goal-Setting Theory of psychology believes that the values held by an individual drive his or her emotions and desires (1). So, in order to “be well” we have to first WANT to be well and value wellness as important. A buddy can remind you of a personal goal, provide just enough challenge to keep you going and be there to celebrate your successes. Through the encouragement and investment of a buddy, your persistence to a task can increase immensely!
The question remains, how should we go about finding a workout buddy, and when we find one, how do we start to build a trusting relationship?
The HOW
Where:
Social circle: The best place to start is with your friends! Odds are that you are friends because you have some interests in common and you’ve already begun to build a trusting relationship that might allow you to experience growth in new ways.
Look in your current community for a peer: neighborhood, church, places where you volunteer, your kids’ school.
Join a class: Search out a fitness class that interests you and look for someone with whom you might be able to link arms.
Current hobbies: Do you spend time socially outside of fitness (i.e. book club, painting, military spouse group) that might provide you with a buddy?
Keep in mind:
Being open with yourself and realistic about your goals is the first place to begin.
Building any relationship first requires vulnerability.
Staying open to discussion about wellness habits and the progress towards your goals is crucial.
Look for someone who will be both, firm and motivational.
Enjoy the process, laugh and allow yourself to grow through it!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Have you subscribed to Aspen Weekly? When you do you’ll receive access to resources that will provide ways for you and your buddy to stay active in creative ways!
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References:
Green, D. J. (n.d.). Coaching Behavior Change(N. D. Muth, Ed.). American Council on Exercise.