By Deborah Brooks, Our Fit Tip Expert

Do you remember when you were a kid and you had to find a buddy for class trips, swim classes, etc?  You’d rush to be with a good friend.

Then you’d line up and be given a number or letter to designate your pairing. Someone in charge would call a practice drill and you’d “sound off” at the top of your lungs. As the day progressed there’d be intermittent buddy calls to make sure everyone was accounted for. Schools, camps and youth groups understood the value of keeping kids paired up. Accountability was the key. You had to watch out for one another to make sure no one got lost, hurt or “in trouble”.

This got me to thinking that the buddy system was not just for kids. It could be the perfect plan for helping people maintain a fitness program, even for people who are more prone to working out on their own.  We have become so independent of one another in this Instagram, facebook, twittered out world. Sharing time with someone you like, doing something that’s good for you, is a great way to spend your time. And holding one another accountable is a great way to stay out of “health trouble.”

Here’s how it works.

1- find a close friend or relative with a similar schedule and workout goal and create a fun, manageable fitness plan together using the following criteria.

2-Decide how many days you can commit to. Be realistic. We often over commit in the beginning, due to our excitement to get started. One day a week is fine to start. It’s better to add days as you see your success than to become discouraged when an overzealous plan to get together everyday doesn’t happen.

3-Decide what kind of workout you’ll be doing i.e dance classes, walking, hiking trails, joining a gym. Discuss adding healthy eating to go along with your workouts. No need to starve or detox, either, just eat well!

4-Set up a calendar. You can set it up on your phone, computer or create a printable calendar and post it on your fridge. Whatever gets your attention! Designing a handmade calendar is my favorite as it gets you to sit down and put more effort into creating the workout schedule.  I encourage you to go all out, using stickers, colorful pens, etc. Have fun with it. Bring out your inner child/artist.

5-Now, the most important thing is to commit to being held accountable. Call, text or e-mail reminders to one another. Have a buddy code name and “sound off.” Be a kid again and have fun with it.

When we were kids we didn’t have to be told to run around and get some exercise, it happened naturally. Find that in this program. Fitness should be fun and social.  You’ll find that exercise will become something you look forward to and want to do instead of “have to do.” The more effort you put into the program, the more you’ll be motivated to keep your commitments to it. Sound off!