Weight Loss Partners: Why the Journey is Easier with Two

Discover the power of linking with others to lose weight.  Get motivation and practical advice about getting started.

Butch and Sundance.  Thelma and Louise.  Great partners aren’t just handy in the movies.  They serve a great purpose in real life.  If you’re serious about losing weight, you must find a partner or partners to hold you accountable.

The success of programs like Weight Watchers hinges on the accountability factor.  Together with others, you can accomplish more than you ever could alone.  After my first pregnancy, I walked with my neighbor every week.  We both wanted to lose weight, so we both gave up sugar at the same time.  It was wonderful to have someone to commiserate with.  It felt good to know I wasn’t the only one skipping desserts.

In addition to walking, I recruited my mom to join me for a spin class.  She had never worked out in her life so it was totally out of her comfort zone.  Having my mom as my exercise partner helped me stick with the class.  I had to pick her up so I couldn’t just skip a workout because of laziness or poor planning.  When you work out with a partner, something amazing happens: you actually show up!

Who will your partner be?  It could be a friend who wants to lose weight or even your husband.  Maybe you can join a class at the gym or YMCA and recruit someone to workout weekly with you.  The point is finding someone with a common goal to hold you accountable. 

The journey is always easier with two.  As you encourage another person to achieve his or her fitness goals, you will encourage yourself in the process! 

Today’s action step:  Call someone today and ask him or her if they would be willing to be your accountability partner. 

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