Partnering to Your Weight Loss Success

Personal training is not just for the rich and famous. With a growing realization that exercise helps to prevent a variety of diseases, many folks who have never before exercised are starting fitness programs later in life.

If you find that private training is not affordable, you may want to team up with a friend and train with a professional fitness instructor to get you on the right path.

Is lack of motivation keeping you from being fit? Added motivation to exercise comes from knowing that someone else's routine is hinged to yours. Have you ever had a time where you didn't feel like leaving the house, but because of a commitment you had to?

Treat your exercise sessions like important dates or appointments. Buddying up with a friend for exercise training sessions can get you in gear and out the door to jump start your day. Tracy Cole, of Florissant and Kym Hunter of O’Fallon, MO have been training together for over one year and have found out that working out together makes the both of them accountable for each other. Cole, who has lost over 50 pounds, says “working out with Kym is very enjoyable, the time seems to go by faster and we can push each other to the next level.” Hunter who ran in the 2006 St. Louis Marathon adds that “Tracy motivated me a lot during my marathon training, she was even there when I crossed the finish line to hand me my medal.”

Whether you are an athlete training for an event or a housewife (or both), training sessions can put you on the path to permanent success. Choose a trainer with whom you are compatible and who understands your goals. You want a program that is realistic for your lifestyle and skill levels.

If you have a trainer who appears to be in poor health or poor shape, that may not be such a good sign. If they don't personally practice exercise, they may not relate to your exercise program.

What if your buddy bails out on you? Find a backup plan by taking a class or walking alone. Channel your disappointment into positive energy and make it work. Make sure you tell your friend how invigorated you felt after exercising and what a good time you had. Keep each other inspired.