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"Buddy-Up" to ensure compliance |
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Enlisting "work-out buddies" or a similar type of support system in your workout or lifestyle improvement program can increase your success. This type of support can be critical in getting, and staying, motivated to exercise, eat healthy, or adopt other healthy behaviors. "We know that if people create a support system for themselves, they are much more likely to continue their physical activity, "said Nico Pronk, Director of the HealthPartners Center for Health Promotion, a consumer-governed healthcare coalition with more than 800,000 members.
Dr. Rob Wagner, a primary care physician with HealthPartners commented, "this study demonstrates the tremendous power that personal support and encouragement can have on influencing people to start and continue to be physically active. The following are a number of tips to help you stay motivated. They include:
Develop a support system by enlisting the help of family and friends. Make it a routine to take a walk or bike ride with your spouse and/or children daily. Adapt it to fit your routine. If the kids have soccer practice, take your shoes and join in the game, or use the time to take a walk.
Make activity a priority every day. Schedule it into your day planner, if you need to find the time. You'll be surprised how well the rest of your day goes, and maybe even the following one!
Park in the farthest spot from the office. The few minutes spent in activity add up as the weeks go by.
Climb the stairs instead of using the elevator. This works wonders on the quadricepts and gluteus muscles.
Walk at lunch or during breads. Bring your athletic shoes to work and develop a route around your worksite and surrounding areas. This will clear out your mind as well as get you outside to enjoy the nice weather.
If you need to improve your eating habits, find a like mended eating partner, and set off on your new adventure. You may choose to check in with a registered dietitian to help you get on the right foot.
So look at your behaviors, and find one that needs changing. Enlist the help of a buddy, and you will be more certain to change and make it last. And finally, set measurable, attainable goals, and reward yourself as you achieve them.
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