A dynamic duo, typically friends or colleagues, who attend our dance classes together and have developed a regular routine of connecting & celebrating through dance!
With 2016 right around the corner and New Year’s Fitness Resolutions in tow, there are some important factors to take into consideration for long-term success.
If there were a way to double your chances of fitness success, would you be interested? How about a technique to make exercise more fun? A tool that automatically creates space and time in your busy schedule for workouts? A proven way to help you out of a rut or through a plateau?
It may all sound too good to be true, but countless fitness seekers have found that the right workout buddy, or what we call your “Accounta-Bella Buddy,” can do all that and more! Dance buddies can help you stay committed to your fitness goals AND have fun. Here are just a few of the benefits you will find by teaming up with that partner in crime, and WHY it works!
Accountability
You’re far more likely to actually work out when (1) you’re forced to schedule it ahead of time, and (2) canceling means inconveniencing a friend. Making concrete plans with another person means you’ll be far less likely to cancel in favor of the couch. This is the whole idea behind the “Accounta-Bella Buddy” system!
Motivation
In addition to keeping you accountable, friends can provide an extra boost of motivation when it gets tough. Everyone has those days when they just don’t feel like going to the studio, and when they want to call it quits, friends can offer encouragement to keep you going. Just be sure to return the favor!
Learn Something Wild & New!
Gyms can get repetitive and stagnant, so why not burn even more calories while challenging your brain and connecting with others? At Bella Diva Dance there are over 7 different styles & genres of world dance classes to keep you stimulated and busting a move!
Have More Fun
Those who have hit the gym or fitness routine with friends know that it’s usually more enjoyable than going alone, and several studies have reached that conclusion too. One study in particular surveyed 117 people using their phones to ask what they were doing, who they were with, where they were, how they were feeling and more. The results suggest that people enjoy physical activity more when they’re with their friends.
Workout Longer
Time flies when you’re having fun…or at least when you are distracted! Having someone to chat and laugh with between glutes squeezes, lets you focus on something other than just your workout, making the time go by faster.
Interpersonal Support
The need for interpersonal support is primal, says Wayne Andersen, MD, cofounder and medical director of Take Shape for Life, a nationwide health and lifestyle coaching program based in Owings Mills, Md: “We are social animals. We seek the company and positive reinforcem
ent of others, especially when we are doing work.”
Also, exercise partners provide a powerful combination of support, accountability, motivation and, in some cases, healthy competition. “They can play the role of teammate, co-coach and cheerleader — all while working out,” says Michelle P. Maidenberg, PhD, MPH, clinical director of Westchester Group Works in Harrison, N.Y.
A few other fun benefits!
- You have someone to text the next day about post-workout pains, because no one else will understand why you’re limping in the office!
- You have someone to eat with after surviving samba, because we are dancers who eat! Chipotle? Yes, please!
- You will look a lot less crazy if you can get your friend to do it with you.
How to Be a Fab ‘Accounta-Bella’ Buddy!
Build your active partnership with thoughtful acts of support like these:
- Be in touch. Send reminder texts or emails, prearrange rides to the studio, offer wake-up calls if necessary.
- Be on time. Always.
- Push your partner, then reinforce her efforts with praise.
- Suggest new ideas and routines to keep things interesting and prevent plateaus.
- Remind your partner of her goals and encourage her when the going gets rough.
- Keep tabs on each other through illness, travel and other routine-breakers. It will make it easier to get back on track.
- Talk about topics other than fitness. The more you care about your partner as a person, the stronger your alliance will be. But don’t wallow in negative talk. It’s an energy downer!
- Be flexible. Sitter canceled? Take turns watching the kids so each of you can exercise independently.
