Buddy Up To Lose Weight

(CARLSBAD, CA) -It’s no surprise that studies indicate people get fit and lose weight more effectively when they partner with a friend or family member.

Think about it. You’re more likely to show up for a workout when you know people are expecting you and excited to see you. Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett says exercising with other people is also very motivating as the positive energy spreads from one participant to the next. How many times have you felt like skipping a workout only to discover how great you felt once you got there? An exercise partner can provide that extra incentive to follow through.

Whether it’s exercise or dieting, being part of a group is helpful. A study conducted by researchers at Aston University and the Western Human Nutrition Center at the University of California found that organized weight loss groups offered several advantages, in particular reduced stress. People who dieted alone had significantly increased stress levels, which were linked to severely impaired task performance.

A Marywood University study of 75 overweight people also found that individuals who worked with others to lose weight were far more successful in shedding pounds and keeping them off a year later than people who dieted alone.

But as in any partnership, you need to find the right fit. Below are some suggestions for finding the perfect fitness and weight loss partner:

— Have the same goals. It’s not a good match if you’re looking to dance off a few pounds in an aerobics class and your partner wants to beat his or her best time in a 5K run.

— Don’t waste your time on a partner who is late, whiny or a naysayer, which will only dampen your enthusiasm.

— Likewise you should pick someone whose companionship you value so that you are motivated to be prompt and upbeat.

— Have a set workout schedule and consider friendly penalties for not showing.

— Get your spouse moving. He/she is conveniently located, easily accessible and statistically in the same shape as you. Research indicates that women gain an average of 24 pounds over the course of 13 years of marriage, while men gain 19. But research also indicates that couples who begin an exercise program together are more likely to stick with it than single people, according to the “Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness."

In fact, says Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise CEO, having family on your side can be invaluable to your health and fitness program.  Having them exercise with you can make your efforts more fun while spreading the healthy benefits to everyone involved.  What greater gift can you give to your family than fitness? There are many games and activities that you and your spouse can do with your children, and many exercises can go undercover as cool games for your kids.

Stability balls are perfect for the whole family and offer numerous options for strength and flexibility exercises.  The following back stretch gives you a completely supported backbend that feels great.  For children, start by getting them up on the ball and comfortable with the feel of it.  You can stand behind them and hold their hands or waist for support if necessary.  Just have them bounce around for a while; they’ll have a blast while improving their balance and core strength.  Now move around in front of them, holding their hands and stabilizing the ball with your feet and legs.  Help them lie back over the ball until it completely supports them from head to tail.  Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds before slowly sitting up. 

To do this stretch yourself, simply sit on the ball and walk your feet forward allowing your spine to roll along the ball until it supports your entire back.  You can reach your arms to the floor for balance if necessary. 

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 20,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call 1(800) FIT-IS-IT or (760) 476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com