The Buddy System: It Works!

By Katherine MacPherson BS, ACSM HFS & Personal Trainer at UVAC

Having a buddy to workout with will seriously improve your output in the gym.  For many of us, we jump into the same comfortable routine; maybe a little cardio, few lower and upper body exercises and call it a day.   But what if you were challenged harder, held accountable to a set schedule, and even tried new exercises?  There would be a huge chance that you would exceed your fitness goals a lot faster!

Steps and tips to your successful buddy system:

·         Finding the right buddy: It can be a challenge to find a friend or co-worker who is willing to commit to a long-term fitness schedule, but it will definitely go a long way when you do.   Your buddy should also have virtually the same goals as you, that way you can put your focus on the same regimen.

·         The “Chatty-Cathys”: Make sure your buddy isn’t signed-on for social hour! 

·         Agree to a 6-8 week program, and write down in your planner/schedule the times and days you plan to meet.  Having the sessions written in your weekly planner will allow you fit in the workouts and plan ahead for them.

·         Motivation and encouragement:  Some days exercise will be the last thing you may want to be doing, but keep up the excitement!  Don’t let either partner miss a day!

·         The most effective and safest program for you:  Have no idea where to start when it comes to exercising?  Find accountable resources, such as a Personal Trainer (they make great buddies too!).     Hiring a Personal Trainer will get you and your buddy on the right path and set a routine.   The Upper Valley Aquatic Center offers group personal training at an affordable price! Check it out for yourself at www.uvac-swim/fitness.com

·         Be there for your buddy!  The best part about the buddy system is that you always have someone there pushing you to dig deep and keep increasing your output! 

·         Get Started!

For more information about the Upper Valley Aquatic Center and Personal Training, please feel free to call 802-296-2850 or visit us online at www.uvac-swim.org!

Multisport Chicken

Epic Beardcicle

Ask anyone who races triathlon, and they'll agree - Consistant year-round endurance sport training is only possible if you are severely obsessive-compulsive, or you've picked (AND REGISTERED) for a few big events in the upcoming race season. It is just too easy to get distracted without some form of internal or external accountability.

I'm a victim of the first form of accountability. I can wake up at 5 am any day of the year, lace up my racing flats, rain or shine, and head out to do whatever Coach put on the schedule. I wasn't always wired this way though. In fact, the only thing that got me onto the starting line of my first triathlon was one small bet that I wouldn't do it, and one big race registration fee. Call me a thrifty Yankee. I just hate to see good money go to waste.

Come every March, amongst all the multisport nutters I know, there is no shortage of persistant questions - "What are you racing this year?" "Did you know that Nautica NYC Tri sold out in 8 seconds last year??" "Hey, are you finally going to do an Ironman this year???"

Like I said, I don't like to plan ahead. In fact, an impromptu taper to an unplanned race is my favorite way of getting out of a build block that I just can't stomach anymore. But, loving wives and distant family members want to know - "WHAT ARE YOU RACING THIS YEAR??"

Kona Swim Start

The World Triathlon Corporation has done a number on us by making highly desirable races hard to get into, and very expensive. And, somehow, people are still staying up till midnight on November 17th every year to sign up for next year's iteration of Nautica NYC... Or, paying hundreds of non-refundable dollars to get on a waiting list for Lake Placid, or Kona...

Here's a little bit of advice from someone whose done that, and more, to ensure an ultra low race number and great bike spot in transition - Point blank, you can have a lot of fun racing if it's something you really like to do. It doesn't matter how big a venue, or how long a race. So this year, pick a few races that will challenge you. Get on the localvore movement and do something close to home. Or, get out there and do your 300 bike miles a week so you can compete for that spot at Kona. But whatever you do, don't play into their game of raceday chicken. Race what you enjoy racing, and year after year you'll keep coming back for more.

-Gered Dunne, USAT Professional Triathlete and UVAC Member since 2009