Outreach Ministries: Exercise Buddy Program

We all know how hard it can be to stick to an exercise program by ourselves. It’s so easy to talk yourself out of it through a variety of excuses. An exercise buddy program offers support and encouragement in sticking with your routine to truly see results.

What is an exercise buddy?

An exercise buddy is someone who agrees to support you in your exercise program, and in turn, you support them. Studies have shown that people are more likely to stick to an exercise routine if they have a partner than alone.

How do I offer support?

Exercise buddies often work out together at least twice a week. When they cannot get together, they exchange emails and phone calls of support.

Starting a Buddy Program:

First, you have to ascertain how many people are interested in the program. Hold an informational meeting for people who are interested in signing up. Have people fill out questionnaires about their weight loss or exercise goals, types of activities they enjoy, and availability. Split people up into like groups. You can do this by interest (all the joggers together and all the yoga enthusiasts together) or by demographics (all of the moms with young children, vs. all of the retirees). Then hold a “mixer” of types so that people can mingle and get to know each other. Once they find a buddy they are happy with, have them sign an agreement stating that they promise to support each other in their exercise goals. This is by no means an official document, but the act of signing their name often increases participants’ resolve.

Continued Support:

Once you pair everyone off, don’t think your job is finished. You need to offer support too. Hold checkpoint meetings on a regular basis. This is a time to celebrate progress towards goals and offer encouragement to those who feel stuck. This program can be ongoing or have a finite ending. If you chose to have an ending, ask participants to set a goal for the specified time. Example: “After 90 days, I will be able to jog a mile without getting winded.” At the end of the allotted time, hold an awards banquet to honor those who met their goals. Make sure you honor everyone for their participation in some way. Then, you can either end the program, or start over with new people.

Helpful Links:

Fitness Buddy Workout Generator- create customized workout plans for you and your buddy.

Buddy Up- An informative article about the benefits of buddy exercise.

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