Weight loss can feel like an impossibly lonely journey, which is one of many reasons having an accountable teammate is valuable. If you have been going through your weight loss journey alone, or if you are just starting, it might be time to consider teaming up with a partner to support you every step of the way. Even though everyone’s body works differently, it doesn’t mean a weight loss partner has nothing to offer. In this article, we will go over what a weight loss partner is, why it’s important, and the benefits of losing weight together.
What is a weight loss partner?
A weight loss partner is someone who will join you on your weight loss journey and provide you with motivation, accountability, and support. They may be working toward similar weight loss goals or even trying to maintain their current weight with healthy habits. Partners or a couple losing weight together are more likely to stay on track and meet their goals. When choosing a partner, consider the following important aspects to have in common: being dedicated to your goals, having a positive attitude, and commitment to using encouraging methods of keeping yourselves and each other accountable.
Importance of losing weight together
Whether you’ve previously lost weight with others or done it alone consider the added bonuses of having a partner-in-crime.
Here are some important reasons to pair up with a partner for your weight loss journey:
1. They will help keep you accountable and motivated to stay on track.
2. A weight loss partner can provide you with the support and encouragement you need to reach your goals.
3. You can share your strengths! Each of you might have access to different knowledge of resources the other person doesn’t, like a gym at your apartment complex or their favorite low-calorie recipes.
4. Partners provides you with someone to lean on during tough times, after all, we are humans, designed to do life together!
5. Someone to celebrate with when you reach your milestones.
Be sure to brainstorm what tools will be most helpful for each of you so you know what resources you have available and how you can best support each other.
Benefits of Losing Weight with a Partner
While losing weight on its own comes with many benefits, doing so with a partner makes it even more special! Social support during your weight goals can make the difference between success and failure. Having a dedicated weight loss partner can ensure you are have the additional support you need. Here are some of our favorite benefits of losing weight together.
Motivational Support
Weight loss partners provide a wealth of motivation. Knowing someone is there to support you through your journey can be just the push you need to keep going. You’ll find greater motivation and encouragement with a partner. Workouts become easier, and you’ll have a better time staying focused.
Accountability
Losing weight together as a couple can also help to keep you accountable for continuing desired behaviors and reaching your weekly and monthly milestones. In the same way, knowing someone else is relying on you to hold them accountable can be extremely motivating! Think about those early morning wake-up calls when you want to hit the snooze button, but you know your partner is meeting you at the gym, you’ll stick to your routine more.
Healthy Competition
Having a weight loss partner can also help to add a healthy competitive element to your journey. This can push you to reach your goals faster and can be a great way to stay motivated. Apps like DietBet add another layer of competition to your weight loss goals.
Tips for Success
While general rules like eating your five servings of fruits and vegetables are a great place to start, there are more things you and your weight loss partner can do to set yourselves up for success. Here are a few top ways you can make some major headway toward your goals.
Set Clear Goals
When it comes to losing weight, setting clear goals is essential. Work with your weight loss partner to set clear and achievable goals. This allows you to always have something to work towards. It may also be helpful to consult with your doctors independently to ensure your goals are safe, realistic, and healthy based on your starting point.
Choose healthy and sustainable goals and make sure to set both short-term and long-term goals. This way you always have something coming up on the horizon. Nothing but easy goals mean you won’t feel challenged and may get bored but setting only long-term goals can be disheartening. A great short-term goal might be to increase your steps per day or to lose 2 lbs in your first month. A long-term goal might be more focused on where you want to be 6 months or a year from now.
Create a Schedule
Partner workouts are also part of the fun. Be sure to work with your partner to create a schedule that works for both of you and stick to it. Beyond working out together, some other ideas to schedules together can include meal prepping and checking in every day at a certain time.
Creating a schedule helps you set and maintain your attainable goals. Scheduling these activities together can help create an environment of accountability and support.
Track Progress
Tracking your progress can be a great way to stay motivated and on track. Work with your weight loss partner to track your progress and celebrate your successes. This can help you stay motivated and keep you from falling off the wagon. Some people like to use smartwatches, such as a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, to track their activity levels. You can also choose other platforms to track food intake and other important health behaviors during your weight loss journey. If you and your partner both like those tools, consider connecting with each other via the apps to cheer each other on.
The Best Partner Workouts to Try
An important part of losing weight is finding ways to be physically active and have fun doing it. Here are some awesome ways to work out that are fun to do with a partner!
Yoga
Try practicing poses together. Having another person on hand to assist with balance and posture is a supportive way to get fit together. You can experiment with different settings and poses, as well as guided yoga sessions. You can also spot each other as you try out more daring poses like headstands to ensure safety. If the weather is mild where you are, doing this outside can make it extra fun. Be sure to have a quality yoga mat!
Rock climbing
For the more adventurous out there, rock climbing is a great couple’s sport. You get a good dose of outdoor air and some great calorie burning. Plus, a little healthy competition to see who makes it to the top first might be just what you need to keep your workouts interesting.
Dancing
From Zumba at your local gym to salsa classes at the nearby recreation center, there are endless styles of dance that each come with their own benefits! Be sure to find a style of dance that is fun for both of you. This increases the odds you will both stick to it as you work toward your weight loss goals.
Cardio
Cardio isn’t just a solo exercise. You and your partner can take turns leading the session. Have one person set the pace and dole out encouragement while the other follows behind. Then switch! Cardio has a reputation for being somewhat boring and a large motivation drain. Turning it into a partner workout is the perfect way to make sure you don’t miss out on this important, heart-healthy exercise.
Walking
While it may not be the most intense workout, going for walks together is a great way to get quality time with your weight loss partner while taking active steps toward your goals. From listening to a podcast together or chatting about your day, a quick walk around the block or up and down the street can add a valuable exercise boost to your day.
GNC is here to help you reach your goals
Having a weight loss partner can be a great way to stay motivated and reach your weight loss goals. In the same way a friend or family member can support you throughout this journey, GNC is here to help you get all the tools and support you need to live your healthiest lifestyle. Are you looking for more resources? Check out our line of products for weight management for things to support you in your journey of healthy lifestyle changes. You can also read more on with our weight management articles.
