BEEP! BEEP! Agh, the lovely buzz of the dreaded alarm clock once again stirring you from your slumber at 5:30am for a morning run. You hit snooze a couple of times, and the third time you just turn it off altogether. At the time this seemed like a fabulous idea, but while you sit in your cubicle two hours later you kick yourself and once again mutter "Why didn't I just get up?!".

Same scenario, but a great and easy fix to make sure you hop out if bed and into your workout clothes: Your buddy Sue and Harry are meeting you for your run, and you would not dare stand them up, right?

There are so many reasons why getting a workout buddy is a great idea:

• You catch up with your buddies on a regular basis, while doing something healthy.
• Having a pal workout with you will keep you distracted from the exercise (well, hopefully not TOO distracted so that you have bad form) and the time will seem to just fly by.
• You and your buddy can provide motivation to push through that last mile or repetition when you might have just given up if alone. This might add a bit of healthy competition to your exercise. A kind of "I am not giving up, so you aren't either!" type of mentality.
• The buddy system might make you much more accountable than if you were flying solo. If you know they will be waiting for you on that cold morning and would be annoyed and/or worried if they didn't see you, it will surely guilt you into making it there! Trust me, you won't regret it when you are done, and you won't be kicking yourself at your cubicle later that day.
• If you are paying for your exercise such as with Personal Training, having a buddy is a great way to make the training more affordable. We have several clients at So.Be.Fit. that split up the cost while being with their pal, and they wouldn't have it any other way. After all, Misery loves Company (but of course, I don't think it is at all miserable)!

However, there are also situations in which having buddy is actually not a great idea:

• Choose your partner wisely. If you or your friend is a lot slower or weaker than each other or less motivated, try to pick someone closer to your ability as your workout will sacrifice, or you could be injured or discouraged if you try to overdo it. Meet them for coffee afterward!
• If the accountability factor doesn't rank high on their list and you are being stood up or they are always running late, it may be time to find a different partner, since it will cut into your precious workout time.
• Attitude is crucial. If your buddy seems to bring you down mentally during the workout, this is a red flag. As, I always say, the positive mental reward is one of the best aspects to a good workout and should never be put on the back burner.

One problem many seem to have is not having a partner to begin with. There are several ways around this. Here are some current groups in the Indianapolis area that are open to new members:

Running/Walking Clubs

• Indy Runners: www.indyrunners.org
• IUPUI Running Club: www.iupui.edu/~runclub
• Running Company: www.erunningcompany.com
• Athletic Annex: www.athleticannex.com

Biking Groups

• Central Indiana Bicycling Association: www.cibaride.org

Swimming Club

• IUPUI Natatorium: www.iuat.iupui.edu

Several gyms/personal training studios have their own clubs and groups, so be sure to inquire if you are interested in joining in!

Let me end by saying that your buddy doesn't have to be another person. Dogs make great running/walking companions. Your i-Pod might be what you consider your partner along the way. Possibly my favorite buddy is the beloved memories of loved ones who have passed away that keep me distracted to get through another mile.