The Company You Keep

Are your friends couch potatoes? Is their idea of a good workout schedule an hour at the gym--every six weeks or so? If your goal is to be fit for life, I have some advice for you: Find some new friends! Not that you have to drop the old ones, just make room for some people in your life who will keep you motivated, challenged and focused on your fitness goals.

The company you keep is extremely important in meeting your goals. We can't all be completely self-motivated; something (life, perhaps?) will always come along to derail our efforts. But if you have friends who like to run, play tennis, bike, hike, do yoga--take your pick--you'll be more likely to try those things and challenge yourself. I never would have done my first race if a good friend hadn't asked me to join her on her annual "birthday" 5K. And I doubt I would have taken the leap and run a half marathon without another friend telling me she was taking it on.

The point is to introduce people into your life who will give you a leg up to a higher level of commitment to fitness. This will keep you from getting bored and giving up--rather, it will spur you on. If you don't have friends who can serve this purpose, join a team or fitness group filled with people who are just a little bit faster, stronger, or "better" than you at a sport or activity. Don't forget about your old friends, but keep your eye on the prize and you'll keep moving forward.