Do you remember the time when you and your friends planned to jog the long stretch at the beach at the break of dawn the following day? Didn't you take special care to sleep early the night before, set your alarm clock an hour early so you can prepare beforehand? Can you remember the excitement and anticipation you felt of that prospective get together? You didn't really think of it as an exercise regimen although you and your buddies seriously jogged that stretch, enjoying great conversation as you burned your calories. It was more of a gathering of friends than a workout session. Such is the power of pairing or grouping up.

In our desire to lose those extra pounds, we are initially so gung-ho into the program that everything must stop the moment the workout begins. We are so eager until the time comes when the routines become boring and obligatory. When we have no one but ourselves to be accountable to, our commitment eventually wanes. Sooner or later, we find ourselves stopping our exercise sessions for days at a time until we abandon it completely. It is in these occasions when having a weight loss buddy is important. A partner who can support you in your weight loss regimen, preferably someone who is also on the same journey as you, who seeks the kind of emotional support and accountability that you are also looking for would make a good weight loss buddy. Getting a partner who will make you stick to your goals, who can be brutally frank and honest about the effort you are putting into the regimen can be the missing link behind your weight loss success. This person, whether a family member, friend or even an online buddy, is your support system who makes you accountable for every action you take that pertains to your weight loss regimen.

The right weight loss buddy for you is someone who is able to give you "tough love." He or she points out what you are doing wrong and tell that to you straight. You need someone who will tell to get moving during those days when you just feel too lazy to get out of bed. Yet, this form of tough love also extends to understanding why you weren't able to make it to an exercise session (e.g. the baby sitter did not arrive and you had to babysit your child) and work with you to find a solution the next time it happens. Your diet partner must also be available anytime you need him or her. If you have an online weight loss partner, then you've got to set upon an agreed time to chat and keep abreast with each other's progress in your goals everyday. If you have a real-life buddy and you plan to set aside time every morning for your workouts, then make sure that you are both available at the times set. Finally, your partner must be willing to listen to your concerns and give that much needed encouragement to boost your morale when losing weight becomes a challenge.

Pair up to win the war against excess weight! Buddy up!