Have a Threesome, Shed Pounds!

If you’re in the market for dropping some weight, you may want to grab a pal who’s also looking to toss his spare tire.

Individuals who work out with a partner who’s also trying to lose weight tend to see more success with their weight loss compared to working out with a partner who merely intends to stay in shape, says a recent study published online in the journal Obesity.

In the study, researchers analyzed the results of more than 3,300 participants in a 12-week online weight loss competition that focused on three different divisions: weight loss, physical activity, and pedometer steps. The subjects competed in groups ranging anywhere from 5 to 11 members. The individuals who had a greater percentage of teammates whose main goal was to lose weight were more likely to shed at least 5 percent of their initial body weight, says Tricia Leahey, Ph.D., lead study author and researcher with The Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center.

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Why? Having individuals around you working towards the same health goals not only provides social support for weight control, but it may also help teammates set realistic goals and hold one another accountable for weight loss, says Leahey.

So if you’re typically hitting the weight room solo, how can you find someone to reap these fat-frying benefits with? Check out the following suggestions from Amie Hoff, fitness consultant and cofounder of www.FitKit.com.

You’re Looking For a Running Buddy—Now What?

Head to the one place all runners go: The local shoe store. Local running shops typically have groups that meet throughout the week, so if you head in and talk to the staff, they’ll most likely point you in the right direction, says Hoff. Same goes with cycling. Local bike shops usually have weekly group meetups, as well as designated meeting points where cyclists can gather for group rides, says Hoff.

You’re Looking For Someone to Lift With—Now What?

“Let the receptionist or employees who work the fitness floor know you’re looking for someone to train with,” says Hoff. “Many gyms get these requests all the time and most keep those client’s names jotted down.” Another option to try out is small group training. Numerous clubs are beginning to offer these sessions, where a personal trainer works with two to three people at the same time) to their clients, says Hoff. This way, you can be introduced to people at your gym who not only are around the same skill set as you, they’re looking for the same thing you are.

You’re Looking For a Club Sport—Now What?

If there isn’t a team offered in your sport of interest, start one up yourself and advertise it on your gym’s message board (commonly found in the lobby or online). “There’s not going be a reaction without of some sort of action on your part,” says Hoff. “So if there’s something you’re interested in doing, you have to make it known to the public that it’s out there.” So what happens if you don’t belong to a gym? Try utilizing sites such as ZogSports.com and FindAnExercisePartner.com; both of these tailor to cities across the country and allow you to search (and post) within your region.

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