An imaginary friend can help you achieve your fitness goals

Source: Weight loss revolutions

It is well known that exercise buddies are useful in keeping the average exerciser honest.  How?  They make us accountable to someone beyond ourselves, which can keep us from skipping out on a scheduled sweat session. Buddies can also provide us with motivation, which many exercisers complain they lack.  They can cheer us on, push us to perform at our best, pick us up, and boost our mood when we need it most.

But what if you can’t find a buddy with a similar schedule or mindset?  According to a study from Michigan State University, a virtual fitness buddy may be a good option.  Researchers found that people who worked with virtual partners were motivated to exercise harder.  Participants in the study were asked to hold exercise positions like the plank with and without their “friend.”  When working out with their virtual partners they held their positions 24% longer.

I guess peer pressure is just as strong in the virtual world as it is in the real world.  You may want to check it out.