Do you exercise with a buddy or by yourself?
I'm one of those people who'd rather go for a long walk by myself. However, when we're in the office, there's a lovely park nearby and I love to walk with the editor, talking and taking in the scenes. I also like a slow walk with my family.
As to which I'd prefer? Well, I like them all. As to what is best for my health? Well, all of them have their benefits.
It's not a question most would ask, but it's an area of study that greatly interests our friends at The Universoty of Sydney.
We've buddied up with the research team from the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre Musculoskeletal Research Hub to figure out how best to manage musculoskeletal pain, stay active, and thrive.
‘The Buddy Study’ aims to not only get you moving, but also to enhance the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
We reckon it might be better for older people to exercise with a buddy rather than exercising alone.
There is a widely held belief that exercising with family or friends leads to better adherence and health outcomes compared to exercising alone, but the theory has never been tested.
The hypothesis is that older people with back pain would significantly benefit from exercising with someone, whether that be a family member, a friend or a neighbour.
For the study, researchers are seeking people over the age of 50 who have recently had treatment for low back pain.
You can choose any activity you like, and the coaches will help you set realistic goals and stay on track with your exercise.
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups:
1. The usual care group
Participants allocated to this group will continue with usual care and follow the advice given to them by their treating healthcare professional. This may or may not include exercise.
2. The health coaching group
Participants allocated to this group will receive up to 13 free coaching sessions through the NSW Get Healthy Initiative to encourage them to increase their physical activity.
3. The buddy exercise group
Participants allocated to this group will receive the same 13 free coaching sessions and will be asked to exercise with a partner or buddy once a week.
If you are interested in finding out more, please visit the Sydney University website – and tell them the YourLifeChoices team sent you! Or you can complete the pre-screening form.
Would you be interested in participating in such a trial? If not, what is holding you back? Do you exercise alone or with a 'buddy'? Which do you prefer: exercising alone, in a group or with a buddy?
Do you exercise with a buddy or by yourself?
At the moment that question seems to be governed by lockdown rules.
In my case, if that were not the case, I would prefer to exercise with a group.