The Student Recreation Center launched "Bring a Buddy Week," yesterday in an effort to help students keep their New Year's resolutions.

This week the Rec Center is encouraging students to bring a buddy to work out with to keep them motivated to follow an exercise routine.

The Rec Center has always encouraged working out with a friend, but this year they are publicizing the event, said Andi Wardinsky, coordinator for fitness at the Rec Center.

"There is an entire realm of sports psychology dealing with motivation, social support and accountability," Wardinsky said in an e-mail.

"With all the New Year's resolutions that deal with health, fitness and nutrition, it is perfect to encourage others to join you in the same endeavor," Wardinsky said.

Jody Liller, public relations and information coordinator for the Rec Center said if students bring a buddy it will keep them motivated to exercise.

"I think in time, from year to year, (bringing a buddy) will grow, especially after New Year's," Liller said.

Wardinsky said students who exercise with a friend are more likely to remain motivated about following an exercise routine because they push each other to work harder.

"Exercising with a friend provides instant accountability, and if your friend is meeting you, you are more likely to show up and challenge each other along the way," Wardinsky said.

Liller said many people make the resolution to lose weight and get in shape at the beginning of a new year, and this is an opportunity to take advantage of that.

"It's a proven fact that if you work out with someone, you're more likely to succeed and stay in that program." Liller said.

Romeel Dave, an astronomy professor, said exercise with friends helps him to push himself harder and further than he thought he could go.

"It keeps you going and makes it fun," Dave said.

Wardinsky said "Buddy Week" is being promoted more heavily this year than other years because of a discount his department is offering on the Spring 2005 Fitness Pass.

The Fitness Pass is a one-time fee, which gives members the chance to take as many of the more than 50 available classes such as yoga, step and strength and cardio kickbox classes

Students who purchased the fall 2004 Fitness Pass will be able to purchase the regularly $75 pass for $65, if they bring a "new friend" who buys their own pass for the semester. A "new friend" is a Rec Center member who did not purchase a fall 2004 Fitness Pass.

Wardinsky said the Rec Center is selling the pass because they want to offer a discount to returning members while gaining new members.

"("Bring a Buddy Week") enables someone who bought a fitness pass last semester to buy one again for less and recruit another person who did not buy it last semester," Wardinsky said.

Anyone who has a CatCard is a member of the Rec Center, but the pass must be purchased by itself to take advantage of the classes.

James Chapel, an undeclared freshman, said he needs to get in shape and is more likely to work out regularly if he brings a friend.

"I need to start getting some exercise," Chapel said. "(Bringing a friend) would keep me motivated."

Ryan Kongs, an accounting sophomore, said he believes bringing a friend helps.

"Working out with a friend is more helpful because they keep each other in line and hold each other accountable," Kongs said.