The Buddy System a.k.a. Weight Watchers

As an introvert, Weight Watchers always seemed like an onerous institutionalized buddy system. But, I have quite a few friends who have lost and maintained weight successfully through the Weight Watchers program. There’s a reason it’s been around for over 40 years. It can be a great resource depending on who you are. Now with their new online version, it can work for everyone, well, almost everyone.

Ah the buddy system. It’s how my elementary school walked to swim lessons at the local YMCA every week. The buddy system can work for numerous personality types. But, Organics would benefit the most from the pressure of having a fitness buddy because their overriding life desire for harmony would mean they’d feel horrible skipping out on a workout and letting down a friend. Organic Freedoms might have a tougher time sticking to routine than Organic Structures so Organic Freedoms, pick your buddies wisely — preferably someone it would pain you to let down.

I still think Weight Watchers meetings are for all of the extroverted types out there — the basic test of extroversion or introversion isn’t about shyness but about whether you charge your battery when you’re alone or spending time with someone else/others. The one caveat is that I think Smarts — extroverted and introverted — would abhor Weight Watchers meetings. Therefore, the new online Weight Watchers is a tool for introverts of all personality stripes and then all Smarts.

Weight Watchers online is $47.90 for the first month and then $17.95/month thereafter. Weight Watchers meetings membership is $39.95 for a monthly pass, $11.41/week for 17-weeks or $13/week for pay as you go. I see Classics and Organic Structures benefiting most from the meeting packages as they’re the most likely to make it a way of life. Funs will probably try it, like it but grow bored with it — ditto for Organic Freedoms — so they’re better off with pay as you go. As for Smarts, you’ll probably pay for one month online, figure out what you need to do and then create your own brilliant plan.