Originally published on curiousmindmagazine.com.
Trying something new can be very exciting but very challenging at the same time. This is especially true of achieving fitness goals, where it can be hard not just to begin a new routine but also maintain the motivation to continue doing so, according to fitness expert Eugene Pallisco.
Building a solid support network can make a world of difference, as other people can help motivate and inspire you while holding you accountable at the same time. Today, there are so many different avenues to build a fitness community, whether it be in person or online.
Here are some ways that you can build a fitness support network and the impact these communities are able to have on individual success.
Group Classes
Going to a gym can feel very daunting. You walk in and are instantly smacked in the face with a variety of fitness options — cardio equipment, weights, and so much more.
In addition, there’s plenty of action going on around you, and everyone seems to know exactly what they’re doing. All of this can seem overwhelming and intimidating — two emotions that typically work as “de-motivators” rather than motivators.
If this feeling sounds familiar, try joining a group class. These classes are typically set aside in a separate area of the gym or in a studio room. And while it’s likely you will encounter other members who seem like “fitness pros,” you’re also likely to experience a supportive environment.
Others in the class can help teach you, show you the ropes and motivate you by complimenting on the work you’ve put in and sharing excitement for the next time they’ll see you.
Fitness Challenges
You don’t have to go to a gym to engage in fitness or be motivated. You can get that same motivation and “push” by starting a fitness challenge with people you already feel comfortable with.
Create a group of friends, family members, co-workers, or other members of a group you belong to, and set a common goal that everyone works to achieve.
Maybe you’ll organize bi-weekly meet-ups with co-workers where everyone gets together and works their way up to walking three miles. Maybe you’ll create a healthy eating program with your family, where each member gets a turn to plan — and possibly prepare — a healthy meal each night.
Maybe you’ll hold a weight-loss contest with close friends and award a prize for who’s able to lose the highest percentage of their body weight.
These fitness challenges bring people together to achieve a common goal and inherently motivate everyone to work hard and stay committed.
Online Forums
Want to try a new aspect of fitness you’ve never tried before but don’t know where to get started? Online forums are great for gathering knowledge and understanding how to get started and what it’s like.
For instance, you can join an online forum about mountain biking, hiking, yoga, jogging, CrossFit, and just about anything else you can imagine. These online forums are great for gaining basic knowledge about specific fitness routines—such as what it takes, how it feels, what gear you might need, etc.
They’re also great for engaging with others — on an anonymous basis, if you wish — to ask questions you might not want to ask people you know.
Social Media Groups
Eugene Pallisco also suggests searching for and joining social media groups that are dedicated to fitness. While social media gets a bad rap for the negative things that happen on the platforms, there’s a lot of good that can come out of it, too.
Many people on social media are searching for exactly what you want — people who can educate them about fitness, talk about fitness, and support them as they go on their journey.
While you may need to try out a few groups before you find the best fit for you, social media can be an amazing resource for building a fitness community.
About Eugene Pallisco
Fitness expert and licensed trainer Eugene Pallisco works in Dallas, Texas. Since he began working with motivational fitness mentors in high school, Eugene has devoted a significant amount of time to sculpting and molding his training philosophy, which is centered on improving others. Before starting his private training firm in the fitness industry, he gained more expertise by working one-on-one with gym patrons after beginning as a group fitness teacher.