I have to say, I have a real LOVE/HATE relationship with the app called TimeHop. It's been a constant reminder of bittersweet memories... and this week I was reminded of why support means so much.
I’ve been struggling with a lot more than just my weight or my motivation in the gym for the last two years, and this last one (like you read last week) was a DOOZIE.
If I can’t write it out here, what is the purpose of this blog? What is the purpose of having this forum of expression and ability to share things with people who might be feeling lost/scared or any of the similar emotions I am?
“It’s not you, it’s me.”
Blue is not (traditionally) my color. It wasn't last year and it's not supposed to be this year, but here we are. There have been so many factors that have led to my decreasing motivation for the gym and eating properly, and this has cast a light on how important a positive support system is. Not only do they remind you who you are when you’ve forgotten, they most DEFINITELY remind you of why moving forward can be daunting, but with one step at a time, it’s possible. I've lost so many people this year, those who I thought were genuine friends, but turned out to be wolves that ended up turning on me at the last second... including the one I held most dear. That does something to a person.
“I just need to work on myself right now.”
That's what this whole thing is about - working on yourself, making yourself the best version to move with positivity and growth in this life. Oh man, how after-school special do I sound right now?
I think the single most influential aspect of health and fitness is having people that are for you just as much as you are for them. If you don't have people that cheer you on, you might lose the will or the fighting drive after some time. Lord knows I had a few moments where I wondered why I was even here - I considered ending it. But then that means other people win. NOTHING is worth that. I have no shame and way too much pride for that.
I call it having an "accountabili-buddy"
I have been dabbling in this blogging world for just shy of two years now, and I've learned a few things. I've been networking and trying to promote this little project of mine, and have gained a couple special connections with fellow bloggers. I was interviewed by Evoke STRONG last week on her facebook live feed, and I've begun developing a meal plan to offer to you lovelies! I'll be rolling that out shortly...
"I need someone who challenges me"
But another check mark is that I'll be working again with a personal trainer to keep me accountable. He's young and spry, and when I first met him, I asked: "Can you kick my ass?". He assured me that indeed he could, as well as loved the fact that I wasn't shy with heavy lifting. It's a good deal his responsibility that I've been getting back into the swing of things. It's made me re-evaluate why I've slowed, as well as helped me earn another chip of self-respect.
I miss my gym-buddy!
Doctors and fitness minded individuals alike state that teammates or coaches, or simply friends who say 'good job!' are pivotal to the success of your journey. I know, I know - everyone calls this a journey (I've seen that word so many times, I think it's starting to look misspelled)! But it's true! I read a quote from an article that reminded me of a time when I was my most motivated self, and it was all the power of having a gym buddy!
“In my 10 years of experience evaluating what creates long-term health-and-fitness success, the single most important factor is having a support system,” says Wayne Andersen, MD. Exercise partners provide a powerful combination of support, accountability, motivation and, in some cases, healthy competition. “They can play the role of teammate, co-coach, and cheerleader — all while working out,” says Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D." - Strength in Numbers: The Importance of Fitness Buddies
So wait - WHY DOES IT WORK?
Habit Reliability
Exercise habits of people you know have a positive influence on your exercise habits. IF they have the same habits or similar goals to your own. If your accountabili-buddy is at a radically different level of health, fitness or ability, you could be held back, pushed too hard or - worst case - injured. “Having a reliable workout buddy increases your chances of sticking with your program,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, Ph.D. Pushing yourself beyond your perceived mental ability is tough if you're alone in the gym, and it's also difficult to increase your weight without a spotter to keep you progressing.
Emotional benefits
Kara Thom, co-author of Hot (Sweaty) Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom, says that “during a workout, more than our pores open up. We find ourselves connecting with our workout buddies more intimately than we might if we were just meeting over coffee. Workout partners not only get us through a challenging workout but can help us through life challenges as well.”
So...
The more people you have actively engaged in supporting your fitness efforts, the more likely you all are to enjoy the process as well as the results.
No-friggin-wonder I've been lagging lately (aside from poor choices in diet slowing me down)! I have been recuperating and mending all of my pieces together and have had a serious bat with who I am, discovering what I'm willing and not willing to tolerate in all of my interpersonal relationships, and that takes a toll on your motivation.
