How to find your fitness tribe and stick with it
How to Find Your Fitness Community and Stay Committed
Struggling to maintain an exercise routine? Discover how to transform those good intentions into daily habits that will boost your health and happiness.
The Two Types of People
It often seems like there are two types of people: those who can’t live without their daily run or gym session, and those who rarely find time for exercise. It may appear that you’re either born to love fitness or prefer binge-watching Netflix. However, this isn’t entirely true. It’s possible to become someone who exercises regularly, even if you’ve been inactive for a long time.
The Benefits of Exercise
We all know that exercise is beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight, slowing age-related degeneration, and improving mental health. It’s never too late to start exercising, even if you’ve been sedentary your entire life.
Finding Your Tribe
Roderick Crichton, a musician and owner of Roddy’s Cakery, lost 29kg in 2021. Despite never sticking to an exercise regime for more than a couple of weeks, he has been attending F45 sessions faithfully five or six days a week since May. The supportive community at F45, which offers 45-minute circuit and high-intensity workouts, has helped him stick with exercise and enjoy it.
For Roddy, the key to success was addressing his motivations. He realized that exercise needed to be a part of a holistic approach to his well-being, including mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. The social element and feeling safe in a non-judgmental environment helped him stick to his new routine.
Overcoming Intimidation
If group exercises feel intimidating, you’re not alone. Les Mills personal trainer Claire Bellingham, with 16 years of experience, notes that those who stick to exercise often push through the initial discomfort. The most important muscle for exercise success is your brain. Exercise increases blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to your brain, helping you keep track of your goals and overcome excuses.
Claire suggests aiming low rather than high. If you think you can walk three days a week, aim for two and overachieve. The feeling of achievement can spur further exercise.
Starting Small
Cate Grace, a personal trainer from Whānau Whanake in Christchurch, specializes in helping people start exercising from scratch. She advocates for exercising little and often. Connecting exercise with something you enjoy can increase your motivation. Whether it’s walking among flowers and trees, listening to an audiobook while jogging, or catching up with a friend, find what makes exercise enjoyable for you.
Being prepared can also help overcome barriers. Have your exercise clothes ready, water bottles filled, and shoes by the bed to make it easier to get out the door.
For more tips on staying motivated, check out this resource.
