Sitting down to write this I realized that I belong to many “tribes” – family, friends, my workplace, Les Mills, WIFA, doTERRA, BeachBody, Zumba – and that I look to these groups daily to inspire me to be better personally and professionally.
Do YOU have a tribe? A fitness tribe? Do you struggle with being consistent with your fitness? Do you need help?
A tribe is exactly what you need because when it comes to fitness, the old adage “strength in numbers” holds very true and can be what makes or breaks results on your fitness journey.
Group activity may not be a new concept but it has certainly seen massive international up-trends over the last twenty years with rapidly rising numbers in spin cycling, aerobic and dance-based classes and the emergence of CrossFit and its tribe mentality.
Research shows that the healthy actions of others rub off on us. Studies show that people gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them and that those with weight loss goals tend to lose more weight if they spend time with their fit friends — the more time they spend together, the more weight they lose.
And whether it’s a group fitness class at the gym or a run in the park with some friends, here are five reasons why finding your tribe and working out in a group is the literal best!
5. Increase your commitment to a fitness routine
4. Get external motivation when you’re dragging
3. Push yourself harder
2. Diversify your workouts
1. Find support — and accountability — in being part of a team
This is all well and good and to be honest you probably already knew all of this but it may not be as easy as it sounds. Where do you find a tribe? Is a fitness class a tribe? Can a tribe be 2 people? Is it an online challenge group?
YES!
A fitness tribe is all of those things and more! It’s what you make of it. It can be infinitely flexible or it can be a bit more formal, with scheduled workouts, eating plans, and a tribe name. What makes it a successful fitness tribe is the following:
Shared goals
Shared values and tactics
Shared behavior
Shared support
A fitness tribe is simply two or more people who team up in any way, shape or form to engage in healthy behavior, build healthy habits, or achieve a healthy goal together.
It's not the number in your tribe that leads to more success; it's the power of the support you get from them that counts.
Sharing healthy food, fitness activities, and accomplishments with friends -- online and off, is more fun, more do-able, and more sustainable over time when you’re healthy social vs. solo.
So if you’re not already in a tribe or two, get on it sooner than later … fitness is more fun with friends!
Resources
Desire for Weight Loss, Weight-Related Social Contact, and Body Mass Outcomes; Matthew A. Andersson, Nicholas A. Christakis, May 26, 2016 https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.21512
Effects of Perceived Fitness Level of Exercise Partner on Intensity of Exertion; Thomas G. Plante et al, 2010 https://www.psychologytoday.com/sites/default/files/attachments/34033/jssarticle.pdf
Interested in a fitness/wellness consultation or have some questions about nutrition and your current fitness program? Join any of my groups online (Facebook) and/or pick up my book, How to be Fit for Life - Eight Proven Steps to Reaching Your Fitness Goals, Getting Results, and Living the Fitness Life for more help with your fitness journey. And please feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have:).