I had the privilege of attending a summit for fitness professionals. There were over 3000 fitness professionals exercising in the streets of LAPeople of all shapes and sizes, amazing weight loss stories, and those just getting started, all in one accord doing their part to end the trend of obesity in America.
As I looked around, it dawned on me that all these people were success stories and a potential source of hope to someone else wanting to change their life. It didnt matter if they had lost 1 pound or 100 pounds, or maybe they have not lost any weight but for the first time in their life they are excited to wake up each day to be a part of a cause bigger than themselves . That hope and momentum was created by plugging into a supporting community, by being part of a tribe, a pack, a crew of people all rowing in the same direction. And it dawned on me, if this group is responsible for so much success, then it is obvious what the number one enemy to people trying to lose weight and live healthy lives is … ISOLATION.
I know when I was 100 pounds heavier, and growing up as an overweight kid there were many times where I felt isolated. Even though I had friends and constantly tried to be the social guy that surrounded myself with people, down in the pit of my stomach I still felt lonely. Like I was the imposter outsider in a world of fit and pretty people. I knew down deep I did not belong, I was different, and I would do anything to have life come as easily to me as it appeared to come for others.
It's not like I had not tried to lose weight many times throughout high school and college. Does this scenario sound familiar: Start a new exercise program or diet telling yourself this is going to be the time it works. You hit the ground running excited for the new life you have chosen for yourself. The first 2 days go well, you start to believe you have turned the corner only to fall off the wagon on day 3! Maybe it was donut day at the office or you had to stay up late and just extra sleep over your morning workout. Whatever the reason, you've lost momentum; you beat yourself up and think 'what's the use- it's just too hard!' And because you were going at it alone, there was not anyone there to tell you different, so what did you do – you gave up.
Let's go back to that crowd of 3000 working out together in the streets of LA Do you think that at one point in their fitness journey they had a bad day, fell off the wagon, wanted to give up? You bet they did! But the difference is they surrounded them with a support force field.
By deciding to join a supportive fitness community you can insulate yourself against 90% of the reasons most people fail in their quest to live healthier lives. In a supportive community you can have access to:
- Others going through the same struggle you are
- People who have already walked their road and are there to help
- The ability to reach out and help others getting started, keeping them motivated to set a good example
Support is one of the four pillars of success. Find a supportive fitness community willing to help you achieve your health and fitness goals.
Discover the other three poles of success and read about the real results from real people who joined a supportive fitness community .