Fitness Tips: Building a support system

by David Garred,
Club Manager Dusit Resort Sports Club.

Greetings to all on the Eastern Seaboard and welcome back to Fitness Corner.
So, you are seriously considering making a change to your body. Your lifestyle as a result will need to change. Now this isn’t easy to do so how can you make the transition easier?
A common trait among individuals who make successful lifestyle changes is that they have a strong network of friends, family members or colleagues that they can rely upon. While it is not necessary to have lots of people on your team, it is essential that your supporters accept you and your actions unconditionally.
This kind of connectedness with others can help you be healthier in two ways. Scientists have discovered that most risk factors deciding longevity decrease with individuals who have stable and supportive spouses, friends and co-workers.
In the small town of Roseto, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., researchers were astounded to learn that there was a very low incidence of heart disease among the residents even in the presence of a moderately high fat diet. After all the other causes were ruled out, the “health serum” turned out to be the close family ties of this traditional Italian community. As the families have drifted apart over time, the incidence of heart disease has gone up.
The second way a support system is helpful is that it consistently reinforces the fact that you don’t have to go through this transition alone. Knowing there are people in your life with whom you can share frustrations, discoveries and triumphs, may help you to relieve the enormous burden of figuring everything out by yourself. The obvious place to start is with your family, although this may sometimes be the hardest group to communicate your needs to. These same people can and will be directly affected by the changes you are making.
When you are first considering lifestyle changes, discuss your reasons and goals with your family. They may be surprised at how even small changes in the way you eat and exercise are increasing your energy and making you feel more powerful. They are less likely to be threatened if they understand your motivation. Reassure them that you are still the same person but you are working toward being healthier and more active.
Finding a partner to share in your process of change can help a great deal. Whether you workout and eat together regularly or just meet once a week to discuss your triumphs and tribulations, the moral support will certainly buoy your spirit.
Many businesses promote company sponsored exercise programmes. From on site gyms and exercise classes to discounts at a nearby health spa, companies are finding creative ways to keep their employees fit. If your company does not offer a wellness programme, discuss the idea with your co-workers and your personnel representative. With enough enthusiasm for the idea, you could well find yourself with time and place to exercise as well as a built in support system that may or may not cost you money.
You may find help closer to home. Why not organise a neighbourhood walking group, or a babysitting co-op where you swap workout time for child care time?
Depending on your personal situation, creating a support network may be relatively easy or fairly challenging. It may well require you to move outside of your immediate circle of family and friends, but don’t let that stop you. You’ll appreciate the strength that you gather from others along the way.
People who can make successful changes also have one other trait in common: They work on building their self-esteem as a part of their process of change. Without a strong sense of self, help from others has little impact.
If you find that first step a little hard to take all you need do is to ask for a little help from a loved one, a friend, someone who shares the same desire for change or your local professional.
Go out and get it done, you can do it. Seize the day.

Fitness Tips