Fitness: Finding Support to Stay Active

Maybe this is a story you already know. You commit to getting more active, and you make a plan. It's an important change in your life. You're motivated, and you get off to a great start.

But after the early days of success, things start getting in the way. For all kinds of reasons, you find you're not being the active person you want to be.

You know how to get started. You know what works for you. The big question is, what do you need to help keep up your momentum?

For a lot of people, support from others is a key to success. Staying active is so much easier when you're doing something you like to do with people you like to be around.

Support means connection

Support is a connection with someone that helps you in some way. It might even benefit both of you.

Support for staying active might mean having an exercise buddy or a class you go to regularly. For parents, it might include care for their children while they exercise. Some people find a trainer. Some people use social media or apps to connect with others and stay on track.

"I never miss my walk when I've invited a friend to come along. The social time is as good for me as the exercise, and makes it a lot more fun." —Jenn

"I found a phone app that's been a game-changer for me. I started using it to record what I do, but what really helps me is checking in with other people who like to work out like I do. And when I need a boost, I use this app to compete with others. It gets me to push myself a little harder." —Taylor

"My life is super busy with work and family. For years, I tried to fit exercise into my schedule. But I almost never could find time. Finally, I asked my husband to help me. He came up with a great idea and he was happy to be part of the solution. He gets the kids ready for school, and I head straight to the gym. It's good for all of us, because I'm a lot more fun to be around when I've had some active time." —Amanda

What support means for you

When your goal is staying active, only you can know what kind of support suits you best. But still, this kind of thing can take some thought.

To focus in on what your needs are, think about how a "human connection" could help you. Then think about how you can build that support into your life.

My ideas about support

What are some ways having support could make it easier or more fun for me to stay active?







What kind of support would be most helpful to me? (For example, it might be joining a class, finding an app, or asking a friend.)







Who could I ask to help me be more active?