We know that mindset can play an important role in achieving our fitness goals. Research shows that if we think of ourselves as active, healthy people, we are more likely to be active and healthy. In addition, having a growth mindset can not only make us feel like we can overcome obstacles, but it can also make us believe that through hard work we can reach our goals. When it comes to our fitness routine, we can use the success of others as inspiration for our own success.
But looking to the success of others is just one way other people can play a part in helping us gain the mindset needed to achieve our fitness goals. Another way other people can be inspirational in this way is through the words of encouragement they provide. Two stories from the most recent Olympics illustrate this phenomenon in action.
Examples of Teammate Encouragement
In one story, US triathlete Morgan Pearson, who was scheduled to compete on the mixed-relay team, suffered a crisis of confidence after a disappointing finish in the individual triathlon event. Wisely, he turned to his teammates for support. He confessed his concerns and asked for encouragement. His teammates responded with positive comments about their belief in his abilities, and this helped contribute to the team achieving a silver medal.
In another story, Olympic marathoner Abdi Nageeye provided enough encouragement to his fellow competitor Bashir Abdi that the two claimed silver and bronze medals in the event. Even though they represent different countries, the pair train together. When Abdi began struggling to finish in the top three, his training partner Nageeye slowed down and began waving him on, giving Abdi the encouragement he needed to find a final surge of speed near the finish line.
How to Integrate Teamwork into a Fitness Routine
There are several ways to integrate this kind of teamwork into your own fitness routine. What follows is a list of just a few suggestions. You can choose the one that best suits your style.
1. Work with a personal trainer.
A standing appointment with a personal trainer can not only add accountability to your workout routine, but it can give you that dose of encouragement you need. If you have good chemistry with your personal trainer, you even can find yourself looking forward to heading to the gym. This means thoughts of the tough workout ahead can take a backseat. Plus, your trainer can give you words of encouragement at those moments in the workout when you feel you don’t want to go on anymore.
2. Take fitness classes.
Many gyms, along with equipment such as weights, treadmills, and stationary bikes, offer a variety of fitness classes. Zumba classes, HIIT training, barre classes, and spinning classes are all great options. Your local YMCA is another resource for these activities—and because they often have pools, they may offer classes such as water aerobics.
Once you start, you might find you enjoy the camaraderie of exercising together with others rather than exercising alone. Plus, if you become a regular, the instructor may come to recognize you and keep an eye on your performance, providing you the encouragement you need to keep going.
3. Join a club.
Many athletic shoe stores offer running clubs in local communities. You can also find a club that’s not affiliated with a store through the Road Runners Club of America. Some of these clubs offer organized running-focused workouts, while others focus more on simply providing a community to run with. Many workout clubs are focused on exercises other than running, however. Once you join, you may make a friend or two, which can provide the boost you need to keep participating weekly.
4. Participate in a league.
If you enjoy competitive sports and have integrated them into your fitness routine, consider participating in a league. While this might seem counterintuitive when you’re looking for encouragement rather than competition, participating in a league can introduce you to people with fitness goals similar to yours. If the league isn’t hypercompetitive, you can share training tips and offer suggestions for overcoming challenges. Furthermore, some sports leagues offer training seminars or webinars, and here you can find encouraging words of wisdom from others who participate in the same sport.
5. Confide in friends and family.
Much like triathlete Morgan Pearson, we can get a needed boost when we confide in others. Sometimes our friends and family members can be the people who offer us words of encouragement, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from those who are closest to you.