6 Ideas for Developing a Supportive Workout Group

There's power in groups. You already know this at some level. But have you really considered it? When you're in a larege group, like a ball park or stadium, do you feel the energy? Smaller groups have an energy also. That's why developing a peer group or group of people you talk to at the gym, or park or school track is important. Wherever you workout, talk to people. The support you receive and the added interest and good vibes will only serve to motivate you more.

Here are some tips on group develpoment at gym, park or any workout location:

1. Make eye contact with people. Others want to talk. Eye contact invites them into your world.
2. Say "hello" and introduce yourself.
3. Ask people what routine they're doing or what they're working on today.
4. When leaving, ask them if you'll see them tomorrow.
5. Talk to people about interests other than workingout and fitness.
6. Talk to and get to know staff at your fitness location.

Becoming part of the "scene" at your fitness location will make being there (and looking good) more important to you. It will be more a part of your life. It's like the theme song to Cheers goes: "You wanna be where everybody knows your name." Wouldn't it have been nice if it were the gym that Norm walked into and everybody shouted "Norm?" Not nearly as funny, but a whole lot healthier. So do it. you'll soon find people asking about your weekend and where you were yesterday because they missed you. Getting to the gym or fitness location will be all that much easier. It will be a part of your life. And it happens more quickly than you might think.

John Hudome, DCH

"Workout and eat as if your life depended on it."