Weight Loss and Workout Motivation

Reasons You're Destined for Weight Loss Success

Whether you're the wisecracker or geek with no shame, uncover the slim-down secret hiding in your most prominent—or quirky—personality trait
By Hollis Templeton fitbie
 

The Team Player

From a Facebook message to a group fitness class, social support can help you stick to an exercise regime, according to a growing body of research.

Eight percent of college students who participated in aerobic fitness classes 4 times per week reported that the group environment motivated them to continue exercising, found University of Arizona researchers.

“I’m a collaborator, so working out with people is my key motivator,” Core says. “I get to have shared goals—and shared accountability.”

And accountability is the cornerstone of weight loss success, says David Grotto, RD, LDN, author of 101 Optimal Life Foods. “In person or online, your buddies can help you stay on track—by posting to Facebook, tweeting about your success, or posing questions to other dieters.”

Even a quick, encouraging phone call can do wonders. Of 218 participants in a Stanford University study, some individuals received telephone calls from researchers who cheered them on and asked for a report of physical activity level every 3 weeks.

After 12 months, those who received phone calls were exercising an average of 178 minutes per week, a 78 percent jump from the beginning of the study. Those who received no contact were dedicating only 118 minutes a week to fitness, a 28 percent increase from the study’s start.

“Team up with a friend and challenge one another to lose weight,” suggests Colette Baron-Reid, author of The Map: Finding the Magic and Meaning in the Story of Your Life and creator of the seminar Weight Loss for People Who Feel Too Much. “Have shared goals—and enjoy shared rewards, like a pedicure, together.”

And don’t forget that a little healthy competition never hurt anyone. “The energy should be more ‘let’s play’ than ‘someone against someone',” Baron-Reid says. “You can compete alone, against a goal. Then when you meet a goal, give yourself a reward.”

Find out what top trainers do to stay fit 365 days a year.

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