Last Updated on June 7, 2016 by Michael Brockbank
Social media can be more useful than a place to chat with friends or play browser-based games. It can be used as a method to engage others and inspire yourself to be better than you are. I know quite a few people who don’t want to share workout routines with others on sites like Facebook and Twitter. They’re often afraid of being ridiculed. I’ve found that it’s the exact opposite most of the time.
What You Get When You Share Workout Routines
All of my exercise apps and accounts are all set to public. My fitness struggle is an open book for those willing to read. It is my hopes that I can help someone achieve a healthier lifestyle by offering what I have done in the process. There is a great deal of good that can come from sharing your routines with others. Here are a few that have affected me as of late.
Community Support
When you share workout routines on sites like Facebook and Twitter, you’re announcing to the world that you’ve decided to take control of your health. You might be amazed by how many people will cheer you on. I get likes and comments all the time from friends and family who are encouraging me to continue. It’s also nice to sign up for groups and forums as strangers can be just as influential to your health as family. It helps you solidify a community presence while demonstrating what you’re capable of as an individual.
Ego Boosts
An ego boost isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as it doesn’t turn into a conceited frame of mind. Everyone likes to feel good about themselves, and a social presence could be something that helps you strive to continue. I don’t have a lot of followers on any social accounts. However, those on Facebook are the ones that give those boosts of encouragement when I share workout routines. You get into that mindset that you don’t want to let anyone down, or perhaps you want more positive attention through your struggle to get fit.
Knowing You May Help Someone
One of the biggest reasons why I share workout routines on social media is to help someone who is in a similar situation as myself. I am big on sharing information freely. If just one person finds value in my site, then I feel I have done my part in the world. I’ll even share my failures in the hopes that someone avoids the same mistakes. Since social media allows me to reach quite a few people, I will continue to share as much as I can with those who need the assistance.
Bragging Rights
No one likes a bragger, but sometimes it can be beneficial to a person’s self-esteem to be able to show off what they have accomplished. This kind of goes along with an ego boost as a similar problem could arise: conceit. You don’t want to approach sharing with an attitude like, “I’m better than you.” Instead, share workout routines with more of a “Look what I can do” attitude. Be proud of your accomplishments and share your fitness status no matter how small it is. Remember, any victory is still a victory.
I Am An Open Book
I have nothing to hide. I am fairly open when it comes to my level of fitness and my capabilities. I’m not some ripped body builder. In fact, it’s just the opposite. However, I am determined to get into the best health of my entire life. If I can go from obese to superhero status, then I want others to see what I have done and how they can do it as well.
Sharing Exercises
All of the exercise apps I use are set to share on any social media they support. Although the sharing aspect doesn’t always work on a few of them, I still like the idea of being able to update my status with just a flick of my finger. For example, Runkeeper connects to Facebook and Twitter. As soon as I am done with a walk or bike ride, I just hit “Save Activity” and ta-da, the workout is posted on social media instantly. Unfortunately, not all of my favorite apps have such sharing methods. If you want to get the ball rolling for social engagement, find apps that work for you and turn on sharing. Don’t be afraid of trolls giving you a hard time about not being able to complete a certain distance. You’re better than they are because you’re at least taking steps to improve yourself – they never will.
Foods
I don’t subscribe to any special diet plans. I am more guided by proper portion control and healthy additions. For example, here is how a typical day usually goes for me:
- Cream of Wheat
- Progresso soup
- String cheese snack or perhaps a cupcake
- Dinner varies greatly
- More snacking
Yes, I tend to snack quite a bit. I track everything I eat and try to keep my calories and carbs in the green according to MyFitnessPal. I share this information to help prove my point that you can still lose weight and be healthy even without fad, mainstream diet plans. While it does take a great deal of control, it allows me to lose weight while still enjoying the foods I like. When I share this information, you can see how I eat and determine your own plan for dieting.
Keeping Me Honest with Myself
Perhaps the most influential purpose behind sharing workout routines is to keep myself honest. When I share all of this information, people are watching. It keeps me focused because I want to demonstrate that I know what I am talking about. If I try to skip out on recording a meal because it was too high in calories, then others can see that gap and know that I am full of crap. Which is why I try to share everything regarding myself and fitness.
Social media is a way to keep everyone connected. While it can be addicting at times and most of what appears on your home screen is probably cat memes you’re tired of seeing, it can still offer inspiration from others. Joining groups and forums for the purpose of health may be an excellent use of your time. You don’t have to work on healthy living by yourself. If there is one truth to social media is that it’s incredibly easy to make new friends. Connect with others and share workout routines that help you as they might be able to help others.