The past couple of months have been difficult along this personal weight loss and fitness journey. Between dealing with pain during training, completing a half-marathon and turning 30 during a bout of the post-race blues, at times it has felt like a losing battle.
What has been the difference in turning that losing battle into a winning one? Support.
Right now, I can honestly say that my support network (part of which is YOU) stopped me from having a downward spiral that could have resulted in gaining back much of the weight I’ve lost. This blog has over 52 posts that specifically mention the power of support from friends, family, blog readers, and yes, even my sports bras. My definition of “support” has changed over time.
My current definition of support encompasses three areas: emotional, environmental and physical.
Emotional Support: The cheerleaders in your life: family, friends and even acquaintances who know your goals, can recognize struggles and celebrate successes throughout your journey. Everybody doesn’t have to encompass all of these. For many, we have distinct people who are always positive and put a cheerful spin on things. Then, we have those who are the “realists” who know how to keep you in check without hurting your feelings. These personalities serve their own purposes, but weave together to build a strong tapestry that will give you all the support you need.
Environmental Support: This aspect of support goes beyond people and extends into places. This could mean your home is a junk-food-free zone, or you keep the office refrigerator or your desk drawer stocked with healthy snacks. It could also mean going to a gym that you’re not intimidated in, or working out with other people so you have some company to pass the time. A supportive environment helps minimize the risks of slip-ups in your moments of weakness.
Physical Support: I once thought of physical support as the basic wrappings of what I needed to get the job done. With increased physical activity, however, I’ve come to be very picky about my physical support. At the gym I feel lost without my heart rate monitor telling me how my body is responding. While training for the half-marathon, I had physical pain until I found the proper shoes and specific insoles that would give the support I needed. For all of my exercise, I’ve become completely dependent on my ENELL SPORT bras to keep me well supported, bounce-free, and without back pain. It’s hard enough to run, jump, stairclimb and lift weights without worrying about which direction certain parts of your body are moving! Armed with the proper physical support, my body is more able to do the things I’m pushing it to, all while minimizing discomfort and embarrassment.
I want to know what support means to YOU. Do you agree with my 3 factors? Have any others you would add? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Stay tuned for next week’s follow-up post on support as well as a giveaway!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by ENELL, maker of performance apparel for well-endowed women. Follow ENELL on Facebook, Twitter, or their blog. While ENELL is my Fitbloggin’ sponsor, all gushy outpourings of love I give to their products is solely a representation of my own opinions. I endorse Blog With Integrity.