What does your support network look like?

The support of others is a powerful thing. We explore the health benefits of surrounding yourself with a team that will help you care for your wellbeing.

One of these studies (which included 136 participants) found that exercising with someone else actually makes us feel calmer (and so reduces our stress levels), compared to exercising alone.

It also found that participants also felt more tired as a result – suggesting that working out with others increases the amount of physical exercise we do too, giving us a solid workout.

But teamwork doesn’t just mean finding a running partner. The support network you surround yourself with is crucial for staying fit and healthy. This means the people you work out with, but also the people you surround yourself with – for support, encouragement and inspiration. The people that provide you with these tools are crucial members of your team.

In practical terms, what does that team look like? Well, without a doubt, it can include your running partner, but it can also include your family (who are proud of the two kilometre run you did on the weekend), your fitness instructor (who will push you and your body to new limits), your nutritionist (who will introduce you to new methods of nurturing your body), or your best mate (who knows her kale from her spirulina, and makes a mean turmeric smoothie).

A personal trainer can be an invaluable support when it comes to achieving your fitness goals, but it’s important to invest your time wisely. Choose and instructor who has a long-term focus (and not just a ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality).

A recent study conducted for Les Mills, carried out by Perth’s Curtin University, found that choosing a trainer skilled in motivational communication is as important as choosing one with the right qualifications. Open, positive and relatable communication from an instructor can mean the difference between sticking with it and sticking it.

Working with a dietician helps you to understand how to fuel your body to work at full capacity. They can provide guidance and advice for meal preparation. Each person has individual dietary needs, and so a dietician can help you map out the best kinds of foods for your body.

Make sure that your chosen dietician or nutritionist is accredited and governed either by the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) or the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA).

Often an overlooked aspect, but the people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on the way we live our lives. Choose to surround yourself with people on the same wavelength as you – those who are interested in fitness or have a passion for looking after their bodies.

Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances. The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.