Social Support is that tool and it works. Period. Social support is the physical and emotional comfort given to us by our family, friends, co-workers and others. It is knowing that we are part of a community of people who love and care for us, and value and think well of us.(Thanks Wikipedia!)

Weight loss and getting into shape is  more about behaviors and habits than you realize. To get you to the workout when you don’t want to go. To get you to say no to the drive through when it calls your name. Requires willpower and more. Because willpower only goes so far.

You’ve got to have support. And the more the better.

Recent research showed that social support helps for two huge reasons.

More success more weight loss overall. Researchers at Indiana University discovered after a 2 year research project comparing Weight Watchers support groups and self-help method. Not just did the Support group stick with their program at a higher rate they also  lost more weight overall, compared to the DIY group.

Grab a friend! Bring a friend! The evidence suggests that the more support a person receives, the better the weight-loss results. In a seperate study that looked at what happened when friends joined together in a group weight-loss program, both weight loss and maintenance of the loss was better than that achieved by people who participated in the program on their own.(So now you know when I encourage you to bring your friends I’m looking out for your best interests!)

Frequency matters! The second thing the Indiana study showed was that the more often a person attended a support meeting. The greater the amount of weight that was lost by the that person. That’s what I call the Buy-in. When a new client gets excited and actively engaged with me and other clients and programs. That means they’ve “bought into” the program and their success is only a matter of time.

So what’s the bottom line?

Get into a program that get’s you around like minded people. And no joining your local Globo-Gym is not going to do it.  You can think of that as being alone in a crowd. Small-Group Training like my Accelerator Personal Training Program fits the bill. Or use Weight Watchers as a template for how your program should look. Lot’s of unconditional non-judgemental support.

And get a friend, family member, or co-worker to do it with you. It really helps to have someone in the office or at home helping you as well as you supporting them.

Because in the end. We’re all in this together.

Dedicated to Your Success,

Dave

P.s. One more way to get the support you need. Friend me on Facebook! And become a Facebook Fan of The Body firm Personal Training and Fitness Boot Camps.