21 Aug Make a Positive Impact In Your Friend’s Life with Group Personal Training
Bill Gates once said, “Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important.” Even though I’m not going to talk to you about the newest tech products, I think this quote applies to many aspects of life – including fitness. Whether you’re a parent, a sibling, a teacher, or a friend, you’re a teacher for those around you.
We have many tools to help better our lives, besides just fun little gadgets. One of the places that houses many tools to better our lives is the gym. It sometimes may seem like work using these tools compared to your smart phone, but exercise boosts levels of positive brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In short… exercise makes you feel just as good as chocolate when performed properly. However, these weights, benches, and bars are simply the tools that unlock the door towards a happier, healthier you – like Bill Gates was implying, you’re going to discover more of this happiness when you have a teacher holding that door for you and guiding you.
You’re always going to learn more and gain more from an actual person than just walking into a gym without a game plan. One of the problems that many people face though is not having that motivational push to better their life. In the current world we live in, social media is a huge tool that helps people connect with others. We give heart icons or thumbs-up to statuses and write birthday wishes or loving messages on our friends’ and family members’ wall. But these motivational messages and symbols on social media can only go so far to having a positive impact in their life.
REACHING OUT
You may not even realize it, but your friend or family member might be sending you big messages in their subtle comments. It’s great to be that friend that takes them out to eat or for drinks, but it’s also important to be that friend to be there for them when they aren’t mentally or physically healthy. There might be a void in your friend’s life, and he or she might not feel comfortable talking about it or even know how to express it. But you know something is off. If you find them complaining about their appearance or constantly being self-deprecating, there’s a chance that these are just the tip of the iceberg – perhaps there’s a bigger issue at hand.
If you are happy and have discovered something that works for your mental and physical health, wouldn’t you want others to experience that as well? This isn’t bragging or trying to convert people into a weird cult, but it’s a way for you provide an answer to a question that they may be afraid to ask. The first step is to always reach out; ask questions; make them aware of your concerns; most importantly, let them talk while you listen. The best teachers listen first and then offer help.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO FEEL GOOD
One way that helps many people feel better about themselves is being active. The “post-workout high” or “runner’s high” is an actual thing. This isn’t something that is made up by people like me to get you into the gym. It’s science! Endorphins are proven to make you feel good! These natural painkillers are similar in structure to morphine and activate opioid receptors in your brain to reduce pain. While endorphins may get all the credit for your post-run buzz, there’s actually a lot more going on behind the scenes.
So while exercise may increase blood levels of endorphins and makes your body feel good, it’s what goes on in your brain that really makes you feel good. Endorphins trigger things in the brain but they aren’t actually doing the major work. What does increase in your brain following exercise is a neurotransmitter called anandamide, sometimes known as the bliss compound. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter and endocannabinoid produced in your brain that temporarily blocks feelings of pain and depression. It should come as no surprise that anandamide is also found in chocolate. Shocking, right? No wonder dark chocolate makes us feel so good!
LEARN FROM YOUR TEACHERS
So if exercise is proven to make you feel mentally and physically better, being around others who are wanting that same feeling increases those positive vibes all the more. Group personal training classes are a great way to experience the benefits of exercise while having the support of a knowledgeable teacher on your side. Our Group Personal Training program is our most popular program and is great for people of a experience levels.
Not only do our trainers help you with exercise, they provide nutrition coaching as well! They’re trained to know more than just fitness. They will come up with meal plans and diet tips to ensure you’re the healthiest person you can possibly be. Every single suggestion we give is backed by research and a profound understanding of nutrition.
GIVE THEM YOUR SUPPORT
Working out with a friend might be just what your friend needs. Mental and physical health is vital to everyone’s happiness, and letting them know that you care and are there to help might be the initial push they need to hear. Strong social support is important for those who are down on themselves or dealing with depression. Joining a group exercise class and offering your hand as their exercise partner may be beneficial. In doing so, the emotional comfort through your support will pair perfectly with the physical benefits they will gain from our team of trainers.
Click here to learn more about our program!
