Emotional SUpport

I received a lot of feedback from last week's description of Progressive Overload. My clients said things like, "This is exactly why I have you. I don't want to have to think about all that."


I get that. I've always loved being coached. It's especially helpful in fitness. Put me in an hour weightlifting class and tell me what to do -I'll do it. Tell me I am doing a good job - I'll work even harder.


But put me alone in the spare room or basement with a set of weights, and I'm a mess. Checking my phone, petting the dogs, cleaning things that haven't been cleaned in ages. Anything to get out of working out alone.


Here's why. Women tend to be more socially motivated in fitness settings. Group classes, walking buddies, and personal trainers provide accountability and emotional support.


I felt validated when I read that. It's not something that's wrong with me that I'm supposed to suck up and overcome. Ahh...deep breath in, right? It's normal for most of us.


We have had a ton of rain here in Arizona lately thanks to two big tropical storms from the coast. I saw a quick break in the weather yesterday and you should have seen me jump up, fill my hydration pack, and put my hiking boots on. This was never something I had to force myself to do alone. I love it and am pulled to it. I love hiking with others also, but I've not had to strive to go solo.


Do you have those things? It could be the garden that calls to you, or a walk at a metro park or with your dog. They are awesome.


Lifting is a little tougher. I feel much more pulled to lift in community, probably due to the emotional support mentioned. So how do we create connection and community for our lifting adventures?


Here are just a few ideas. Let me know what yours are.


🗸 Find a class! Silver Sneakers is free at many locations. My gym in Mesa has all the BodyPump and BodyBalance classes I want for $21.99.


🗸 Hire a personal trainer! This is such an awesome community of two, I cannot tell you. The accountability and emotional support are exceptional.


🗸 Try LYBU. You get three new recordings each week by me! It is a different type of connection, but it still works. I get emails every week from subscribers simply letting me know they did the upper body workout or loved the core workout recording.


Whatever it is you decide to do, please remember that it is completely normal for us to need accountability and emotional support to lift consistently. What an amazing combination. We get to build muscle, strengthen our core, improve posture and balance all while being encouraged and loved.


That’s how we make fitness a joyful, lasting part of life—where everyone feels safe, supported, and truly seen.