If you’ve ever wondered why groups like Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers gather, it’s not some secret science or magic they encourage behind closed doors that generates results for their members. Users of these groups find success because they are at least indirectly affected by the peer pressure of other group members to get healthy and lose weight. Of course, these groups also foster motivation and encouragement between others, which also contributes to members’ success.
Social media can also be used for similar health and wellness endeavors, and inspire you by stories from other people with similar experience or just by peer pressure from a like-minded group. For those who are working on their fitness, whether to lose weight or achieve a healthier lifestyle, apps like Nike+ and Fitocracy have a Web-based component that can motivate other users to stay on goal with stories of activity and a competitive component that can act as indirect peer pressure to achieve similar stats, goals, or success.
Additionally, several support groups exist via blogs, forums, and user groups on social networks like Facebook, which anyone can join for moral support. Facebook is especially useful for joining support groups, as you can search for the topic of your interest — such as weight loss or depression — and choose Groups from the left sidebar to find other Facebook users who are looking for like-minded people to discuss related issues, find moral support, or be inspired by others’ stories. Blogs and forums, especially those inspired by health and fitness experts such as Tim Ferriss, can also be useful for not only reading stories by others experiencing similar health and wellness challenges, but can offer a sense of indirect peer pressure.
How have you used social media to join others to get inspired and motivated? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments.
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