The Company You Keep Influences Your Health

You may have noticed that you have similar tendencies to the people you're around the most, such as family members, close friends, and co-workers. Studies have shown that this is an actual phenomenon, called social modeling, which is the tendency to mimic the actions of those around us. So how does this relate to health and weight management? To put it simply, if you are surrounded by individuals who exercise often and eat nutritious foods, you are more likely to take on those behaviors, which in turn has positive effects on your weight and health status. The same is true for the opposite. Unhealthy peers --> unhealthy you --> weight gain and poor health.

Studies have shown that social support is a key factor in behavior change and maintenance. If you've tried to adjust your lifestyle in the past, you may have noticed that your success (or lack there of) was dependent on the influencers around you. Ever tried to stick to a daily workout routine, only to be convinced by friends to go out for drinks instead? It can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle if those around you don’t hold the same health values. Fortunately, there are several ways you can surround yourself with people who can help you achieve and maintain your fitness goals.

Connect on social media. Social media is a great way to find like-minded individuals who have similar objectives as you. You can find inspiration on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Connect with health and fitness experts or find friends who can help motivate you via tweets, posts, and photos. Thanks to technology, you don’t have to live close to someone to get support and share experiences. For starters, connect with Snap Fitness on Facebook to get tips and encouragement!

Find a workout buddy. It can be a friend, an acquaintance, or even a co-worker. Scheduling time to hit the gym with a partner helps with motivation and adherence. Social interaction and positive reinforcement are factors that strongly contribute to starting and maintaining a fitness regimen.

Be the change! It may seem that the environment around you is sabotaging your efforts, and that may be true, so ask yourself if there is something you can do to incite change not only in yourself but those around you. For example, if your work environment is a big culprit, consider making little changes such as bringing in fruits and vegetables instead of cakes and cookies, encouraging co-workers to take the stairs with you rather than ride in the elevator, and even moving the candy jar to a less visible spot. Remember, peers have a significant impact on each other, so if you can influence others to make healthier choices, they in turn will influence you.

Social support is invaluable when it comes to behavior change and maintenance. Whether for better or for worse the company we keep plays a role in our health. Are the people in your life making it easier or harder for you to achieve the lifestyle you desire? If you can’t find support from friends or relatives, consider stopping by your local fitness center and connecting with a personal trainer or club member who can help keep you on track!

Source

http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/how-friends-influence-weight