Joining an online support group could help you finally achieve your goals

Joining an online support group could help you finally achieve your goals

Recent statistics suggest that the average person spends about 50 minutes per day on Facebook, Instagram and Facebook Messenger. Add to that the fact that most people spend more than five hours a day on their cell phones, and it's clear that we love our technology. While it's great to make an effort to reduce screen time in the name of health (especially before bed!), why not use the time you spend on your phone to your advantage? This is what Digital Accountability Group members do for health and fitness, and they see amazing results.

The digital accountability trend

The secret behind the growth of health and fitness-focused accountability groups on Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms seems to be how accessible they are. Everyone is encouraged to take part, regardless of their level of knowledge or fitness. On Instagram, accountability comes in the form of check-in posts. The sheer number of posts under hashtags like Tone It Up's #tiucheckin and Anna Victoria's #fbggirls shows how motivating it can be to share your workout with a larger community.

On Facebook the trend looks more like a digital self-help group. “I started the Fitness Sisters Facebook group with a few close friends and family to support and motivate me on my own health and fitness journey,” says ChaRae Smith, the group’s founder. “The group has since grown into something much larger than I ever imagined.” It now has over 3,000 members. Shape's own Facebook group #MyPersonalBest Goal Crushers, led by rockstar trainer Jen Widerstrom, now has nearly 7,000 members (join now!).

Health experts see serious benefits for these types of communities. “I conducted an optional, anonymous survey of people who read my book and followed me on social media,” says Rebecca Scrichfield, a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, author of Body Kindness, and founder of Spiral Up Club. “I asked them what they needed to help them practice body kindness and they overwhelmingly said they wanted online support.” Through their accountability group, Scritchfield is able to engage with their customers more frequently and in greater depth while allowing them to connect and encourage one another.

People dealing with health issues find comfort and inspiration in accountability groups by having the opportunity to hear from others going through similar struggles. “I started my accountability group when I hosted my first Fit with Diabetes Challenge,” says Christel Oerum, a certified personal trainer and diabetes coach. She expected to have to close the group after the challenge ended, but the members loved it so much that she decided to keep it going permanently. “The group now has over 12,000 members and is still incredibly active,” she says. “I encourage people to share both their successes and their struggles, and sometimes members share stories that bring me to tears.'”

Fitness studios are also taking advantage of the trend to get in touch with members and create a community. “We found that members stuck around after their workouts to talk to each other, and many of them ended up making friends,” says Justin Blum, CEO of Raw Fitness, a gym with six locations in Las Vegas. "We created these online chat groups to give our members a virtual space to continue these conversations. At first it was just about giving people a sense of community and a place to connect 24/7, but in the end it became one of the largest information and support systems for members to connect with each other, challenge each other and motivate each other to achieve their fitness goals."

Why online groups work

Smith attributes her group's success to its digital nature. “Women often feel vulnerable and have low self-esteem, especially in a society that places so much importance on appearance,” she says. “The accessibility of online fitness groups allows women to tackle their fitness goals from the comfort of their own home and in a way that works best for them, without feeling the pressure of others around them.”

Oerum agrees that primarily online groups come with some unique advantages. “The biggest advantage of a digital accountability group is that it is always available,” she emphasizes. "You can ask a question or ask for support and receive an answer within seconds. There is always someone online to talk to." While it definitely makes sense to consult with a trainer or nutritionist in person, it's undeniably helpful to have answers and support on-demand when you really need it.

There is also something to be said for the fact that many group members do not initially know each other. "You may not want to share all of your struggles and insecurities with Jenny from work or even your closest friends, but you can share them with the online group without being judged," says Oerum. Sometimes this becomes a recipe for lasting friendships. By organizing meet-and-greet events, Smith's group helps women with similar goals get to know one another in person. “It can be very powerful and refreshing to put a face to the name of the people who have encouraged and supported you,” she says.

Finally, the accountability part is crucial. "I think most people know what it takes to be healthy; they just sometimes have trouble actually doing it," says Oerum. "It doesn't take any special knowledge to realize that a home-cooked meal and a walk around the block is healthier than pizza and Netflix on the couch; it can just be very difficult when you get home late from work and are tired." Is that true? "If you feel this way, a hundred people in the group will tell you to get your butt in gear (in a nice and supportive way, of course) and help you celebrate your success after you do it."

How to find your group

Are you convinced you need a little digital responsibility in your life, but not sure how to get started? We'll cover you.

Join your gym's group.If your gym offers a social media group or message board-like situation, get involved. If they don't have one, ask for one! After all, "your fitness buddies aren't going to chase after you and make sure you're eating right, so having these digital groups where people can share candid moments together is crucial when it comes to achieving success," says Blum.

Create your own.Can't find a group that meets your needs? Start your own. Invite like-minded fitness friends and you'll be surprised at how quickly your community grows.

Join Shape's group.Not to toot our own horn, but if you're a woman looking for a little extra motivation and support, our Goal Crushers group might be just what you're looking for. Not convinced? Check out Widerstrom's advice on how to motivate yourself to workout even when you don't really want to for a taste of the advice she shares in the group.