Confession: some of my favorite humans in the world are people I met through social media. The community I’ve built online has introduced me to people I never would have found otherwise. Back in the day, I might have been embarrassed to admit that, for fear that I’d been seen as a loser or something. But these days, as much as the internet can be a toxic timesuck, it also has its perks.

In the middle of a global pandemic, the internet is one of the only real options that many of us have for social connections.

For those of us who were active before the world shut down, we had gyms that we went to. Favorite classes and instructors, and maybe even a personal trainer we saw once or twice a week? Even if you live in a place where things are starting to open up again, you might be hesitant to go back in-person. I, for one, don’t need to go a studio for a yoga class right now. I’d rather work out at home than at a gym (thought I’d never say that) if it means I don’t have to wear a mask while lifting. Side note: I’m not anti-mask, it just feels easier without and safer to stay home if I can.

Plus my kettlebells are nicer than the gym ones. 😉

And even though I currently get to teach my in-person dance classes again, I miss partnering, giving my students hands-on corrections (with consent), and hugging a co-worker who is having a rough day. I miss going out for tacos after a small group training session or celebratory drinks after a dance performance. Shit. I just miss going out period.

I realize this might not be the case for everyone.

Especially when it comes to the gym. I’ve been fortunate to have had a relatively positive experience making friends through fitness endeavors. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that have a lot of privilege in regard to how I show up in a fitness space–I’m white, straight, cisgender, young-ish, and relatively thin. Nobody has ever made me feel unwelcome or judged in a gym space. In any case. . .

We are missing out on human connection a LOT right now.

And I think we’re also missing out on how valuable that is to our health and well-being. How much that piece can keep us showing up for our workouts and help us to feel fulfilled in other ways too. The good news is, whether or not you’ve ever been able to find a fitness community you love in person, there are so many more options to find your people and build relationships online. Here’s why you might wanna consider seeking that out right about now.

Social health is highly underrated.

Many times when we talk about taking care of our health we’re referring to the physical. Things like exercising and eating well usually come to mind. But there are other areas of health to explore, and social health is absolutely one of them. Having healthy relationships and positive interactions with others can drastically improve your well-being, decrease your stress levels, and make you happier too!

It can be validating to know you’re not alone.

When you’re struggling with something, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one. Especially when it comes to things like your relationship with exercise, your motivation to work out, feelings of self-doubt, etc. Having a supportive community can help connect you with other people who have been through similar things and feel the same way you do.

We can learn a lot from the lived experiences of others.

Coaching is great. But sometimes we can learn just as much from each other. I’m always pointing out the fact that my clients are wise AF. Sometimes it’s just hard to apply your own great advice to yourself. It’s much easier to learn from a peer who has been through a similar experience. Even better to be in the sort of environment that encourages diversity and acceptance, so that you can learn to empathize with those who have a different lived experience than you do.

It’s important to know you are cared for as a whole human.

To be able to look forward to seeing or talking to someone who you can talk to about your day. To have a space where you can vent about your racist aunt or getting fat-shamed at the doctor. Or to have people that are gonna get excited to learn that you PR’d your overhead press or got a promotion at work. Knowing that you are cared for can have a huge positive influence on your health and happiness.

Sometimes you need someone else to call you on your bullshit and to see the good in you.

This can come in the form of a coach or your community. We’re always quick to notice how amazing others are doing, but less likely not notice it in ourselves. Same thing when it comes to the things that are getting in our way. Or when we’re getting in our own way. Having a solid community and building relationships along your fitness journey can keep you grounded in your goals and help lift you up when you need it.

So how do you find a community it the middle of a global pandemic?

The truth of the matter is, sometimes “your people” don’t exist in your real life.

I remember when I first started learning about body positivity, Health At Every Size, and the anti-diet movement. I felt really confused about how I was supposed to do this whole fitness thing. It felt like I was the only person I worked with who hated before/after photos and group fitness instructors who talked about earning food. Turns out, there were a whole bunch of people in other states and countries who felt the same way I did! The internet helped connect me to an online community of likeminded people. It also led me to meeting some of my best friends.

Sometimes the right coach for you does not exist locally.

It blows my mind that I am apparently one of the only weight inclusive personal trainers in the entire Chicago area. Aside from my friend Christina (who I met thanks to the internet), we don’t really exist. Either that or the others just aren’t advertising themselves well. In any case, just because you can’t find a trainer or fitness facility that makes you feel welcome, included, and acknowledges your individual needs and goals in your town, doesn’t mean that you can’t find one to work with online!

If you’ve been struggling to enjoy your workouts, or even just figure out what that looks like for you right now, community and relationships might just be the two missing pieces!

Wanna get better at push-ups? Whether you’re trying to get your first one without using your knees, training to beat the entire patriarchy in a push-up contest, or just create better memories around push-ups than 5th grade gym class gave you, this program will help get you there.