The importance of family support in your fitness goals is a large contributing factor to why some people are more successful in reaching their goals than others.  Not to discount will power, determination, and grit, but support of family and friends provides emotional support and accountability.  My family alone has shown me countless times how much they support my fitness and health goals from my mother or mother-in-law babysitting to my husband rearranging his work schedule to be home in time for me to leave for training.  My friends and coworkers are equally supportive in cheering me along when I need the encouragement.  Like I have said before “it really does take a village”.

Today was an amazing day.  While today was my rest day from training and a day to spend with my family.  When I chose my trainer, I didn’t realize that I was getting an amazing gym family.   My trainer has two types of services, one is semi-private training sessions and the second is a higher paced station activity class.    Most days I train semi-privately and hit the group class on Saturday mornings.  During semi-private sessions, I could workout with just my trainer or several people.  It all depends on everyone’s schedules for that day.

In the past, I would go to a commercial gym and jump on the elliptical for 45 minutes and lift some pulley weights not talking to anyone or really knowing what I was doing.  However, with my trainer, I am making friendships with the people that I workout with and the result is a gym family that helps encourage you to push through when you have nothing left in the tank.

This is where I get back to my awesome day.  Today, my trainer and his family threw a cookout for all of us, families included.  This meant that my family and my gym family finally got to meet and hang out.  My husband got to meet my trainer, the baby didn’t cry, food was delicious, and the baby had a blast toddling about.

Overall, it was a win!! Today, represented to me the values that my trainer has built for his business.  His clients are not just a client, but a friend with a family that can enjoy fellowship together.  After all, all work and no play can get a little dull.

I encourage everyone to know what your values are and find a trainer that embodies those values.  Hopefully an emphasis on family is one of those values.  After all, what started my journey in the first place?  To be a healthy, active mom and wife.

If you are looking for active ways to get involved with your family, here are some great outdoor games that can be fun with just your family or take to a cookout to share.

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Have a wonderful weekend and try to spend a little time with the ones you love.