The importance of a support structure: acknowledging who’s helping

I mentioned several times, in different articles, the importance of a support structure. Weight loss can be an isolating experience, especially if we are the only one, in our environment, to go through this lifestyle change.

I lost track of the amount of times I said no to social events, drinks, and so on; and every day I am afraid that my friends will just stop calling me. I have to make an extra effort to be present, when I only allow myself one cheat meal or drink per week.

This is why having a support structure is fundamental, whether it’s a social, motivational, or emotional support. You are in a battle against yourself: you can’t be fighting others at the same time.

With “fighting others” I mean fighting all those little comments telling you that you’re exaggerating, that you’re fixated, that you can allow yourself to relax from time to time, a partner that insists on cooking unhealthy food… all those that don’t understand (or respect) what an overweight person trying to lose weight is going through.

With this post, I want to acknowledge my support structure, because if it’s true that you’re the only one that can do it, ultimately we all need support. Here we go then!

• My personal trainer, Antonio Vallone: https://www.avptworkout.it/ . My life changed upside down the moment I had a training program made by a professional. Before that, I used to work out, not continuously, but never saw results. I understand now I was training with the wrong approach. Having a professional personal trainer that would listen to me, knows how to get the results I want, and sets realistic (yet ambitious) expectations, was a real game changer. It also helps with motivation: not only you have someone that makes you accountable, but with every workout you know you’re following the right path. I linked his page up there, for those of you who speak Italian!
• My flatmate, Alex. I’m gonna tell you this: living with another person following a fitness lifestyle is one of the most helpful support you can have, for a thousand reasons: boosts motivation, provides a good example, reduces the temptation of unhealthy food made by others, stimulates confrontation and discussions, helps being consistent. In this case, an extra (and very much appreciated) help is him allowing me to use his workout equipment. Muchas gracias!
• My sisters, Clelia and Cecilia. With my sisters, we all have the desire to get better, and often share progress with each other, as well as healthy tasty recipes, motivation, and a hell lot of emotional support. Thank you sisters!
• All of those friends complimenting me on the lifestyle change. Your words are more important than you think, trust me. This is a general rule I have for life in general: if you think something nice about someone, say it: you’re going to make his/her day.
• Everyone reaching me out on social media. I often post pictures or workout videos. Some might say I’m an attention junkie; in a way, posting fitness content every other day helps me with consistency, but it’s not the reason I do it. Ever since I started, I’ve had friends reaching me out, a few of them openly saying that they feel inspired when they see those videos, and asking me for advice. I remember clearly how I got interested in weightlifting after watching videos and photos of a female friend: one photo can make a lot of difference, and there isn’t anything more rewarding than inspiring someone, even one person.

Let me know what is your support structure!