Accountability from Social Media

As we know, social media has many uses. This semester I have learned about the social media used a network and community. Prior to my instructor defining a phenomenon I was experiencing, I had no idea social media communities existed. But as it turns out, I have been a part of one through my gym.

I am a member of an international boutique gym, OrangeTheory. I have been a member of the gym for about 5 years and subsequently following them on Facebook for about as long. It took me longer to accept friend requests from the coaches and fellow gym goers, but over time I have become Facebook friends with many of the members in my usual classes. Occasionally the friendship has extended beyond the gym.

I have enjoyed the community of the local gym Facebook following. They are supportive in members' health practices, encourage participation in corporate challenges, and keep the motivation high for attending class.

At the beginning of the year, the company holds a Transformation Challenge. The challenge is an 8 week motivational program to help members loose weight and transform their health. This year I decided to participate. I went in to the challenge not expecting to win or loose weight, but to to learn healthier habits. To keep it interesting the gym splits the participating members into two teams, Orange and Black (company colors). Each week, the teams compete in different challenges. Team points don't matter for the overall challenge, but you do earn bragging rights. And who doesn't like to gloat in good fun?!?

Each team is assigned coaches to provide rule guidance, motivation, inspiration, healthy habits, tips for success, and accountability. The coaches created a Facebook group to notify team members of weekly challenges and other information. One of the first posts was for each team member to introduce themselves and share why they were participating in the challenge. This activity set the stage for building a community within in community. I remember being hesitant to share my reason but did. Throughout the challenge knowing there were other's who knew my reason for being there kept me motivated. In the team group, people kept each other accountable for showing up and encouraged participation in the weekly team challenges. By the end, my team won. I think our Facebook group and the members in it had a lot to do with the success of the team and me individually. I ended up loosing some weight and even placed in the top 5 of my team's mid-point leaderboard. Knowing what I know now, social media and an online community played a huge part in the success of each of us.