“If you never challenge yourself, if you never step into the fire, then you will never know who you are and what you are capable of.”
When this sentence popped up on my Facebook feed with a link to the website for a 5K adventure race called the Rugged Maniac, it was all the motivation I needed to sign up. The website described the race as an event ‘designed for those who need to push back their boundaries to truly understand who they are, and for those who want to celebrate their achievements,’ revealing images of mud-soaked participants who braved last year’s nearly impossible course. From what I could gather, it was going to be an extreme physical challenge that would involve tires, fires, and barbed wires. Plus the additional mud bath looked a little more extensive than the one I paid $100 for at the spa last year.
There was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity. With its website practically begging me to register so I could defy all preconceived notions about my own physical abilities, the Rugged Maniac race offered me a chance to be among an elite few who could complete a task so physically exhausting (at least this is what I thought before I realized that there were 2,000 participants…. maybe not so elite, after all).
Taking a military-style beat-down may not be for everyone, but for me, seeing status updates about friends who were training for half-marathons and becoming certified yogis made me want to be a part of some sort of fitness community, challenging myself in a way that I hadn’t before.
No matter what your health and fitness goals are and regardless of your level, the Internet is making it easier than ever to be a part of a fitness community ― offering a wide variety of tools to help you live an active and healthy lifestyle. Websites such as Runner’s World categorize races by location, so you can effortlessly sort through all the races in your area and decide which one is right for you. If you’ve never trained, all it takes is a simple Google search to join a running group. If running isn’t your thing, start your own walking group with friends, find ballroom dancing instructors, or even take classes at a pole-dancing-for-fitness studio (I’m serious). Can’t find the time? Most gyms are posting monthly class schedules online to allow you to easily work your favorite kickboxing class into your busy calendar in advance.
It’s not just fitness, either. Weight-loss companies such as Weight Watchers have joined the online community in a huge way. Now, you can customize your own weight loss plan that you follow step-by-step completely online ― without having to commit to weekly meetings. Weight loss and nutrition forums offer support and tips from people who have the same goals as you do, giving you that extra motivation you might need in order to succeed. Even if you’re not looking to lose weight, there are an infinite number of websites that offer healthier alternatives to your favorite dinners and countless healthy-living blogs that can help you think of new, creative ways to spice up your meals without adding calories. Not in front of a computer? Not to worry ― popular recipe websites such as Epicurious and Eating Well offer mobile apps, so you can look up ingredients on-the-go.
Your options are truly limitless, and living a healthier, more active lifestyle is easier than ever. My challenge to you is to push your own boundaries just a little bit. Whether it’s taking the yoga class you never thought you were flexible enough to take or training for your first triathlon, there are many online resources that will help you get there. I bet you’re capable of more than you think.
