#TWEETYOURWAYFIT
A new study finds that the social media site is more than just a place to kill time.
By: Cassie Shortsleeve, Q by Equinox
Going it alone is never easy. But if your workout partner bailed last minute, here’s a new one for you: Twitter. A 140-character tweet can be a powerful tool to overcome your biggest challenges, according to new research from the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health. The proof: In the study, tweeting helped people hit weight loss goals. In fact, every 10 tweets led to a 0.5 percent drop in weight.
Considering the importance of support and accountability, the social media hub can help with more than just weight loss. Use the Twitterverse the right way and you’ll find motivation to shave those few seconds off of your time, meet like-minded friends, clean up your diet, or give your workout the revamp it needs. The catch: It’s not just the act of sending a message into cyberspace that’s going to lead to results – it’s what you’re tweeting about (and who you’re tweeting to) that matters.
Considering the thousands of hashtags, users, and groups on Twitter ranging from fitness to food to politics to celebrity culture and beyond, we thought it would be helpful to narrow it down a tad. It goes without saying that following @equinox is a great place to start. Here, four others to fire up post-workout. #enjoy
Related: Is Data Helping or Hurting Your Workout?
@FitFluential
#FitFluential
Described as the perfect combination of fitness and influence, the more than 100 million people that this group reaches each month include yogis, weekend warriors, body builders, and health food enthusiasts alike. Follow for variations on everyday workouts, recipes that will lighten up your favorite foods, and to track your progress.
@therunchat
#RunChat
If you spend most of your time pounding the pavement or logging miles on the treadmill, you’ll connect with other runners in a matter of seconds. Discuss the latest industry trends (from what shoes everyone is buzzing about to the newest way to refuel), and get tips about training, races, and everything in between. Use the hashtag from 8 to 9 p.m. EST on the second and fourth Sunday of the month for a Q&A about everything running.
Related: The Best Fitness Apps
@greatist
#ImaGreatist
Break your workout out of a rut with one simple hashtag? That’s @greatist’s goal. But it’s not just about your workout – it’s about a healthy way of life, and the group encourages you to ask yourself: What better choice did I make today? Use the hashtag and familiarize yourself with an array of tools, workouts, and recipes that will take your fitness, health, and happiness to the next level.
@fitblogchats
#FitBlog
Every Tuesday at 9 p.m. fitness gurus moderate a conversation on changing topics in the world of health and fitness—from how to rebound from breaking your diet to breaking through a fitness plateau. Use the hashtag then to tune into the chat, or throughout the week for new workouts, inspiration, or post-workout snacks.
Related: The Fitness Tech of 2014
