Find your tribe

A common strategy is turning exercise into a social activity. Mandy Tai, a member of the Hong Kong China netball team, recognises the importance of hitting the gym to work on strength and conditioning in addition to on-court practice, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally.

“To be honest, I’m not super passionate about going to the gym,” she admits with a laugh.

However, heading into a workout with her teammates at local netball club Valley RFC helps – both with team spirit and keeping each other accountable. “I think companionship is quite important. I play a team sport, so it’s good to get into that team environment.”

Geoff Booth, who entered a relay event in Hyrox last year as part of a team of four and became the world record holder for the 70-74 age group, agrees. He believes that “when you go along with a group in the morning, there’s a great energy.

“That little bit of energy you lack on your own,” he continues, “when you work out with a group of other people, they can supply the energy – and that can stimulate you. It’s a big help if they’re a good, encouraging group of people.”

That group for him comes in the form of Discovery Bay Dad Bods (perhaps a bit of a misnomer if you’ve seen their pictures), a community of people passionate about working out.

Even for disciplines that can be practised alone, a sense of community is valuable in overcoming a lack of motivation. Master Chow Chin Ching, founder of Chen Style Tai Chi Institute and a tai chi teacher, suggests that those struggling should “gather with your sports teams, friends and family. Sometimes you need to have connection with other people rather than concentrating by yourself.”

Especially for those who feel like they’ve hit a wall in their fitness or wellness journey, practising in the vicinity of others can help. “They can give you feedback… if you’re stuck by yourself and you [aren’t] able to figure out why,” says Chow.

For some, that social encouragement doesn’t necessarily involve training together. Finding support away from exercise can be what keeps them moving forward when the going gets tough.

“My girlfriend is my rock,” professional dancer Jon Spigner says. “If I’m losing passion with work… which is rare, but it happens, I just think about her and how at least I get to see her afterwards.”