Exercise is often viewed as a self-centered pursuit or a luxury instead of a necessity. Interestingly, it is not only the non-exerciser who has this point of view but rather a shared feeling by many athletes and regular exercisers.

We are all familiar with why we are supposed to exercise; to maintain or lose weight, lower blood pressure, decrease risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes, etc. However, prior to any serious health problems, that is rarely the main motivator for regular exercise. Unfortunately for many, we can’t manage our health online, but fortunately even if we could there would still not be the non-physical positive outcomes of fitness that make it all the more worthwhile. So what is the true motivator that keeps people coming back? Simple, the enjoyment and sometimes the inspiration from others.

Recently, I have been inspired by observing several dedicated runners I know transition from focusing on their individual training to offer their abilities to help others with physical challenges participate in events.

A lot of people are familiar with Team Hoyt; the non-running father who started to run in order to push his wheelchair confined son in a 5-mile race. The rest is legend as they have gone on to compete in hundreds of events and inspire thousands along the way.

My recent inspiration has come from a new local non-profit called Athletes in Tandem (AiT) that has similar goals to Team Hoyt. AiT offers inspiration to those with physical challenges to embrace fitness, pursue an active lifestyle, and participate in community events. The significant difference here is that the founder of AiT did not create the non-profit to help his own child but rather a complete stranger.

AiT started as an unexpected partnership 2 years ago with a boy named Zachary who was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy 11 days after birth. Now 18 years old he competes in running races and triathlons with AiT. In addition to Zachary there are now 5 kids involved and 15-20 local runners and professionals.

The results can be seen on many levels. Parents are inspired to think about their own fitness as they watch their children enjoy the rush of finishing a race. The non-challenged athletes paired with challenged athletes are motivated to run for the benefit of another and have found more satisfaction in their otherwise individual pursuit. Finally and ultimately, as the founder of AiT, Dennis Vanderheiden has started the process of building a fabric of “connectivity through diversity” in our local community.

Most compelling for me have been the words of Zachary’s mom in regard to his participation in AiT. “Besides the fact that Zachary has more ribbons and trophies than the rest of our family combined, he has been invited to participate in the very ordinary moments of life. In the end, it just might be that the most ordinary moments when people come together, are the moments that make all the difference.”

So, if achieving optimal health and preventing disease is not a motivator to keep you regularly active, then pursue an inspiration that reaches beyond yourself to get started and keep you going. Similarly, for those that already dedicate several hours a week to fitness, you may find resolve from the egocentric view of exercise and get more enjoyment in the process.

More information on Athletes in Tandem