Tools such as YouTube and Facebook help build relationships, spread new information, and keep people entertained, but they are not tools people immediately think of when trying to improve cardiovascular health or achieve a healthy weight. Social media, however, can be a great resource for improving one's health.

It makes sense - an incredible amount of tools, information and support are available online. Using social media for health does not require exercising while blogging, just smart techniques and dedication. Here are a few suggestions for utilizing social media for healthier living:

Step 1. Use social media to stick to goals

When talking about healthy living, the toughest part is always consistency. It's difficult to get in the gym every week or to avoid plates of fries. Use social media to stick to a goal and, if possible, to announce it to friends.

Write a blog post, send out tweets, or make a Facebook group about a health goal, whether it be lowering blood pressure or building new muscle. This is not only a good way to be reminded of the goal, but also a way for people to provide feedback, support, and encouragement. Using Google Calendar, RememberTheMilk, or another reminder service will also help reinforce the goal.

Step 2. Research healthy habits and techniques







This is probably the most overlooked aspect of healthy living. Many people assume that lots of running, lifting, and salad eating will bring the body into shape, but bad techniques and misconceptions can derail any health campaign. Once a goal is set, research what it will take to really achieve it. Researching proper techniques is also essential to avoiding injury.

For example, YouTube brings a visual component to understanding proper exercise techniques and has thousands of clips from health experts. Videos exist for everything from the proper deadlift technique to nutrition tips for weight loss. YouTube is just one of many social information networks that houses this type of information.

Finally, when researching with blogs, videos, and social networks, be sure to look up multiple sources. No one source of information is ever perfect, so reduce the risk of bad information.

Step 3. Utilize social groups for support

Support groups are used by many for a reason - they work. The sharing of experiences and struggles can help when motivation is lacking. Nobody has to get healthy on his or her own, especially when so many others have the same goals.

Connect with friends using a Google Group or find new friends on a health social network such as Gyminee, Gimme20, or Twit2Fit to compare and discuss results.

Step 4. Track progress







Keep up-to-date numbers to understand the progress that has been made and what remains to be done. Social networking applications such as Virtual Weight Loss, health networks like FitDay, and iPhone apps like My Weight Loss Coach are great ways to track progress.

For an even simpler tracking method, use Twitter updates with a hashtag (i.e. #weightloss and #twit2fit). It is another way to garner support while keeping a daily or weekly report of progress.

Step 5. Help others achieve better health

After doing all of that research and putting in so much hard work for a healthier life, it's almost criminal not to share that insight with others. Social media is the perfect platform for sharing tips about what exercises or routines made an impact.

Some ideas:

Share useful articles: Share any good advice or articles on social networks such as FriendFeed or services such as Google Reader. Record motivational videos: Physically show a before and after so others can see it's possible. Blog every step of the way: This can be an inspiration to those who may be starting out and need a confidence boost.

Healthy living can be a shared experience

Social media is about connections and information, while healthy living is about consistency and knowledge. Combined, social media can bring a lot of useful information and support to people looking to turn their lives around or for those who just want to be a little more conscious about what they eat. Social media is great for health because it provides many innovative ways to stay motivated and well-informed.

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