5 Ways to Get Fit With Facebook, Pinterest, and More

Five ways to use social media to get fit.

ByABC News
July 19, 2013, 5:38 PM
A woman is silhouetted against a computer screen showing the website of  the popular link-and-photo-sharing website Pinterest in this March 23, 2012 photo.
A woman is silhouetted against a computer screen showing the website of the popular link-and-photo-sharing website Pinterest in this March 23, 2012 photo.
Julian Stratenschulte/DPA via Newscom

July 23, 2013— -- intro: I have to admit, I was reluctant to join Pinterest, I'm still a newbie on Instagram and I barely understand how to use my Google+ account.

Each time a new social media platform pops up, I think, "I'm already on Facebook and Twitter how the heck will I have time for another site or app?" But then I catch a glimmer of how valuable it can be, for both my clients and myself, and I sign up!

If you haven't yet embraced the health benefits of social media, here are five reasons to tech up, and get connected.

quicklist: 1category: 5 Ways to Get Fit With Facebook, Pinterest, and Moretitle: Find tips, recipes, and healthy infourl: text: The first night I joined Pinterest I was up half the evening creating boards, uploading photos, and pinning away.

I'm a visual person, so I love the eye candy, but Pinterest is also overflowing with practical resources. I love pins like these on which fruits and veggies are in season the basics of herbs and how to cut an onion and the site is also a clearinghouse for thousands of healthy recipes, eating plans, fitness programs, and inspirational quotes.

I also find tons of amazing healthy resources through Facebook, like Greatist's 44 healthy foods under $1, and this awesome pumpkin smoothie recipe from Artisana Foods. Social media is also a great way to access experts you wouldn't have the chance to meet in person. I do a live Q&A every other Thursday on Health's Facebook page, and personally respond to each question and comment posted on my own page.

I've also participated in several Twitter chats, and I just found out about Google+ "hangouts," which I can't wait to try. Here's one, archived on YouTube, hosted by Kelly Ripa, featuring Michelle Obama and others, talking about fit families.

Popular Spring Workouts on Pinterest

quicklist: 2category: 5 Ways to Get Fit With Facebook, Pinterest, and Moretitle: Fall in love with healthy foodurl: text: We eat with our eyes as well as our stomachs, and platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have helped make healthy food mouth wateringly can't-wait-to-eat enticing.

Check out these roasted cabbage wedges, raw organic vegan Caesar salad, and frozen cherimoya fruit. Social media can introduce you to delicious ways to eat healthy foods you may not have thought about, or didn't know could be so appealing, like adding avocado to a smoothie, or stirring chia seeds into your H2O.

How to Get Flat Abs Fast

quicklist: 3category: 5 Ways to Get Fit With Facebook, Pinterest, and Moretitle: Stay healthy on the roadurl: text: One of my favorite things about social media is being able to instantly connect with people across the country and around the globe.

I split my time between New York City and Los Angeles, but when I travel to other cities, I can post a quick note on Facebook or Twitter or check Yelp to find healthy restaurant suggestions, local fitness classes, and farmer's markets. That's how I found out about some great places, like The Plant Café in San Fran and Casa De Luz in Austin. I'm also happy to share my favorites with anyone who'll be visiting the Big Apple or the City of Angels, like the amazing Union Square Greenmarket in NYC, and incredible LA hikes.

Lose Weight and Get Fit with Your Phone