No matter how you feel about social media, there’s no denying its influence (especially in customer-service situations) and its power to connect.
Having said that, tweeting is not for everyone. And that’s okay. But, if you’re one of millions who communicate in 140-character bursts, or would like to get started, there are some successful fitness-related Twitter accounts to look to for examples or as springboards for ideas.
We’ll take a quick look at three. You’ll find inspiration whether you’ve created a product to sell, want to engage others in conversation, or simply want to get the word out about what you do.
@therunchat
This account is turning into a beast. @therunchat hosts a weekly hour-long question-and-answer session for runners. But runchat moderators do the asking, and participants are the ones answering the questions! It works because runners like to talk about their running…pretty much to anyone, but especially to other runners. These question-and-answer sessions spark conversation. Participants gain new followers, get good ideas, and get an outlet to talk about goals.
The sessions are on Sundays. The times alternate 8pm and 10pm Est to accommodate both east and west coast United States.
Though official sessions happen on Sunday, people use #runchat all week to talk about their workouts or training runs, ask advice, and to communicate with runners in general.
Use #runchat to join in or to follow the conversation. Actually, it’s more of a virtual party. Check it out if you’re looking to super-charge your methods of social media engagement or start your own fitness chat.
@rUnladylike
Yes. Another running account. Running might not be a focus of yours, but you can still be inspired!
First, take a gander at the handle! It conveys a full message. Of course, it’s about running. More specifically, it’s about women, or a woman running. Then there’s a hint that this is an account that gets to the nitty-gritty and sometimes downright gross things that happen to runners male and female alike. There’s nothing overtly “ladylike” about it!
The blog is full of real stories that real women runners can relate to. Things like new motherhood, running goals hit and missed, and sometimes a certain thing called runner’s bliss.
This is a good one to look to if your call-to-action is to get people to your blog or participate in giveaways and contests. Check out the blog, check out the account. And laugh out loud!
@TrainingPeaks
So, you’ve probably heard of Training Peaks. Here’s a super-simplified rundown for the uninitiated. Training Peaks is an online system that helps coaches structure training plans for clients. Clients can upload their training into a Training Peaks account. That allows the coach to see their data and make suggestions for improvement.
But check out their Twitter account. There’s a huge following, but it’s not only their products that make people want to hear from them. No one wants a 24/7 commercial on their timeline no matter how awesome the product.
@TrainingPeaks shares information pertinent to athletes and coaches. Their posts are carefully curated for their specific audience.
This is a good one to look to if you are selling a product and want to find ways to be a value-add for your followers.
If you want more, check out Training Peaks co-founders at @jfriel and @dirkfiel.
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Tanisha Rule has a BA in English and is a former Mad Dogg-certified Spinning instructor. She taught indoor cycle and boot camp and has now combined her passions as a full-time writer for the health and fitness industries, check out her site at www.ruleboutiquewritingservices.com. If she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found happily training for an endurance event, likely after having said, “This is my last one for a while,” because there is no finish line; there is only progress.
