Get Fit & Build Valuable Relationships! It’s Win-Win!
Trying new things is hard! Most of us are set in our ways and don’t venture outside of our regular routine very often. And while trying out a new gym or taking a group fitness class can be a challenge, it also has a lot of benefits. One of those benefits is the chance to develop new social connections. The right gym with the right atmosphere will not only help you reach your fitness goals, but it will also help you build a sense of community.
When it comes to making a real lifestyle change as it relates to fitness, it’s important to be a part of a community-oriented gym like FITNESS PROJECT® that is a fun, social atmosphere where everyone is striving for the same goals!
Another benefit of joining a local community-based gym, like FITNESS PROJECT is that it will help you get and stay in shape since you have the option of experiencing a variety of new workouts regularly and consistently to keep switching things up and bettering yourself.
FITNESS PROJECT maintains a culture of community, because we believe relationships enhance and extend our life.
Have you ever had one of those days where the last thing you want to do is work out? Maybe you’re tired, you’re stressed about work, or you have a lot of things going on at home.
We often try to talk ourselves out of exercising, internally justifying the decision, and even negotiating with ourselves in some way to skip it for the day.
Now think about having that same situation arise but know that a friend is expecting you to join them or a group of friends is planning a CYCLE class showdown. In the back of your mind, you might be complaining, but you’ll pull yourself together and go crush that workout because you don’t want to let them down.
Before you know it you feel a rush of endorphins in that CYCLE class, a smile spreads across your face, and you leave feeling energized and appreciative of the encouragement that got you there. That is one of the many reasons why having a supportive community around you is important and can help you accomplish your goals!
Fostering a supportive community around you is vital for a healthy, happy (and fit) life!
Here are 7 benefits of having a strong fitness community:
1. You’ll Build Strength in Numbers
Remember peer pressure? While you may not experience it much (or ever) after high school, the same concept is at play when you work out with a group. The healthy actions of others rub off on you. Studies show that working out with others increases your time and energy spent exercising, compared to those who exercise alone. Watching others can inspire you to work harder and keep going when you want to quit. Having a workout partner can motivate you to show up and having a full group that you work out with in a studio or group fitness class can help you push yourself and take your fitness to the next level!
2. Support You & Give You a Sense of Belonging
We’ve all had times in our lives when things aren’t going the way we want them to. Sometimes we need our fitness community to show us that we’re not alone in the challenge we’re facing and to remind us that we have a supportive group of people who may be experiencing the same journey we’re on. As an adult, it can be hard to find a place where you belong. Working out with a friend or group promotes a feeling of “we’re all in this together.” When you’re losing steam during a workout, others can help encourage you to power through. Challenging yourself and trying new exercises with others creates a sense of camaraderie and accountability.
3. Hold You Accountable
Everyone needs someone to hold them accountable every now and then. Whether it means not skipping out on those last couple of reps at the gym, choosing the healthier option when out to eat with friends, pushing through a tough workout when you feel like you have nothing left in the tank, or just showing up, your community is there to push you past your own limitations. It’s important to surround yourself with people that are going to bring the best out in you, and push you to make positive choices in your life, a good fitness community will do just that!
4. Build Motivation
Finding motivation on a regular occasion can be a tough task, especially when working out alone. It’s inevitable that some days will be harder than others. Have you ever got home and planned to go for a run or got dressed and headed to the gym only to lose your drive and change your mind? Having a strong fitness community can be your source of motivation. Words of encouragement or cheers from your teammates in a Team Training class can go a long way!
5. Increase Your Energy
We all know that energy is contagious. Good or bad! When someone comes up to you with a big smile and a high five, it’s nearly impossible to hold back your own smile and reciprocate! When that energy is magnified by an entire group of people, it becomes even more infectious. Working out with others in a supportive environment can bring out a positive attitude and give you the energy you need to crush your workout… even on those days when your mind tells you that you can’t!
6. Get Competitive With Yourself & Others
There’s a small part of us that wants to be better than others. Don’t believe me? Think about how many times a fun board game with friends got a little out of hand. Similarly, when we’re in a fitness group, there’s a part of us that wants to see our name higher and higher on that leaderboard. One study proved that having a sense of competition caused people to workout more frequently and at higher levels so they could rise in the ranks. If you see that someone above you, you might be more motivated to pump out a few extra reps just to catch up to or beat them.
7. Have More Fun
Being part of a fitness community can be a lot of fun, too. It is not all hard work and exercise; there can be a lot of jokes, laughing, and camaraderie. When you spend time with the same people every week or in multiple classes, it makes coming to the gym or class a lot of fun. Many members build relationships that extend outside of the gym and become lifelong friends.
Now you may still be thinking, I prefer working out alone. To each their own, but wouldn’t you still prefer to do that in a fun welcoming community-focused environment? Accomplishing your goal can be an intimidating task, but I can guarantee it’s much easier (and more effective) to do with a community supporting you every step of the way.
