National Fitness Month: Finding Your Fitness Community
Happy National Fitness Month! While we embrace all things fitness all year round, May is a special month to celebrate the importance of movement and exercise and our fitness communities. During the month of May, each of our weekly blogs will focus on fitness topics to help inspire, inform, and support you on your fitness journey.
This week, we’re focusing on building a fitness community! Sure, sweating it out solo can be satisfying, but there's something special about finding your fitness people, and there’s science to back that up.
One study found that 95% of folks who embarked on a weight-loss journey with friends completed the program, whereas only 76% of those going it alone completed the program. Plus, the friend group was 42% more likely to maintain their weight loss. Another study found that, when working out in groups, you work longer—double the time of those who exercise alone.
Keep reading to learn more about the positive benefits of exercising with your workout buddies and find out how you can find your squad at Western.
Squad Goals: The Power of Connection
Whether you're sweating it out in a spin class, pounding the pavement with a running club, or flowing through poses in a yoga studio, there’s power in community.
Let's explore some of the key ways that finding a fitness squad can improve your emotional and mental health and help you crush your fitness goals.
Positive Competitiveness
Competition sometimes gets a bad rap, but when it comes to fitness, a little friendly rivalry can be just the motivation you need to kick things up a notch. Studies have shown that friendly competition boosts dopamine levels in your brain—that’s the feel-good hormone that makes you feel satisfied and motivated—and increases our focus and improves our performance.
Support & Accountability
We all have those days when dragging ourselves to the gym feels like an uphill battle. But when you have a fitness squad counting on you and motivating you, suddenly, that mountain doesn't seem so steep. Whether it's a text from your workout buddy encouraging you to lace up your sneakers or a high-five from your classmates after a killer cardio kickboxing class, having a support system in place can make all the difference. Not only do they hold you accountable, but they also celebrate your successes and pick you up when you stumble.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Fitness is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and there's strength in facing challenges as a team. When you’re tackling a tough workout, navigating a plateau, or pushing through a setback, knowing that you have support from people in your corner can make the journey feel less daunting. Together, you can conquer obstacles and celebrate victories.
Creating Inclusive Spaces
One of the best things about fitness communities is their ability to bring people together from all walks of life. Age, gender, fitness level, physical ability, background—there are fitness opportunities for everyone out there! By fostering an environment of inclusivity and acceptance, we not only enrich our own experiences but also open the door for others to join us on the journey to better health and happiness.
Helping Support Others in Their Journey
We’re all in this together, but sometimes, it’s easy to forget that if we’re doing it alone. Working on your fitness goals with buds helps you feel lifted up and gives you the power to lift up others. It's a double win!
6 Ways to Find Your Fitness Friends at Western
Building your fitness squad doesn't have to be intimidating. There are lots of different avenues for finding like-minded people, and if you’re a member at Western, it’s even easier! Here are some tried-and-true methods for finding your fitness friends:
Sign Up for Events or Challenges
Races, obstacle courses, cat yoga, rowing contests (did someone say FebROWary?), health workshops, charity walks—there are fitness opportunities year-round, and community events and challenges are a great way to get the group together and make some memories and meet new people. Keep up to date with fitness events and challenges at Western by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
Group Fitness Classes
Western offers over 40 FREE group fitness classes every week, plus smaller group premier classes, so whether you’re into yoga, strength training, TRX, dance, cycling, boxing, or even meditation, there’s something for everyone and endless opportunities to make new friends!
Our group fitness community also prides itself on being super inclusive and accepting of all fitness levels, making it the perfect place to connect with others. Many of our members have even made lifelong friends through our group fitness classes, so get ready for some laughs and high-fives when you come to class! We even have our own Group Fitness Facebook Group. Feel free to join!
Group Training
For those who thrive on a bit of friendly competition and personalized attention, group training with a personal trainer can be a game-changer. Not only do you get the benefits of expert guidance and accountability, but you also have the opportunity to bond with your fellow trainees as you work towards your fitness goals together. If you’re interested in group training with a personal trainer at Western but don’t have a group to train with, contact Personal Training Director Alex Awve at Alex.Awve@westernracquet.com, and we can help link you up with others who may be interested in group training.
Tennis & Pickleball
If racquet sports are your thing, consider joining a tennis or pickleball league at Western or sign up for one of our many mixers throughout the year. Not confident enough in your skills on the court to sign up for a league yet? Try one of our Adult Beginners classes and meet people at less advanced skill levels. Learn to play together and form a new league! These classes and events provide a perfect opportunity to meet other tennis enthusiasts and enjoy some friendly competition on the court. Learn more about tennis and pickleball at Western by clicking here.
Social Events Throughout the Year
We love bringing our members together for some fun, which is why we host new and fun events all year long. From holiday parties and food truck fairs to yard games and trivia nights—these social events are the perfect way to mingle with fellow members outside the usual workout setting. Keep up to date with fitness events and challenges at Western by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
We Connect Buddy Program
New to group fitness or feeling a bit intimidated? Don't worry–our We Connect Buddy Program is here to help. We pair new members up with established members to make your first group fitness experience unforgettable. Your buddy will join you in your class, guiding you every step of the way–from prepping your gear and equipment to answering any questions you have about Western. With their support, you'll feel right at home in no time and have a new fitness buddy to rely on!
To join the We Connect Buddy Program, please contact Membership Outreach Director Staci at staci.hayes@westernracquet.com.
Make Some Connections for National Fitness Month
The journey to better health and fitness is better together! We’re proud to offer a vibrant and inclusive fitness community here at Western with a wide range of fitness opportunities. Here's to many more partner workouts, cheering on each other’s PRs, and lifelong fitness friendships.
