Rockstar Thoughts on Fitness Communities
It’s that time of year when I reflect on those things for which I am thankful. At the same time, I look at my calendar and think, “Oh my, I am busier than all of the Kardashians combined!” However, when I pause and think, I realize that my social calendar is booked in large part due to the fact that I have made so many wonderful friends through fitness! A fitness community is like no other. We make each other work harder, we help each other stick to goals, and we laugh together. We still love each other despite seeing each other with sweaty hair glued to our faces, sweat spots in interesting locations, and making out best (or worst) ugly faces while pushing ourselves to our limits. We forge solid relationships, and often times we don’t even expect it to happen, but it does. So I am thankful for fitness communities and my booked social calendar. I asked other Public Body rock stars why fitness communities are important to them. Here’s what they had to say. Share your thoughts below.
“One of the things that fitness communities offer is a chance for well-rounded healthy living. Sure, we all work out together and motivate and inspire one another, but the friendships forged during workouts and post-session socializing contribute to one’s emotional and spiritual health as well. We extend pushing ourselves physically by cultivating empathy, compassion, joy, and laughter among one another. As a group, I think we’re all more aware of important nutrition. People set an example for selecting or creating healthy options when dining out or at home. We see our friends experimenting or enjoying something and, presto, we’re introduced to options we might not have considered or tried. Community is important and valuable, but there are also so many specific aspects of behavior and support that are the result for fitness communities.” -Alex
“With any long-term goal, fitness related or otherwise, it’s vital to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand what it takes to achieve your desired result. The camaraderie you find in a fitness community, and the support from a compassionate (and in Public Body’s case, fun) group, makes the experience far more enjoyable. But more important than any fitness achievement are the friendships that are forged among those in the community. Having a solid group around you is key - before, during and after any workout. Getting to the gym after a long day of work or first thing in the morning is never easy. But knowing your crew will be right there with you provides that little bit of extra motivation to make that workout. And if you’re ever in need of that “second wind” during a class, you’ll find it with a quick glance at everyone else working hard and sweating it out right alongside you.
As far as our time outside the gym or studio, let’s be honest...we all have our vices. But seeing a check-in at an awesome new class on Facebook or smoothie recipe on Instagram from one of the fitfam is all it takes to make you think twice about that ice cream in your hand or incent you to book your next class.” -Mike
“Motivation, encouragement, camaraderie are the obvious things that come to mind. Through group exercise, you get introduced to people with a variety of backgrounds that you likely would not overlap with otherwise (i.e. vs. work or other hobbies). It's a great way to bring people together and build stronger communities in the process.” -Matt
“Motivation, accountability, caring and fun are the things that come to my mind when thinking of the importance of a great fitness community. I am motivated to make it to class when I am meeting a group of people. I am motivated because they are fun and I know they will push me to my limits. The group cares about me and wants me to succeed. They will encourage me when I fail, applaud when I exceed goals and pick me up if I am hurt. The group holds me accountable. I want to show up when I make the commitment to do so no matter how tired I am. We count on each other for energy. We count on each other to push past our limits and we count on one another for post workout rewards. In my world the group keeps me going! “
On behalf of the Public Body team, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Please share your thoughts about your #fitfam below! We’d love to hear from you!