Strength of a Fitness Community
“The key, if you want to build habits that last, is to join a group where the desired behavior is the normal behavior. ”
“We” is greater than “me.” While this is a cute and cliche saying it does hold true for the value of community. We all belong to multiple communities whether we know it or not. Most days we participate in multiple communities such as groups of coworkers, sports teams or church congregations. These communities define us. They are reflections of our values, intentions and actions.
This is the very reason why I love the idea of building and supporting a community centered around health and wellness. There is something magical when our fitness goals and concerns are shared by others and both problems-solving and support are a group activity. What is this magic? Well, its community, and it comes from us feeling like we belong and having shared goals. It comes from knowing that “these are my peeps” and “lets do it together!”
Sense of Belonging
We all want to belong. Whether from our family, coworkers or friend groups, we want acceptance. The gym is no different and can be an intimidating place, especially for newcomers. My first few months of going to a gym were filled with wondering about fitness etiquette and hoping I could make a friend. Maybe making a friend seems like silly priority in the space where our main focus should be self development. However, having community makes a huge difference in whether you show up on days you don't feel like it, and even gives you something to look forward to as you're practicing movements. Personally, I would feel a sense of FOMO (fear of missing out) if I didn't see my gym pals due to a change in my schedule.
Additionally a gym network increases adherence which results in positive feedback such as self affirmation and support and encouragement from your community. You also achieve a twofer by not only being part of something but also getting better at the movements. And getting better is awesome.
Also, belonging to a group helps us manage stress better. The new challenges as well as the changes we are making have both physical and emotional implications. The sense of togetherness helps us manage stress by offering support and letting us know that we aren't alone in our endeavor. It isn't uncommon for two friends to start a fitness routine together with the intention of being each other's accountabilibuddy and cheerleader. They have the right idea but, what I am advocating for is an entire community doing just that. A gym community changes the lense in which health and fitness are seen through, but most of all, makes it sustainable and fun.
Shared Goals
There are so many facets to consider when building a happy and healthy lifestyle. Obviously we must consider exercise and nutrition, but there's also time, stress management, sleep and work-life balance. All of these elements continuously change as we go through different phases of our lives, and by having a group that is composed of individuals of all different walks and stages in life, we will be able to address our shared goals with a multitude of perspectives.
Importantly, our goals require new skills and time commitments. Having people working on similar goals provides a collective and collaborative environment where people can share, “this worked for me”, and “here's how you start”. Shared goals don’t limit the client or the coach to a single perspective. Instead similar goals highlight the multitude of ways that an individual can address health. As an individual becomes proficient at an action and begins to build on the skill, members of the community are by their side with varying degrees of knowledge. Beginners may find camaraderie in showing up to the gym together, while someone who is starting to track macros may lean on someone who's more experienced to show them how to calculate. Health is a goal that is composed of so many smaller skills that are practiced daily. When finding solutions to work towards those goals becomes the norm, and practicing skills become automatic, growth meets longevity.
A sense of belonging and similar goals are foundational for the community. If you notice they converge together, you are correct. And maybe that's where the magic lies.
Finally, where do I belong? I’d like to highlight a fitness community named Strong Made Simple that exemplifies all of these attributes. I have been an intern and a coach in this community since 2014. As a leader in the community I love witnessing people redefine their relationship with fitness and find their footing amongst the superhero loving, creative artsy and fun loving goofballs that make up quirky eclectic bunch. As a member I am grateful to belong with these colorful characters that cheer me on to be the best me. My community is perfect for me and I have no doubt that there is a community of special humans that is just right for you to be a part of and supported. People who make a connection within a community thrive and have a long-lasting commitment to their wellness. That is the magic, when you find that happy place where health and community collide.
