Include Friends in Goals

At Health First Pro-Health & Fitness, where I work as a member assistant, I encounter some amazing individuals.

These members come not just to work out but to socialize, meet new people, share experiences, foster connections, and much more.

Recently, a young mom with twin babies visited us. She appeared exhausted and worn out, clearly in need of support.

Being a military spouse, she seemed to be navigating unfamiliar waters. Many of us, including mothers, grandmothers, and gym members, could relate to her situation.

We understood that look and knew she needed community support, which we offer here.

“Can someone please help me?” were her first words. Everyone stepped in to assist.

We signed her up, and one of our KidFit staff members — our supervised nursery service that allows parents to work out while their kids play — came out to help.

We enveloped her in support, allowing her to relax and even share her exhaustion, which brought tears to both her eyes and mine.

Before she left, she stopped by the desk and said she hadn’t felt such support in a long time.

She even made a connection with another mom in a similar situation. She left with a huge smile, and she'll definitely be back.

I want everyone to hear this story. Often, I see serious exercisers come in with a determined look, focused on achieving their goals without engaging or socializing.

That's fine when you're young, but as you age, you miss out on an important aspect of this activity if you don’t make friends and exercise in groups.

Socializing promotes increased activity

Research shows that older adults who engage with people outside their immediate circle tend to be more physically active and have a more positive outlook.

It could be that people who feel better engage in more activities and interactions. However, I notice that socializing gym-goers are the most consistent attendees.

The loneliness epidemic

The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted the issues of loneliness and isolation.

According to an advisory I read last year, “The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is akin to smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily, and even exceeds that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.” Think of exercise and socializing as the opposite of smoking.

Active movement and conversation

A fantastic place to discuss health and wellbeing is the gym, the tai chi group in the park, or with a walking partner. I see it all the time.

Movement helps ease stiffness, soreness, poor sleep, and even more concerning issues, which naturally come up in conversation.

Such discussions can lead to suggestions like, “You should have that checked out!” Being proactive about your health is beneficial.

Those who socialize while being active share information about other enjoyable activities, which is a well-known fact.

Avoid isolating yourself

Group exercise not only boosts happiness but also challenges the belief that aging and its challenges are unavoidable. They’re not!

A study involving individuals aged 65+ participating in a 24-week group exercise program measured “flourishing” (a positive view) and “stigma consciousness” (a negative view).

By the end, participants reported higher levels of flourishing and lower levels of stigma.

Exercise classes and groups, and even the gym itself, unite us in ways that can’t be replicated online – like breaking a sweat together.

And this becomes increasingly important as we age. The combination of exercise and togetherness is essential.

Jill Estes, who shared this perspective, works at Health First Pro-Health & Fitness and has experience as a physical trainer.

Source: floridatoday

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.