Boost Social Health Through Physical Activities
The Power of Group Fitness
I love group fitness classes. For me, it’s so much easier to stay motivated when I go to them. There’s something about physically transitioning to a space that’s completely dedicated to movement.
- Visual cues like weights, mats, and treadmills instantly put me in the right mindset.
- Auditory cues like upbeat music, the sound of others working out, and instructors encouraging “One more rep!” create an energy that’s hard to replicate at home.
All of these elements combine to make showing up feel focused and energizing.
The Struggles of Home Workouts
When COVID hit and my favorite barre and spin studios closed, I struggled to maintain my routine. I tried setting up a workout space at home, but it just didn’t have the same vibe.
The only available room served triple duty as a gym, office, and spare bedroom. Instead of feeling motivated, I was surrounded by distractions:
- A bed on one side of the room calling my name.
- The washer buzzing to let me know the rinse cycle was done.
- The sound of my kid attending Zoom school in the next room.
This made me realize how important the environment is for staying consistent. For someone like me, who’s prone to procrastination, the right setting can either support or hinder my focus.
Why Group Fitness Works
Another reason I love group fitness is the accountability it provides.
- There’s the financial motivation — you’ve already paid for the class, so skipping feels like throwing money away.
- Then there’s the social motivation — when you start recognizing the “regulars,” you notice when someone is absent, and they notice when you are too.
But the benefits go beyond accountability. Group fitness connects you with like-minded people who share your goals and energy. It’s similar to the camaraderie you’d find in hobby groups or community events. In some cases, these connections can even lead to lasting friendships.
Fitness and Friendship
In fact, I actually met my Nova Scotia bestie in a gym. She approached me — a total stranger at the time — and asked if I wanted to be spotting partners for resistance training. I said yes, and we’ve been best friends ever since.
We bonded over shared goals and built a friendship rooted in healthy habits. Together, we:
- Hike, spin, and lift weights.
- Share recipes and encourage each other to stay active.
- Support each other in maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
It’s not about cutting ties with friends who have different habits but being mindful of how your social environment impacts your goals.
If You’re Struggling to Stay Consistent…
If home workouts work for you, that’s amazing — keep doing what works! But if you find yourself struggling to stay motivated, consider trying out local fitness studios or clubs.
These spaces offer more than just exercise. They create an environment that supports the type of person you want to become. Remember:
- Your physical environment — where you work out — matters.
- Your social environment — who you surround yourself with — is just as important.
Together, these elements set the stage for your success. Choose wisely!
Try Ate today to journal your daily physical activities and stay mindful!
Stacy Yates is the CEO (Chief Eating Officer) for the Wellness Lifestyle.
The Wellness Lifestyle helps mid-life women who have already tried it all and are now looking for real, lasting change that can only come from personalization and accountability. From food journaling to weekly coaching to community, clients get the nudge they need to build on their current healthy habits and make the new ones stick so they can ditch the diet and live life well.
Together, we delve into your limiting beliefs, challenge your excuses, and create the health, wellness, movement, and lifestyle changes you’re looking for and what work for midlife.
While there’s no quick fix, you’ll get a personalized shortcut on your journey towards real health. Ready to feel at home in your body?
Learn more @ www.thewellnesslifestyle.ca
