{"id":55089,"date":"2017-01-04T07:15:05","date_gmt":"2017-01-04T12:15:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=55089"},"modified":"2021-04-30T08:51:55","modified_gmt":"2021-04-30T12:51:55","slug":"strength-numbers-fitness-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/strength-numbers-fitness-community\/","title":{"rendered":"Strength in Numbers: How to Find Your Fitness Tribe"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Strength
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just like couples who play together, stay together\u2026communities who exercise<\/a> together, improve their wellbeing together.<\/p>\n

It may not be catchy, but it\u2019s true: There\u2019s a heap of evidence that fitness communities can help members stick to an exercise routine<\/a>\u00a0and enhance their fitness level, among other benefits. Major brands have recognized the advantages of group workouts, too. So much so that they offer several opportunities to find your tribe. For example, there’s\u00a0Nike\u2019s in-person run clubs<\/a> and fitness-friend-finding function on the NRC app<\/a>, as well as\u00a0Strava<\/a>\u2019s new online community feature and\u00a0Athleta<\/a>\u2019s welcoming fitness studio and Power of She campaign<\/a>. Daily Burn 365<\/a>\u00a0also has user message boards and a community chat function during workouts. As you can see,\u00a0group interaction is increasingly the name of the (fitness) game.<\/p>\n

Read on to learn why experts back more group sweat sessions than ever, plus how to find the right tribe for you. It just might\u00a0be the answer to waning workout motivation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong> 21 Signs You\u2019ve Found Your Fitness Swole Mate<\/a><\/p>\n

The Benefits of Joining a Fitness Community<\/strong><\/h2>\n

First things first: The definition of a fitness community can encompass several interpretations, from group exercise classes to studios<\/a> with a devoted following. It could also mean online forums<\/a> and apps that let you interact with other users.<\/p>\n

No matter what form it takes, a fitness community allows you to connect with other athletes. Members might share their\u00a0challenges and successes, discuss different training techniques<\/a>, solicit advice or support, and celebrate each other\u2019s achievements. This communal element offers benefits that run the gamut from physical to mental<\/a> to social, says Megha Doshi, local marketing director for Strava.<\/p>\n

For starters, access to group fitness programs can increase physical activity levels<\/a> overall.\u201cThe number one benefit [of joining a fitness community] is accountability,\u201d says Michelle Hobgood, an online coach with Daily Burn 365<\/a>. Whether you just need a little encouragement to get to the gym or you\u2019ve gotten off track for several weeks, your peers can provide the positive encouragement<\/a> you need to get back in action.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you state a goal to your community [be it digital or real-world], you know they are there watching and\u2026 supporting you,\u201d Doshi says. Saying, \u201cI\u2019m going to do a marathon<\/a>\u201d to yourself is one thing, Doshi explains, but when all your friends know your goals and they lend support, advice or an inspiring mantra<\/a>, it can really push you to keep moving forward.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>7 Fitness Goals to Set for 2017 and How to Crush Them<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s when we push beyond what we thought was possible that we feel stronger.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Not only can a fitness tribe inspire you to exercise more often<\/em>, but it can also inspire you to go harder during each sweat session. One study found that working out with a partner motivated\u00a0people to work out longer<\/a> and at a greater intensity than if they were training solo.<\/p>\n

Heidi Kristoffer, yoga expert and creator of CrossFlowX<\/a> who regularly teaches at Athleta\u2019s community studio, often sees this play out in her classes. \u201cYou work harder if there\u2019s somebody next to you, especially if it\u2019s somebody you\u2019ve gotten to know,\u201d she says. Additionally, attending the same class each week allows your teacher to get to know you and when you need a nudge to keep going harder. And that\u2019s when the magic happens. \u201cIt\u2019s when we push beyond what we thought was possible that we feel stronger,\u201d says Kristoffer.<\/p>\n

In addition to these physical benefits, fitness communities can also make you happier<\/a> and can lead to quality friendships. \u201cWhen you regularly work out with others, you make connections and start to develop a group of friends with similar interests,\u201d says Erin Bulvanoski, marketing director and coach at BRICK<\/a>, an New York City-based CrossFit<\/a> box. \u201cIt makes a workout more than just fitness for your body. It enhances your life.\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>3 Big-Time Ways Exercise Benefits Your Brain<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Strength
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to Find the Right Fitness Community for You<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ready to discover your tribe? Find the right group with these six tips.<\/p>\n

1. Figure out what you like<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t already know whether you enjoy running<\/a> or biking, yoga or weightlifting, CrossFit<\/a> or Pilates, then it\u2019s important to explore, says Kristoffer. \u201cIf you hate what you\u2019re doing, you\u2019ll stop,\u201d she says. So identify what types of physical activity you like\u00a0before searching for a group that will join you for the fun. Take advantage of free classes or introductory specials at local studios to test the workout waters.<\/p>\n

2. Identify your workout personality type<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

Do you like a drill team atmosphere, or do you require more emotional support? Are you looking for\u00a0a community that focuses on the science behind working out, or the mental hurdles that come with sticking to a fitness routine<\/a>? Do you want to work out with people who are all at the same level as you or surround yourself with more experienced athletes? Are you hoping\u00a0to engage with other athletes in person or online? Answer these questions to help determine the fitness culture that will make you feel most comfortable, says Hobgood.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Get Motivated with Group Fitness<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Scope out groups online<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

\u201cWhen looking to join a fitness community from the outside, check out a group\u2019s social media pages,\u201d says Bulvanoski. This can give you a sense of their values, the way members interact with each other, and whether the community has a team-building mindset, encouraging interaction and connection.<\/p>\n

4. Maximize the bang for your buck<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re hoping to find a real-world community (rather than a digital one), \u201clook for a place that offers multiple workouts in the same house,\u201d Kristoffer suggests. This will ensure you avoid\u00a0boredom<\/a>. It\u2019s also important to find a community that offers group workouts at an affordable cost. That way, you won’t\u00a0end up stopping when you\u2019ve spent too much.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>19 Reasons to Work Out (Beyond the Perfect Body)<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThe human connection is vital for happiness in life.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

5. Don\u2019t give up after one bad class<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

Sometimes a certain type of workout or a certain instructor<\/a> simply won\u2019t feel like the right fit. But that doesn\u2019t mean you have to reject an entire community based on one poor experience, says Kristoffer. Instead, sample a variety of classes and teachers at a given studio. Then decide whether or not it\u2019s the place for you.<\/p>\n

6. Just get up and go<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s most important is that you get out there and try it,\u201d says Doshi. \u201cThat\u2019s the only way you\u2019ll get to experience the vibe of the group and see if the types of workouts they do and their locations, schedule, etc. meet your goals and needs.\u201d When you\u2019re shopping around, be sure to engage with other students and teachers. This will give you\u00a0a sense of the personalities of those\u00a0who make up the core of the community.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>275 Exercises to Shake Up Your Workout Routine<\/a><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll know you found your tribe when you feel genuine rapport with other members of the community. You’ll simultaneously feel supported, encouraged and challenged<\/a> to rise to new heights. Not only will this community help you take your fitness to the next level, but it will also enhance your life overall. \u201cThe human connection is vital for happiness in life,\u201d says Kristoffer. \u201cTogether we\u2019re stronger than when we\u2019re apart.\u201d We\u2019ll sweat to that!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From more motivation to better performance to improved wellbeing, a fitness community offers tons of benefits. Learn to find the tribe that\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":55095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6,14,19],"tags":[289,265,56,103,341,361,100],"class_list":["post-55089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","category-strength-training","category-yoga","tag-exercise","tag-fitness-class","tag-group-fitness","tag-motivation","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2fitness-trends","tag-workout"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55089"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55089\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/55095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}