Welcoming Fitness Communities to Help you Stay Fit with Friends

With countless options for working out, it can be hard to find the perfect match for you. If what makes exercise great for you is the idea of doing it with others and being part of a team, we’ve made a list of fitness genres that give a strong sense of community. 

Run Clubs

Running is one of the sports that is primarily solitary. You might relate to the difficulty of self-motivation. Running clubs can be an effective solution. Each club has different focuses and activities, but they’re all centered around the idea that there is strength in community. These clubs have been known to help with motivation, create support networks, and act as a social outlet for athletes in an otherwise lonely sport. As they’ve become more popular, run clubs have become an accessible option for runners at all levels. You can find a club that is concentrating on training for marathons, or a club whose members are working on jogging their first mile. Aside from the social benefits of a run club, it’s also safer to run in a group, and it grants you access to people who can teach you about running (techniques, routes, etc.).

CrossFit

CrossFit workouts are different every day and personalized to the fitness level of the athlete. CrossFit uses a style of fitness called functional fitness that is designed to strengthen movements similar to those you use in every day life. The community plays an important role: it's referred to as the only sport where the last to finish get the loudest cheers. Workouts may be performed individually, but they’re always completed as a group effort. The owners and coaches of most CrossFit gyms (boxes) are typically spouses, family, and close friends. Becoming a member often means being welcomed into their personal social circle. Boxes are known to celebrate their member’s birthdays, holidays, and major life-events together. When someone hits a new personal record, everyone knows about it, and if someone stops showing up, box mates are the first to check in. 

Zumba

Zumba is a powerful lifestyle trend. Framed as group fun rather than fitness, it attracts and develops socialites. Zumba blends elements from several genres of dance into a fluid fitness dance. Members of Zumba communities bond at dance parties, concerts, and backyard barbecues. Anywhere there’s music and an opportunity to dance. On a larger scale, the worldwide Zumba community meets at massive conferences like ZINCON and SYNC Summit to connect with others and grow their skills. 

SoulCycle

According to senior SoulCylce instructor, Sam Jade, “SoulCycle is an indoor cycling class that features high-intensity cardio, muscle-sculpting strength training, and rhythm-based choreography.” What sets SoulCycle apart form other spin classes is the mind-body experience. Riders are encouraged to immerse in the energy of the room and take away as much of a mental boost as a physical one. The music and the lighting are all designed to make exercise the best part of the day. SoulCycle also encourages friendships and fosters a welcoming and inclusive community. Members are all interested in becoming the best versions of themselves and celebrate with each other as they grow.