Trying new things can be daunting. Most of us feel like we don’t know where to begin! And while trying out a new gym or attending a group fitness class can be a challenge, it also has a lot of benefits, mentally & physically. One of those benefits is the chance to develop new social connections. The right gym with the right atmosphere will not only help you reach your fitness goals, give you a sense of accountability, but it will also help you build a sense of community.When it comes to making a real lifestyle change, it’s so important and valuable to feel like you are part of a community, and we here at Edge Fitness be strongly believe in creating not just a gym, but a community! We have built a safe-haven that is a fun and friendly with a social atmosphere where everyone is striving for the same goals – to be fit and healthy!Another benefit of joining our community, is the ongoing level of support we offer, and the varying services we have available for members to get amongst, whatever their training preferences may be.Edge Fitness maintains a culture of community, because we believe relationships enhance our life.Have you ever had one of those days where the last thing you want to do is work out? Motivation is a ZERO…Maybe you’re tired, you’ve had a stressful day at work, or you have a lot of things going on at home with that never ending to do list!?We often try to talk ourselves out of exercising, internally justifying the decision not to go, and even negotiating with ourselves in some way to skip it for the day.Now think about having that same situation arise but know that a friend is expecting you to join them or a group of friends is planning on attending the evening class. In the back of your mind, you might be complaining, but you’ll pull yourself together and go absolutely smash that workout because you don’t want to let them down.Before you know it you feel a rush of endorphins, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear and you will feel a sense of accomplishment, energy and gratitude, that despite all those ummms and aaahhhs you TURNED UP! That is one of the many reasons why having a supportive community around you is important and can help you accomplish your goals!Fostering a supportive gym community around you is essential to make the most of creating a happy, healthy and fit lifestyle!Here are 7 benefits of having a strong fitness community

 

1. BUILD STRENGTH IN NUMBERS 

The healthy actions and habits of those around you will rub off on you! Energy is contagious so surrounding yourself around energetic likeminded people, will have a flow on effect to you! Studies have shown that working out with others increases your time and energy spent exercising, compared to those who exercise alone. Watching others can inspire you to work harder and keep going when you want to quit. Having a workout buddy can motivate you to show up, and exercising in a group environment can help you push yourself and take your fitness to the next level!

 

2. FINDING A SENSE OF BELONGING WITH SUPPORT

We’ve all had slumps during our lives where we feel like the world is against us and nothing seems to be working in our favour. Sometimes we need a strong robust fitness community to show us that we’re not alone in the challenge we’re facing and to remind us that we have a supportive group of people who may be experiencing the same journey we’re on. As an adult, it can be hard to find a place where you belong. Working out with a friend or in a group environment promotes a feeling of “unity.” When you’re losing steam during a workout, others can help encourage you to power through. Challenging yourself and trying new exercises with others creates an enormous sense of accomplishment and accountability.

 

3. ACCOUNTABILITY

We all need someone to hold us accountable from time to time. Whether it means pushing through the last couple of reps, choosing the healthier option when out to eat with friends, pushing through an intense workout when you feel like you are ready to give up, or just showing up for your workout, your community is there to push you past your own limitations. It’s important to surround yourself with people that are going to bring the best out in you and push you to make positive choices in your life. Let us be the ones to do just that for YOU!

 

4. MOTIVATION

Finding motivation on a regular occasion can be a tough task; after all, its determination and discipline that is the driving factor of consistency, but having that community to offer ongoing and consistent motivation is essential. Some days are harder than others, some days feel almost impossible, but with the right community vibe, it will become the highlight of your day, and will become the source of your motivation! Supportive and encouraging words go a long way!

 

5. IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY

We all know that energy is contagious; positive or negative! When someone comes up to you with a big smile and a high five, it’s nearly impossible to hold back your own smile and reciprocate that positive energy! When that energy is magnified by an entire group of people, it becomes even more infectious. Having a community that provides that positive energy, will become your go-to source for finding that positive energy within yourself!

 

6. COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOURS

There’s a small part of us that wants to be better than others, whether we admit it or not, everyone has at least a little bit of competitive nature somewhere inside them.Who else has joined a social team, thinking they’ll have fun and a few laughs? Of course, it is fun, there’ll be some laughs, but there’s that desirable instinct that wants to WIN! Similarly, when we’re in a fitness group, there’s a part of us that wants to see ourselves as winning, pushing hard, going longer! One study proved that having a sense of competition caused people to workout more frequently and at higher levels so they could rise in the ranks.

 

7. FUN FUN FUN!

Being part of a fitness community can be a lot of fun, too. It is not all hard work and exercise; there can be a lot of jokes, laughing, and engaging conversation! When you spend time with the same people every week or in multiple classes, it makes coming to the gym or class a lot of fun. Many members build relationships that extend outside of the gym and become lifelong friends.Now you may still be thinking, I prefer working out alone, and that may just be your personality, but wouldn’t you still prefer to do that a fun welcoming community-focused environment?! Accomplishing your goal can be an intimidating task, but I can guarantee it’s much easier (and more effective) to do with a community supporting you every step of the way.