A Case for Group Fitness Class
I know group fitness gets a bad rap. But let me see if I can't convince you to do a little Googling and schedule a class in June by the time you finish reading...
Sarah here! I had a call with a client this last week who is looking to move away from the bodybuilding space and set some new goals. I know this is familiar for a lot of you- me too.
She wanted my opinion on group fitness classes and as soon as she asked I could hear the hesitation in her voice. My answer shocked her.
Her homework between that call and her bi-weekly check-in is to sign up for an intro class at one of the CrossFit boxes she's been eyeing.
I know why group fitness classes like Orange Theory, CrossFit, F45 get a bad rap in the fitness coaching space:
- They won't be the progressive stimulus to achieve someone's strength or physique goals
- The money hungry gyms will sell you on taking the classes 6 days a week
- They lead to injuries because of the lack of 1-on-1 attention
I agree. And the SAID (specific adaptations to imposed demands ) principle of exercise science applies. The body will adapt specifically in response to the demands and stresses placed on it. If she wants to maximize every ounce if muscle growth , training would look more like a bodybuilding style program. If she wanted to get back into powerlifting , we need to be working on her bench , not her clean and jerk
But Even if it were suboptimal for a specific training, physique or maybe even functional health outcome, for my clients mental and emotional health I want her in s class and I will make sure the rest of her programming supports her in moving forward , as will that connection with others will .
I’m not talking about replacing specific training
I’m talking about engaging in community 1-2x a month . That’s it.
An hour, okay maybe 2 if we factor in drive time and yap time (which often happens ) - because the part of health and fitness the coaching industry often forgets about?
The social and community aspect.
We need a sense of belonging, even if you're an introvert. And from the conversations I've been having with women in my circles : we're craving community more than ever before.
Community in the health and fitness space isn't isolated to a brand name chain.
Every city will have different opportunities. It could be:
- Yoga
- Indoor climbing gyms
- Pilates
- a rowing class
- dance classes
- A masters swim league
- A run or track club
- a casual meetup cycling group
- walking clubs
Outside of fitness: a meditation class, continued education (you don't have to be a health professional)... do a little googling , and if you need ideas in the Tampa area- hit reply!
I love training alone. I lift alone. I run alone. I swim alone. But I see endless reasons for engaging in a group health or fitness community, even if informally.
And here is what actually happens when you put yourself in one of those rooms:
1. You get out of your head
It was Wednesday at 6:55 pm that I decided to grab my keys and drive to the meditation class I'd been eyeing for months. Because while I knew I needed to wind down and connect with myself, I knew with every ounce of self-awareness that left alone at home I would be a scattered mess of thoughts and unable to say no to the temptation of my laptop. So on a whim I decided to join some folks I'd never met before to quiet our minds alongside each other. My HRV and sleep scores don't lie- this was exactly what my body needed. Will it be a weekly thing? No. But I will be back.
2. You gain inspiration for your next solo mission
I prefer lifting alone. I run alone. I swim alone. But I am still always so grateful for the connections I make when I put myself into a community situation, because they can lead to even further exploration.
Like learning about a new running trail from the guy who always snorkels in the lane next to me at the pool. Or the instructor at the meditation class tells you to read a book that helped him break the same barrier you're struggling with in your own meditative practice. Connections with others helps you connect with yourself in a new way.
3. You learn you're not alone in what you're going through
In our group mentorship, amidst talks of supporting clients with everything from severe esophagitis to fertility goals while on a GLP... we also talk about the realness of being a coach, especially an entrepreneur. Every time a coach in the room opens up about a current struggle, whether in business, personally, or navigating client communication: they are met with a "me too."
And what happens when a group of like-minded folks come together and realize "me too," they feel safer to find solutions. Sometimes it's hearing from others in the room who have been there and can offer what worked for them. Sometimes it's the safety of knowing you are a human with these struggles that other humans go through.
4. You have some fun!!
Ask me about my pole dancing classes. It's important to be silly in your body. In my opinion it's part of healing a negative body image. And it's important to just do things just because, with no race, no goal of getting better, just to be. It's kinda freeing.
5. You’re reminded of the power of the human body and spirit
There's a woman at the pool I see a lot and we just happened to cross paths Monday morning, both sharing in the excitement of the pool opening at 7am in the summer. She asked if I did triathlons too, and I said a big nope , but asked what she did. She shared that she was a runner but got into swimming after battling cancer a few years ago, which led her to triathlons. There's a sense of elevation you feel when you see others do hard things, meaningful things, fun things, courageous things. And I can't help but believe that elevation is the catalyst so many need to change their own lives by seeing what's possible.
6. You connect with your body
The elusive “interning to your body”. Doing something different helps with that . Every time I take a pilates class I am reminded of these tiny muscles that my normal training just doesn't wake up quite the same way. The awareness I gain to the small muscles in my feet, back and core every time I take a class reminds me of them when I do go back to my normal training modalities.
7. Maybe you learn what you hate so you can lean into what you love
There's always an element of something you can take with you. Take what you need and leave the rest. Like I told my client, worst case scenario she takes the classes a few times and learns that it is not for her. But maybe the gymnastics portion reminded her of how much she loved that as a kid and we incorporate some bar work or calisthenics in her training at home to keep it fresh.
8. You actually meet a new friend
It could be a friend for a lifetime, or a friend that stays your "class friend." Connecting with others who are also into supporting their body has a way of helping you continue to show up for yours. And let's be real , it's hard as adults to maintain those connections and maintain everything else on our to-do list. If you and your friend have been meaning to catch up and both lamenting over how hard it's been to get to the gym lately, why don't ya'll tag team it to a run club? It's a lot easier to start something new with someone you already know, and it gives you two time to connect.
I met some of my best friends through education courses . Our shared passion over niche topics like gut health or neurotransmitters led to coffee dates and lifts … and then one day I’m in these women’s weddings (hey Haylee) to starting businesses with them (Mere! )
Community isn't just thrust upon us. Your environment is. But your community you cultivate.
And all it takes is one room to put yourself in. One conversation.
Group fitness isn't isolated to a workout class.
A group of fitness professionals learning alongside each other could be your jam. Maybe it's a yoga workshop. A herbal apothecary in town that offers Ayurvedic classes.
Instead of your explore feed, try exploring who and what are around you. It doesn't have to become your identity, but it can add to your mission.
I know we are all going through something. changes and a lack of an anchor.
Maybe that Tuesday night yin yoga class becomes yours.
Maybe you meet someone at the CrossFit box who is looking for a partner for Hyrox and now you have something to train for.
Maybe the leader of the run club has a sister who is a doctor and really understands lab work in athletes. And takes your insurance.
Whatever it is, I know community will move you forward.
Whatever brought you to this newsletter, whether you're someone trying to show up for your own health or a coach trying to show up for others; community is part of the work. And if you've been curious about what ours looks like, I'd love to talk. Hop on a free 15-minute call with me and let's figure out if it's the right room for you.
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