Do you enjoy the accountability that accompany exercising alongside other people? Are you not a fan of the gym or likely to fitness facilities where exercising among others can feel extra intimidating? Joining an area fitness group may be an attractive option to you.
What is a Neighborhood Fitness Group?
A neighborhood fitness group is formed by people in your own community who get together at designated times to get active together. This is a great way to stay in shape without the hassle or expense of going to the gym. Some groups can include yoga and Pilates while others consist of jogging, boot camp-style training, outdoor weightlifting or aerobics, simply to name a few.
Here are some of the benefits they offer:
- Fun and Enjoyment: You might have a better time exercising among people you know in your community vs strangers at a gym or facility.
- Convenience: Don’t worry about long distances or traffic! These groups are easy to get to since they’re in your own local community/neighborhood.
- More Accountability: Lower costs make it easier to stick to your routine, and support from your close friends can motivate you to stay consistent
- Fewer Excuses: If you’re taking advantage of the advantages listed above, you’re not as likely to miss or avoid your workouts due to boredom, time, etc.
How to Join One and Get Started:
Before making the resolve for join a neighborhood fitness group, ask yourself what programs you might be interested in. Maybe it’s walking, yoga or bootcamp. Maybe it’s weight lifting. Would you like to exercise solo or do you want to bring your kids/family along?
Once you’ve narrowed that down, decide on the time of day you prefer to work out and with what frequency. This might vary upon your schedule. If you’re a commuter, early mornings or late evenings may be attractive. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, mid-day might be better. Now consider how frequently you want to exercise. Remember, just because you’re a part of a group, this doesn’t mean you have to stick to that group for each workout.
Now let’s talk about selecting your group. Begin by checking for groups in your area by way of community websites like Facebook or the Next Door app. You can also check local churches and support groups for bulletin boards and flyers promoting neighborhood group fitness.