Do you enjoy the accountability that comes with exercising alongside other people? Are you not a fan of the gym or going to fitness facilities where exercising among others can feel extra intimidating? Joining a neighborhood fitness group may be an appealing option to you.
What is a Neighborhood Fitness Group?
A neighborhood fitness group is formed by people in your own community who meet up at designated times to get active together. This is a great way to stay in shape without the hassle or high costs 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, just to name a few.
Here are some of the benefits they offer:
- Fun and Enjoyment: You might have a better time working out 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 benefiting from the advantages listed above, you’re less likely to miss or avoid your workouts due to boredom, time, etc.
How to Join One and Get Started:
Before making the commitment to join a neighborhood fitness group, ask yourself what programs you might be interested in. Maybe it’s walking, yoga or boot camp. Maybe it’s weight lifting. Do you want 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 may vary upon your schedule. If you’re a commuter, early mornings or late evenings might be attractive. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, mid-day might be better. Now consider how often 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 every workout.
Now let’s talk about selecting your group. Start 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.
