Community Through Physical Fitness
As a twenty-something female in a new city, it can feel impossible to find the right group of people. But when all else fails, group fitness classes are a safe haven. Having worked in the boutique fitness industry for over three years, I’ve learned a thing or two about its potential for building community. There’s something about enduring the most grueling workout of your life — while Fred… again blasts louder than the instructor, and the lights are so dim you can barely see — that practically screams, “where are we going after class?” While I’ve been fortunate enough to make close friends through fitness chains like Barry’s Bootcamp and [solidcore], when it comes to finding community in a new space, just having your instructor remember your name can feel like a small miracle.
Simple gestures go a long way. Here are a few sure tricks for finding a homey space within a new community:
Opt for unpopular class times
Less people removes the chaos that blocks communication. You’re more likely to have a great conversation with your instructor, the front desk crew, or other clients when the environment is calm.
be consistent
Showing up for the same class time each week allows the instructor and fellow participants to see you as a familiar face.
Say hello
Relationships build over time, one day you start with a hello, the next you can work toward a conversation. Remember to let connections naturally occur.
Building a community is a lot easier than it seems! Chances are, someone next to you in class is there for the same exact reason:)