May is here! And what you “may” not know, is May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. While sports may seem off the table for many people, fitness has proven to be accessible to humans for the long haul! So, if you haven’t embraced your inner athlete or perhaps not in a while, have no fear! There is always time to join your own personal health journey team! Fitness is about moving your body on purpose and often comes with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and maybe even more friends!
Statistics from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) show that nearly 50% of people who start a fitness routine quit within six months. In fact, the National Institute of Health (NIH, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) did their own studies with hundreds of people to see why there is such a universally low rate of regular exercise participation and commitment to fitness, and they came up with the same numbers or at least 50% of people quitting their routines, due to the same things we hear people say all the time: they lack motivation, time, access to facilities or equipment, energy, workout partner, and self-confidence. Imagine, 50% of people aren’t getting the necessary movement for their body, brain and overall health. Imagine if there was an easier way to impact outcomes. There is – Group Fitness!
Group fitness classes have found the secret to helping people beat the blues of feeling isolated at home or in traditional style gyms. They help with maintaining motivation, year-round opportunities, a plethora of variety, and built in opportunities for participants to build their own self-worth. Group classes at places like The Wellness Center offer an environment where you can engage with others while pursuing your personal fitness goals, in a quick and easy manner.
One of the most appealing aspects of modern fitness classes is the variety available. You no longer need to join a traditional sports team, buy at home DVD sets, multilevel marketing programs or push yourself beyond your comfort level to stay active. Instead, you can choose from a range of group classes that cater to different interests, goals, schedules, days of the week and fitness levels. Whether you prefer a slow and steady approach or are ready for something fast-paced and intense, there’s something for everyone. You can also choose what days of the week you want to do different things, making for a great variety without you having to do anything but show up.
The camaraderie found in group settings can be incredibly motivating. Research from Psychology Today, “The Role of Social Support in Exercise Adherence,” (www.physchologytoday.com) shares the crucial role that social support is playing in those who are successful with active lifestyles. We know more and more that when you surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar goals, you’re more likely to stick with your routine and achieve the results you desire, and that if you aren’t there yet, people around those who are can be even more motivating. This is also a great way to make friends, which is often what keeps people from joining regular sports teams, they want to fit in. Everyone fits in, in group fitness, because you come as yourself and together you become the group!
We know that consistency in lifestyle management is key, be that in how we eat, sleep, manage stress and how we move our bodies. Unfortunately, it seems Americans are just not able to keep moving long enough to see, feel, and enjoy the benefits of a consistent relationship with physical fitness and how that can add to their life. However, those who join group fitness classes are much more likely to not only attend but keep attending! This has bene proven to be pivotal in the health of those looking to improve their insulin resistance, those who are more at risk of heart disease, cancer, and even those who struggle with their social and emotional wellbeing. Consistency is key.
May is a reminder and invitation to us all to recommit to our health and physical fitness. That physical fitness doesn’t have to look the same for each of us, but it can be as simple as starting today! Go for a walk, dance to some music, or sign up for a class at The Wellness Center – their new schedule starts May 4th! By engaging with supportive communities, you might just find the encouragement needed to stay on track and make lasting changes. Everyone deserves to feel strong and supported, you may just be one workout away! MAY today be the day because everyone can get fit and fit in this spring!
Mary Hoadley
Director of The Wellness Center