Find Community in Fitness

When I started in the fitness industry, I didn’t realize how much movement would change the rest of my life. I expected to see physical and mental health benefits, but it’s turned out to be so much more. A big part of that is finding community through fitness.  

I’ve Made Friends

I have met so many amazing people through participating in my own fitness activities. I’ve been part of running clubs, taken Pilates and other fitness classes, and trained for events. Over the hundreds of hours of running and training with others, I’ve found true friendships. Now my husband and I have fitness-friends who we socialize with outside of exercise, seeing concerts, meeting for dinners, and even taking trips with. 

Bringing Others Together

Another surprising effect of teaching fitness is that I’ve been able to bring others together for classes, challenges, and events. It’s a fun way to keep fitness interesting and people motivated, and I was always coming up with ideas to pitch to the owner of the gym I once worked at. 

I’ll always remember one of the participants in such a challenge. She said that after five years of being a member there, this was the first time she had ever spoken to or got to know any of the other members. She was in tears with joy that she was making some new connections and finally had some people to chat with for a few moments when she came to do her workouts. 

In my own studio, there wasn’t much time to chat or get to know each other between classes. Once we introduced our Contrology class though, that started to change. It’s an open gym style class, and I’ve enjoyed seeing clients get to know each other better. We’ve also done several challenges over the years and a few holiday events that don’t involve Pilates at all, like wreath making, a sip and shop, and a wine tasting. 

Coming Together For Good

For the last five years, b.Pilates & Fitness has done a Pilates for MS fundraiser. This year we had nearly thirty people sign up, and it was so fun to see clients sharing their love of Pilates with family and friends. We also beat our fundraising goal of $1000 this year, which is the most we’ve ever raised!

Grateful For My Community

If only I actually tracked how many people that I have connected with over the past twenty-plus years. Looking back at some old photos recently reminded me of some of the kind, open, friendly people that I’ve crossed paths with, and it makes me feel so much gratitude for those I’ve found in my fitness community.