The importance of community in exercise

Exercise and the importance of community

The benefits of exercise are vast – both physically and emotionally – for a variety of reasons. But, less discussed is the importance of community in exercise. Let’s explore… 

The importance of community in exercise

Exercising regularly can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of adults and children alike; aiding the development of – 

• Social and communication skills 
• Collaborative and team building skills 
• Confidence and self-esteem
• Physical strength and stamina 

And much more! 

And creating a community around exercise – in the form of a sports or fitness club – can further enhance the benefits associated with regular exercise. 

Joining a passionate community of like minded individuals often helps participants find support, encouragement and motivation during challenging or difficult times, especially during the first few weeks or months. 

Creating a sense of community in exercise can also have a positive impact on morale – the group coming together to support each other, spur each other on, and celebrate each other’s achievements. 

What’s more, when exploring the importance of community in exercise, mention must be given to the sense of belonging that can be achieved through a sports or fitness club; individuals coming together to participate in activity they enjoy, with others who enjoy it, and work together to achieve something great. This in itself is incredibly powerful to mental health and well-being. 

How to create a sense of community in exercise

If you run a sports or fitness club, creating a sense of community will be incredibly important to you (of course!) and, if you’re searching for ways to achieve this or to improve this experience for your participants, there are a number of simple yet extremely effective ways you can do this, such as: 

Keeping club numbers relatively small: small group sessions of between 8 and 15 people can help develop a sense of community, as well as supporting new members to feel comfortable and confident, socialise and make friends. 

Hold sessions on the same day(s) every week: holding sessions regularly and on the same day(s) of the week, every week, will encourage the same participants to attend every week and build long term friendships with others. 

Choose your venue wisely: choosing the ideal venue for your club is essential to creating a sense of community in exercise! Consider choosing a venue that is: 

• Generously sized and therefore allows growth in numbers 
• Well-equipped and versatile 
• Easy to get to, and close to local transport links 
• Accessible for those with limited mobility 

And, for all of the above, school facilities certainly fit the bill! 

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