Movement is crucial for our physical and mental wellbeing, but sometimes it can be challenging to maintain interest if you do it on your own. That’s where your community comes in. Whether it’s a friend, family member or exercise group, moving with others can make it easier for you to get active (and stay active).
This blog covers six benefits of moving with your community.
1. It can be more fun
When you’ve got someone else to exercise with, it can be more exciting. While you’re moving your bodies, you can catch up, have a laugh, and encourage one another along the way. It’s a win-win of getting your daily dose of physical activity and sharing quality time with people you love.
Having someone to exercise with also opens up a lot more options when it comes to what you do. You could play a game of badminton, frisbee in the park, or do balance challenges. You can even give these Bluearth partner and group activities a go.
2. You can form new friendships
Exercising with people you don’t know well (say in an exercise class) provides an opportunity to forge new friendships. Having a common interest in improving your health can make it easier to strike up a conversation, which can lead to chatting about other things as you work out. As you get to know each other, a friendship can form that extends beyond the class.
3. You’re more likely to stick to your commitment
If you’ve arranged to meet with a friend for a walk or booked an exercise class, you’re more likely to keep that commitment because you don’t want to let your partner down or waste your money. This accountability can be a great motivator to tie up those laces and show up.
The more you exercise, the more it will become a routine – which should make getting out and moving something you want to do rather than something you have to do.
On days you don’t feel like exercising, a pep talk from your movement buddy might be just the lift you need to get up and go. A support system can go a long way in your journey to moving well.
4. You’ll work harder
If you and your movement buddy are at similar fitness levels, you’ll be able to encourage each other to push that little harder than you might on your own. This can ultimately make your movement more beneficial and help you become stronger.
5. It can be more affordable
Not all forms of movement come cheap. Moving with others can help keep costs down, as you can split the price of a personal trainer or equipment. You can also carpool to the park, sports venue or pool – saving dollars spent on fuel.
6. You can discover new movement ideas
Since we’re all unique, your movement buddy will have knowledge and skills that you don’t and may be able to introduce you to a movement you’ve never done before. This can help you discover new ways to move and introduce more variety in your exercise routine.