There's Strength in Numbers on This Fitness Journey
Written By: Beverly Moore, Marketing and Community Relations, Downs Fitness
At Downs Fitness, we believe in the power of community.
Our Fit Fam is not just a group of individuals but a collective force that propels each member towards their fitness goals. I've personally experienced the difference a supportive community can make in a fitness journey. It's not always easy, and I've had my fair share of ups and downs. But I've found that I'm most successful when surrounded by people who hold me accountable and inspire me to keep pushing.
This is why I confidently say Downs Fitness is the BEST Fit Fam on the planet. Those times when I don't feel like working out, or I have hit a plateau and want to give up, knowing that I am part of a group of people who understand my struggle is comforting. After a while, it's not just about the reads on the scale but more important numbers like my vitals.
I've said it before: I am healthier at age 55 than I was at 25. I am fighting a generational battle, and I am winning.
At Downs Fitness, we understand that adulting can be challenging, but it's much easier with a supportive community by your side. Whether you're in the south suburbs of the Chicago Metro, in person or virtual, in another state, or even in a different country, the Downs Fitness family is here for you. We're not just a local community; we're a global one. Don't just take my word for the value of belonging to a group; here are some reasons experts believe your fitness journey is enhanced in a community setting.
Exercising with a group can take your workouts up a notch
Research shows that the healthy actions of others rub off. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participants gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them.
Increases your commitment to a fitness routine
One study found that 95 percent of those who started a weight-loss program with friends completed it, compared to 76 percent for those who tackled the program alone. The friend group was also 42 percent more likely to maintain their weight loss. The benefits of a community include enhancing consistency, duration, motivation, conversation, and inspiration. I need those endorphins!
Push yourself harder: The Köhler Effect is the idea that no one wants to be the weakest link in a group setting
When it comes to fitness, this translates to pushing yourself harder when tasked with working out with people who are fitter than you. Whether in-person, virtual, or replay, it pushes me whenever I look at my fam, or Drea says don't let your neighbor drop. The expectation is set that you come to give your very best effort. Other studies confirm that working out with a partner or group significantly increases exercise time. A study by the Society of Behavioral Medicine showed that working with a partner, especially in a team format, improved performance, doubling the workout time of those who exercised alone.
What people experience in the Downs Fitness family is genuine. We have trainers and coaches committed to helping us along our fitness journey. The culture established by Andrea and Lindsay Downs mandates that no one is left behind or walks alone.
It only takes one workout to be part of the Downs Fitness family.
There's no shaming; that's why the modifications are life. But when ready, you will be pushed past your comfort zone. When you make the effort, you will feel stronger from it. Whatever you do, just keep moving! We can be honest about our struggles and receive counsel on overcoming them. However, it takes a made-up mind and a committed mindset to see results, and the positive outcomes are abundant with scale and non-scale victories; we celebrate it all.
We invite you to join the Best Fit Fam on the planet. Visit www.downsfitness.org to learn more about our group fitness classes, personal training, and drop-in classes, or sign up for the next Fit in Six, which begins April 15.
There are four ways to join:
Virtual Crew
5 am Crew
Circuit Training Crew
Begin with Downs Crew
Source: Steinhilber, Brianna, The health benefits of working out with a crowd, NBC News, Updated June 19, 2018
Beverly Moore
Marketing and Community Relations, Downs Fitness