Importance of Community in Health and Fitness

One of the main reasons for me to stick with fitness long term was the fact that a few of my friends were also interested in fitness. I loved the community aspect of it as it made me more excited to progress towards my goal. I joined another gym that fosters community called Grunt Performance. Currently I am at Torque Barbell which is a similar community based gym. Both of these gyms foster a community of like-minded people with open doors to beginners to pros alike. The layout of a community based gyms is a large open space where people can perform athletic activities freely. Because it is an open space, it encourages interaction. I have always been at these type of gyms just because of the community it fosters.

Interacting with people who are on the same journey as you is very important in reaching your fitness goals. You encourage and relate to others on the same level as you, you are inspired by the advanced members of the gym and you want to help those who are just starting! Every person is accepted and taken care of as an individual irrespective of their background or goal. I have personally been on all three levels.

Looking at Torque Barbell, to outsiders it seems like an intimidating and professional gym - yes it is a professional gym with specialised trainers - however it is the most inclusive and least intimidating gym I’ve been to. Smiling faces everywhere, inspiring members, helpful trainers and also dogs running around! By contrast, going to a big commercial gym, there isn’t much interaction between members, newcomers feel intimidated, and employees are there to meet their quotas.

We are social beings and thrive in a community setting. Sometimes you will have people in your life who are not supportive of your goals. Having a support system that encourage what you’re trying to do is major - be it your gym community, your significant other, your online fitness community, or your trainer/coach. Surrounding yourself with people on the same path as you will get you to your goal faster. You know what they say, “you are the product of the five people who surround yourself with”. Before joining my gym I was around people who would spend their free time partying. I did not want that to be my life. At the gym over the years I’ve met highly motivated people who were great students, athletes, professionals, business owners, and overall had a balanced life.

I highly recommend finding a similarly motivated community to help you progress towards your goals. You can find one by searching for: “community based gym your city” or “strength and conditioning gyms your city” “powerlifting gym your city” “athletic training gym your city”.