In The Joy of Movement, Kelly McGonigal discusses the benefits of exercising with other people. She is a college professor and exercise instructor who has a front row seat to the power of movement. There is a story in the book about a woman who has experienced a tragedy and still comes to her weekly exercise class. She knew instinctively that this would help her process her loss. There are many inspiring and moving stories of how movement has added belonging and meaning to people’s lives.
I discussed the losses of group exercise over the last several years in my last post. Here are some more reasons to motivate you:
- Community-You come to know people over time. A friend of mine who teaches Zumba told me that over the years, the women in her class have held potluck dinners and celebrated holidays together. This began with sweating together. Sweating together leads to a greater sense of comfort and bonding.
- Motivation– If it’s a challenging move you are struggling with, there’s nothing like people cheering you on. Soul Cycle is especially popular because of the group energy. On challenging days, the group can motivate you and hold you accountable.
- Improvement and Synergy– When you are around more advanced people who are further along in their journey, that is something that helps you get better. People who thought something was too challenging achieved the impossible with other like-minded people.
- Joy– McGonigal’s title shows this is maybe the most important part of movement and exercising with others. We can truly find our best and strongest selves through collective movement. We can support each other in multiple ways.
Ask a friend to join you so you get the group benefits while strengthening your friendship.
As an introvert, I need to be gently encouraged in this area. I think I will try to join an in-person yoga class.
