Regular exercise is well-known for its positive effects on physical, mental, and emotional health, but starting a fitness journey isn’t always easy.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor—there are numerous community options available that can connect you with FITNESS like-minded individuals, whose support may encourage you as you work to better your overall well-being. To help you in your quest, here’s a closer look at the great impact these groups can have.

Strength in numbers

One of the biggest challenges in establishing a consistent fitness routine is staying motivated. After all, it’s only natural to struggle getting to the gym each week if you’re not used to going. That’s where joining a fitness community comes in. Research has shown that people who exercise with others are more likely to stick to their fitness goals and maintain their progress over time. When you become part of a group, whether through a class at your gym or by joining a place like Pure Barre, Orangetheory, or CrossFit, you surround yourself with people who share similar aspirations, which can boost your motivation in many ways. For instance, fellow exercisers may encourage you to keep up the hard work, holding you accountable to sticking with your regimen. And seeing someone else doing well in class can give you the inspiration and strength you need to push past your limitations and take the next step in your fitness journey.

Additionally, knowing that you are part of a community can provide a sense of security and belonging that keeps you coming back each week. From friendly competition to group challenges, working out alongside others reminds you that you’re not alone in your endeavors. As you bond with others who understand the challenges and triumphs you’re facing, you’ll gain a support system that will be there to lift you up when you’re down and help you achieve your targets. There’s also often a collective energy and enthusiasm within fitness groups that can be incredibly contagious, igniting a sense of purpose that may drive you to stay consistent with your routine—even during times when it feels like a struggle.

Greater resources and fun

When you join a fitness community, you’re going to be surrounded by individuals of varying levels of experience and expertise, any of whom can be great resources for you as you develop your fitness abilities. For one, most groups and classes have coaches or trainers to provide guidance, which may help ensure that you’re performing each activity correctly so you can maximize their effectiveness and avoid injury. But your peers can also be of assistance, whether by teaching you new exercise techniques and tricks or offering nutrition tips that complement your workouts. These insights can lead to greater success as you continue to prioritize your well-being.

Further, exercise doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be enjoyable and even downright fun when done in the right company. Working out every week with the people in your group will inevitably bring you closer, opening the door for all sorts of social engagement. From casual conversation to playful banter to friendly competition, these interactions can make the challenge of exercise that much easier. That half hour on the treadmill will fly by when you’re chatting about your week with a peer, and a good joke can lighten your mood no matter how difficult the activity. Although regular exercise in itself can improve your health and help you feel better, the people in your community might just be what keep you coming back each week.

Whether you’re just starting your wellness regimen or looking to take your fitness to the next level, it’s worth considering joining a community where you can connect with others who share your passions and aspirations. Your body and mind will thank you for it.