Amy Weiss | Oct 14, 2021
Staying active is beneficial for people of all ages, but it's especially important for older adults. But you may be surprised to learn that the benefit go beyond physical... Exercising with others offers many social benefits as well! A study from BioMed Research International found that "improvements in mental health, emotional, psychological, and social well-being and cognitive function are associated with regular physical activity."
Here are three benefits of exercising with friends, groups, or classes:
1. Meet new friends
What better way to connect with others who want to live an active, healthy lifestyle than at a fitness class? An energetic and supportive environment may be the start of new friendships, but it certainly isn't the end. Fitness technicians from our communities love to see their members sharing meals, life, and laughter together––even outside the fitness center.
2. Learn from others
Whether exercising with a professional instructor or a peer who's just a bit further along in their exercise journey, we can all learn from each other. Fitness techs at our communities offer expert group classes and personal training sessions, so there's something for everyone. The best part? These team members, along with residents and fitness center members, make learning fun.3. Work toward your goals together
Motivation. Accountability. Encouragement. Knowing others around you are working to improve, even if you have different goals, can be a great reminder to keep going. A study from The Ohio State University found that telling someone you respect or admire about your goals makes you more likely to reach it.
We hope this inspires you to try something new, invite a friend to go for a walk, or find the support you need for your wellness journey.