Working out isn’t just about your physical fitness; it can improve your social fitness, too.
There are multiple studies that show the importance of social bonds when it comes to our health. Indeed, there’s even research to suggest that the quality of our relationships can have a major impact on longevity.
That’s where social fitness comes in. It’s a relatively recent term to describe the health of our relationships – our ability to interact and connect with others, whether that’s friendships, family ties or romantic relationships.
And, in fact, it’s not just about our close relationships. As a Harvard study showed, even everyday, brief connections can boost our wellbeing,
But making connections isn’t always easy – especially when you’re an adult, leading a whole life filled with adult things like work, family and bills.
And that’s where exercise comes in. It’s a great way to multi-task, giving you the chance to invest in your physical health as well as potentially joining a new community, and/or brightening your everyday with a quick chat.
Of course, not all workouts are suitable for socialising – but there are plenty that are. If you’re looking to increase your social circle, here are some particularly good ways to get physically and socially fit.
1. Padel
All racquets sports lend themselves to social interaction, but there’s something about Padel that really brings people together. Maybe it’s because Padel is so easy to learn; perhaps it’s because it’s open to a wide range of abilities; or maybe it’s because the game is just so fun!
2. The gym
Bear with us on this one. Yes, working out at the gym may seem like a solo endeavour. However, there are plenty of ways in which it can actually come to feel like a community. Whether you’re talking technique with a fellow gym-goer, chatting with your personal trainer, getting to know people in a fitness class or meeting up with some new friends for a post-workout protein shake, there are are a surprising number of opportunities for social interaction.
3. Slow running clubs
One of the many myths about running is that it’s a solitary pursuit. Not so if you join a running club – and particularly if you choose one of the the growing numbers of slow running clubs. After all, it’s easier to chat when you aren’t running at full pelt, and the atmosphere is likely to be less competitive.
4. Niche team sports
Team sports are a classic way to give both your social and physical fitness a boost. But if you’re looking for an especially strong community feel, seek out a lesser-known sport. There’s something about feeling like one of the few that can really bring people together. Curling, roller derby, Aussie Rules football (niche in the UK, obviously not in Australia) – there are lots of options.
5. Martial arts
Channel your inner Cobra Kai as you get fit and find like-minded people. The thing about martial arts is that you usually have to get paired up with classmates in order to practise the moves, so it’s easy to get talking (when you’re not aiming kicks at each other, of course).
6. Group exercise classes
This one can be a bit of a slow burn. Making friends in a group exercise sessions means finding a class with the right atmosphere and showing up regularly, so you naturally start to recognise and feel comfortable with fellow class-goers. Some people like to turn up, work out and leave, and it’s important to respect that, but chances are there will also be people who are happy to have a pre- or post-session chat.
Perhaps this goes without saying, but whatever social workout you end up choosing, make sure it’s something you enjoy. There’s no point grimly forcing yourself through a session wishing you were anywhere else. Even if exercise doesn’t come naturally to you, you’ll find something to suit you with a little trial and error.
Focus on the results, yes – when it comes to both social and physical fitness – but take pleasure in the process, too.
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