Friends and fitness are a winning combination. We can hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and inspire real change for the good.
Want to meet new friends and get fit too? These 10 activities can help you do both! #friendship #fitness #healthylifestyle #health
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Friends and Fitness: A Winning Combo
It can be tough to make new trustworthy friends as an adult, though. Plus, there’s the schedule demands of work, family commitments, and other obligations.
But what if you could kill two birds with one stone? What if you really can improve your fitness while also making new friends? Or improving your existing friendships?
Believe it or not, this is entirely possible. This blog will show you how!
# 1 – Join A Sports Team
One of the best ways to mix friends and fitness is to join a sports team. This way, you’ll already have something in common with the people you meet – a love of the sport!
Joining a sports team is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air. And, if you’re competitive, it can be a great way to motivate yourself to stay in shape!
There are lots of different sports teams out there, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you. From football to netball, high impact to low impact, there are options for everyone. Why not look for your new teammates today?
Try searching online for something like, “local sports teams to join,” and see what’s available in your area!
It’s a great, safe way, to meet new people who have similar interests to you. This way, you’re more likely to hit it off and make lasting friendships.
# 2 – Head to the gym
I know it isn’t for everyone, but another great way to meet new people and get in shape is by going to the gym. You can exercise alone and at your own pace. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t still make new friends!
There are often group classes offered at gyms, which are a great way to meet new people. Or, if you see someone working out next to you with similar goals, strike up a conversation! You never know, you might just make a new friend – and reach your fitness goals faster by working out with a buddy.
Going to the gym is also a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall mental health.
# 3 – Take that fitness class
We just covered how most gyms offer group classes, but there are also great classes offered through churches and other local organizations that are more intimate.
There are all sorts of different fitness classes out there, from dance classes to pilates. With so many different types, there’s bound to be one you enjoy. And, who knows, maybe you’ll even find a new hobby that you love.
Taking a fitness class is also a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, this could be the perfect solution!
Just like finding a local sports team, try searching online for, “local fitness classes,” and see what you can find. 🙂 If you have a specific kind of exercise in mind, like Zumba for example, search instead for, “local Zumba classes.”
I hope you find the perfect group for you!
# 4 – Join a running club
Runners tend to be passionate about their sport so it’s no wonder that easy friendships can be made here!
If you too are a fan of running, then joining a running club is a great way to have a meet up and meet new people all while getting in shape.
Joining a running club is also a great way to push yourself to reach new goals. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to improve your fitness, being part of a team can be hugely motivating. And, of course, it’s always more fun to run with friends!
Most countries have running clubs/meet-ups to join so finding one should not be difficult to do. Do an online search for, “running club near me.” There are so many available!
Just be sure that you are being safe. Don’t meet new people alone and always meet first in public settings. Better safe than sorry!
# 5 – Hit the trails
I absolutely love nature, so naturally, hiking in a beautiful mountain setting is one of my favorite things to do! It hardly feels like a workout because it’s so much fun.
That’s why if friends and fitness is your goal, hitting the trails is a great option. There are often groups of people hiking or walking together, which makes it easy to strike up a conversation.
And, of course, you’re bound to find someone with similar interests – after all, you’re both out there enjoying nature!
If you don’t feel like hiking on foot – mountain or trail biking is another great option.
Fresh air, great views, exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise, and maybe even spotting some wildlife — how could you not have a great time?
So what are you waiting for? If you’re blessed to be in a great area for hiking, why not get out there and explore?
# 6 – Swim your heart out
Swimming is another excellent way to meet new people and get in shape. People often swim together so it’s fairly easy to strike up a conversation. And, of course, you’re bound to find someone with similar interests – after all, you’re both out there enjoying the water!
Swimming is also great exercise and a powerful stress reliever, which helps you relax. Plus, if you have sore achy joints – this is one of the best ways to get fit without the pain!
Maybe your new best friend is waiting to meet you there?
# 7 – Join a dance class
What better way to have friends and fitness than by joining a dance class? You will get a workout while learning how to dance, and you will be able to meet new people who share your love and enjoyment of it.
Dance classes are available for all levels of experience, so you can find the right class for you. Find a class that matches your skill level and dance the day away. You don’t have to be a pro at it; you just have to be willing to have some fun!
# 8 – Try cycling
The health benefits of cycling are almost endless. While it can be a solitary sport if you are needing a break from people; it’s also a great sport for mixing friends and fitness.
It’s even possible that you could save money by riding your bike places instead of taking your car. A quick search online for, “cycling groups near me,” will help you find others who share your passion.
# 9 – Visit the local dog park
If you love dogs, then going to a dog park is a great way to meet new people and get some exercise. Walking all by itself is an excellent way to build up your fitness level and reduce your chances of disease throughout your life.
Walking with a dog? Even better! Dog parks are also a great place to let your dog socialize and burn off some energy. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your fitness and make new friends, this is definitely the activity for you!
Your community doesn’t have one? Have you ever considered starting one? Just a thought! 😉 If not, do you have any nature preserves in your area that allow you to bring your dog along?
# 10 – Join an online community
If you’re anything like me, working out with others in person may not be an option. We live in a rural area and so our options are limited. Or, perhaps you are concerned about gathering up for health reasons.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from being able to have friends and fitness too! There are so many online communities available with like-minded people – just like you!
The MyFitnessPal Community, for example, offers everything from workout buddies, accountability checks, or a motivational push when you feel uninspired to keep going.
There are so many online options available that it would be impossible for me to list them all. If you have a particular workout you enjoy (like growithjo), see if there is a Facebook group or online forum that works out to the same or similar.
Conclusion
The beauty of joining an online or in-person group is that you each want the same thing. There shouldn’t be any judgment.
You can empathize when the going gets rough and help each other through those tough times. We all need a little pick-me-up now and then, right?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
- What is your favorite way to mix friends and fitness?
- Do you currently do any of these activities?
Thank you for reading & for sharing this post with your friends & family. I appreciate you! 💚
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Love & Blessings,
These are great suggestions. I meet up with one of my friends for a water aerobics class each week and we always have a lot of fun.
Thank you, Kelly! Oooh, that does sound like fun and it’s a challenging workout too. Plus it’s easy on the body, even better. I’m glad you have a friend you can enjoy in this way. 😊 Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate you!
This summer I am going to hit the trails with some homemade tick repellent. That is goal one. Additionally, I have finally signed up for a Planet Fitness membership and went for the Black Card so I could invite a friend each time I go. No excuses. Just a healthier me finally! Time to conquer this lack of love for moving anything more than my fingers on the keyboard!
Yeeees, that sounds amazing, Shell! I love your ideas, especially the trails with homemade tick repellant. Definitely needed. 😊. It is therapeutic to be out on the trails, though. I miss that so much!
I chuckled when I read, “time to conquer this lack of love for moving anything more than my fingers on the keyboard.” That’s so relatable. It’s easy to get into a sedentary rut, especially when your schedule is crazy. As you know, it gets so much easier when we just decide to start — from there, we start feeling better and the motivation changes. When we hit those unmotivated moments, which we will, having that friend to go along with makes a world of difference.
Have you thought about getting one of those foot bike pedals for under the desk while you work? That’s a simple way to add at least some movement. Since I already had a treadmill, I walk at slow paces while I work and that helps too.
I send you so much love. You know I appreciate you and think of you often! ❤️
Unfortunately I can’t do two things at one if one is movement and the other is typing. I mess up on one. So I’m looking into some ideas on how to be more active with work while still being able to get things done.
These are all great suggestions! I never thought of joining a fitness class or a dance class but I bet both would be fun.
I haven’t been hiking in years but I’ve always loved it! There’s nothing better than walking a trail and coming up on a surprise waterfall. And Virginia has the most beautiful mountain views!
Before we moved I would meet with a friend at the park a few times a week and we’d walk while catching up. I haven’t been able to do that since we moved.
Great post! I’ve shared and pinned! Sending big hugs your way!
I couldn’t agree more with you, Michelle. Virginia does have the most beautiful mountain views. That in itself is therapy! I know we agree on this. 😁 I hope you can go hiking sometime soon and find the most magical waterfall you’ve ever seen.
I hope you can start walking with your friend again soon. That’s such a healthy way to relieve stress and feel better in general. Plus it boosts your creativity for when you get back and work on the blog! You always have the best ideas.
I love you, Michelle. Thank you for your kindness and support. It’s so good to hear from you ❤️
These are such good suggestions, Holly, and I love that you have included something for just about everyone.
I love hiking too – and where I hike there are lots of people who walk with their dogs. Over the past few years I have gotten to know many of those people as I see them so regularly and the dogs recognise me as well. It’s such a great way to get out in nature and share joy with others. (We don’t have pets as we travel so much but I love both dogs and cats. As you say, you don’t have to have a dog to visit a dog park or walk where people walk their dogs!)
I do Pilates and personal training online as well, and visit gyms when we are travelling.
I think I should perhaps consider joining a team though, it would be fun to do a sport like badminton or volleyball once again.
Thank you for sharing these excellent, practical ideas!
Ultimate (frisbee) is one of my favourite ways to hang with friends and have fun exercising! There are social leagues in many areas of many countries, so it can be something to go and try out. Even if you’ve never thrown a disc the environment is so wholesome and welcoming. 🙂