How to Make New Fitness Friends: Connecting With Fellow Exercisers
Posted: 28/09/2023
Making new fitness friends can really help boost your motivation, keep you accountable and make working out all the more enjoyable. However, it's fair to say that putting yourself out there to connect with fellow gym-goers or members of your exercise class can feel pretty daunting.
If the thought of striking up new acquaintances fills you with dread, we’re here to help. Read on for tips for sparking up a rapport with like-minded fitness enthusiasts and why the gym is the perfect place to broaden your friendship group.
Why the Gym is a Great Place to Make Friends as an Adult
As an adult, making new friends organically often becomes more difficult. But the gym offers a relaxed, social setting where you are guaranteed to be surrounded by likeminded individuals. You already have at least one common interest with everyone there – staying active and working on fitness.
Exercising is a great activity for sparking new adult friendships for several reasons. Firstly, you are likely to see the same fellow gym-goers who attend workout classes or exercise at the same times as you do. This familiarity and regular interaction makes it easy to start building rapport.
Gyms attract a wide variety of people of different ages, backgrounds and personalities, giving you a diverse pool of potential friends to connect with. Forming bonds with workout buddies can be hugely beneficial for motivation, accountability and enjoyment.
Take Part in a Group Workout
For an active way to cement new fitness friendships outside the gym, consider taking part a group workout or activity. Whether it’s going for a jog with fellow runners, taking part in a yoga session or a barre class, joining in on an informal fitness class outside your normal gym activities will give you the opportunity to meet other people with similar interests.
Ask Others for Advice
Most people feel flattered when asked for tips, insight or recommendations about working out. If you see someone performing an exercise you've been wanting to master, ask them for pointers. Not only does this help you learn something useful, but it also makes the person feel valued for their knowledge. Don't be afraid to admit you're still learning – asking for gym or workout advice is a great rapport builder.
Join a Tennis Social
Tennis is a naturally social activity because you can’t play alone, but a tennis social is a particularly great way to make new fitness friends. Group sessions and socials are ideal for all abilities and it’s a fun way to keep fit while also building your tennis skills.
Offer to Spot for Others
Next time you’re at the weights rack, offer to spot others needing assistance with their lifts. Spotting is an essential part of weight room safety, and people will appreciate you looking out for them. Not only have you helped someone out, but you've now struck up a conversation with a fellow gym-goer. Spotting others when they need it displays kindness and gives you an entry point for making a new fitness friend.
Attend Classes at the Same Times
If you're hoping to make friends in a group fitness class, go consistently at the same time each week. When you become a regular face at a particular class timeslot, you'll start recognising and growing connections with your fellow attendees. Consistency and repetition breed familiarity and comfort with the people who work out alongside you.
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Making new fitness friends can truly take your workouts to the next level. Having the camaraderie and accountability provided by gym friends makes fitness more motivating and enjoyable.
Our wide range of exercise classes and comprehensive gym facilities provide the ideal environment for meeting like-minded fitness enthusiasts. Get in touch to find out more about a Wickwoods membership or enquire about our wellness facilities.