According to the Strava 2024 Year in Sport report, social fitness is booming.
We asked experts what they think about the trend.
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While the class no longer exists, were still close over six years later.
licensed psychologist and president and chief clinical officer atDeep Eddy Therapy
People have been turning to sports to find community and the stats back this up.
We dove into the stats and chatted with fitness experts to get their takes.
Social media has definitely played a role in this.
Take theVenice Run Club (VRC)for example, which has amassed over 41,000 followers across social media.
Social reasons were my top motivation for joining because I wanted to make more friends in my neighborhood.
Unlike dating apps, group workouts let you connect through shared goals and mutual support.
And then after the run, we all meet up at a local restaurant to eat and socialize.
It made me realize more of us are searching for connection and community than I thought.
Its amazing to see how those connections evolve.
licensed psychologist and president and chief clinical officer atDeep Eddy Therapy
And whilerun clubshave definitely had their moment this year, there have been some other surprising contenders, too.
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The power of shared experiences
There certainly is power in shared experiences.
The same goes for fitness classes and activities.
Another aspect of this is the doubled endorphins you might receive.
Fitness isnt just about physical healthits about mental well-being and building a sense of community, he says.
Theres something powerful about encouraging each other through tough moments and celebrating progress together.
Luke Milton, personal trainer
Experts have been researching social connections and their different types for decades.
The most powerful predictor was physical proximity, Shumway says.
Go join that fitness class or club.
Even if youre not necessarily looking for any social connections, youll naturally reap the benefits.
Physical activity and social connection are both powerful longevity enhancers.
But living longer isnt nearly as important as living better, Shumway says.
Enrich your story with memories of new gains, muscles, and friendships alike.
Ren J, Xiao H. Exercise for Mental Well-Being: Exploring Neurobiological Advances and Intervention Effects in Depression.
Life (Basel).
2023 Jul 4;13(7):1505. doi: 10.3390/life13071505.
Erratum in: Life (Basel).
2024 Jun 27;14(7):816. doi: 10.3390/life14070816.
PMID: 37511879; PMCID: PMC10381534.
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