Hi Warriors, I’m back with the third installment in my Value Add Series. You can check out the intro here and last month’s post here. Exercise and movement can add much to our lives outside of just our Physical Health. One of the areas that can benefit the most is actually our Social Health.
Social Health covers those areas where we are interacting with other people. Social Health is insanely critical to our overall wellness as it also affects our Mental and Emotional Health. One of the best places to meet like minded people is in a workout space. I mean look at the comradery around CrossFit.
Gyms can be super intimidating, but I’ve got a hot take that might ruffle some feathers. After working in them for longer than I care to admit, I have noticed that everyone is intimidated. That chica who’s owning Spin class? Yeah, she’s worried about if her thighs look strong or jiggly. That dude slapping plates on the bench press? He’s worried about who around him is doing the plate math and judging him.
The funniest thing is that some of the nicest people I have ever met have been in the gym. Sure, there are some jerks there, but they are much fewer and further between. Need a piece of equipment and someone’s using it? Ask to work in. Feel like a dork for dancing to your tunes? Find out when the next Zumba class is.
The gym is full of kind and helpful people and as soon as you figure out what your gym jam is you’ll find your people. Going to the gym is so much easier and tons more fun when you have a crew of people rooting for you.
Which brings me to my second point about Social Health and movement. Where else in your life do you honestly find people rooting for you no matter what? Not many places. Especially when the going gets rough, your gym crew will be there to pump you up. Physically and Mentally. That’s amazing and you can’t convince me otherwise.
I know there are several of you out there right now just thinking, “yo, Melissa, I’ve tried and the gym just isn’t it for me,” or, “man, the season of life I’m in just doesn’t leave me enough time for the gym.” I see you. Working out from home still can benefit your Social Health.
If you’ve got a safe and walkable neighborhood, get together with some neighbor friends and hoof it a couple of times a week. Creating bonds with neighbors is amazing, especially if you’ve got kids. In this day and age, it’s always nice to know who your kids are hanging out with or to have a back up babysitter in case of emergency.
If safe or walkable aren’t accessible, invite some friends over for some living room yoga or jazzercise. Hey, don’t judge. Where else can you dance around in neon colors and leg warmers if not your own living room? I guarantee you’ll never have so much fun with exercise.
My point with all these ramblings is that exercise can help create meaningful relationships. And we could all use a few more of those. In addition, regular movement can help create situations where you feel more able or willing to approach others.
Remember that link between Social Health and Mental Health? It actually works both ways. Exercise helps boost so many aspects of mental health and when we feel confident and positive about ourselves, we are more likely to reach out. If that’s to someone we haven’t seen or spoken to in awhile or if that’s trying something new and chatting up the person next to us, that’s still a benefit to Social Health.
At the end of the day, socializing is a huge key to longevity and there is nothing wrong with letting exercise and movement lead you to a third place.
Until next time, be well friends!
