LITTLE ROCK — One of the understated benefits of exercise at a fitness center is social interaction. I can’t tell you how many long-lasting relationships have been created within the walls of one of my facilities.
It’s truly mind blowing to think of the impact a fitness center has on its community.
This week, I’ll discuss some ways that social interaction can actually improve your workout performance, and I will introduce an exercise that’s often done in group exercise classes.
We all know people who have treadmills or elliptical machines down in their basement that are covered in spider webs because they haven’t been used in years. This is proof positive that succeeding with exercise and achieving our fitness goals aren’t just about access to equipment. That’s the easy part.
The fitness experience is, at the most elemental level, about people.
Fitness centers offer their members an opportunity to exercise in a positive, supportive environment with people who have similar interests and goals. Does that mean you have to perform interval sprints like the crazy cardio girl next to you? Not at all. But fitness is about interaction with others to elicit enjoyment that could not otherwise be achieved alone.
More often than not, the people who achieve their goals and continue to work hard in the face of adversity are the ones who feel accountable to others. Whether that’s a friend, spouse or personal trainer, it’s extremely important to have that person who forces you to get out of bed at 6 a.m. in February for a Tuesday morning workout session.
People who try to hoe the row on their own can still be successful, but their internal will power must be incredibly strong to overcome the temptation to slack off.
My advice is find someone you like to work out with. For some, a group exercise class such as a boot camp or yoga class will offer all the social support they need. Others will do better meeting a neighbor or buddy. The key is to find the right social situation to fit your needs. An active lifestyle is a wonderful way to stroll through life, but it’s so much more gratifying when you can share it with others.
This week, I’ve got a fun new exercise that’s often done in group class formats. The Single Leg L Switch is a great way to challenge the arms and abdominal muscles without any equipment.
Sit on the floor with your right leg outstretched in front of you.
Bend your left knee and place your left foot on the floor very close to your hips.
Make fists with both hands and press down against the floor on each side of your body.
Extend your arms fully so your hips actually rise off the floor a few inches.
Raise your right foot a few inches off the floor. Your hips and right foot are off thefloor while your left foot and fists are bracing your body.
Hold for a second, then switch legs as you continue holding your hips off the floor.
Repeat for 15 leg switches and two sets.
This exercise is certainly adaptable. If you want to make it a little easier, try moving your anchor foot away from your hips. This will reduce the amount of body weight you are lifting and thus make the exercise less difficult.
Either way, grab a buddy for encouragement and try it. Matt Parrott has a doctorate in education (sport studies) and a master’s in kinesiology and is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine.
ActiveStyle, Pages 28 on 02/25/2013