What is community?

Today the definition of community reaches beyond those in our neighborhood. It can be a group of online Facebook friends that all like fashion, it can be a group of people at work who participate in a book club, or it can even be those in a group exercise class. At the start of every class, if time permits, I like to chat a little bit about what is going on in the participants’ lives. I’ve learned about people’s passions, things going on in their family life, and recent injuries or pain that they’ve experienced.

A few weeks ago before beginning my in-person SoulBody barre class, one of the members and I were chatting about a charity she participates in, Toys for Tots. She was expressing how this year was especially difficult as the group couldn’t rely on their typical in-person fundraising as they normally would. Fast forward to the week of Thanksgiving, we were wrapping up our class and sharing final thoughts and well wishes for the undoubtedly atypical holiday we were all about to experience when another member came up to the woman who had mentioned her struggles with her charity a few weeks back. The member presented her with a generous donation and stated that she didn’t have time to purchase a toy but that she wanted to contribute and help in any way she could. Now, I don’t know about you, but that exchange exemplified one of the true meanings of community in my mind: helping one another out and giving to others without the need for anything in return. Also, I want to point out that these members did not know each other prior to class! Their interest in the barre class, group exercise, and the gym are what brought them together.

Unbeknownst to all of us, the little chit chat and banter at the beginning of class is the start of a new community that we all created together. And you know what, those pieces of group exercise make the class so much more FUN! This aspect makes people WANT to come back time and time again because we are connecting with each other. And as a bonus, exercise that combines movement and social support is known to improve our own mood, especially in those who report feeling depressed prior to exercising (Lane & Lovejoy, 2001). Whether you are taking or teaching classes in person or virtually, think about the community that can flourish when we step into our group class space. Imagine the benefits within not only our own communities but the ripple effect on other communities outside of our own.

Becca Voelpel

Director of SoulBody Unhitched + Group Fitness Instructor