We constantly tell our children not to be swayed by peer pressure when making decisions that could impact their lives, however; there are times, at any age, when following “the group” could lead to positive lifestyle choices. For example, if you are long on excuses for not exercising, then joining a group of healthy-minded individuals might be all the motivation you need to stick with an exercise program and enjoy the rewards.
The New England Journal of Medicine recently published an article describing the “contagious effect” of weight gain among friends. The study reported following a large social network of people from 1971 to 2003 and found that when one person gained weight, their close friends tended to gain weight also. According to Nicki Soufleris, MD practicing in Chattanooga, the same analogy could be used to recognize the “contagious” aspect of weight loss and other healthy habits gained from a social or fitness group. Committing to a group for exercise takes out the necessity of having to make a decision since the time is already scheduled, says Dr. Soufleris. She adds, “Exercising with a group is a good way to introduce new types of exercise into your routine and make your workout more interesting.”
Local fitness guru, Jack Silberman, says “There is a high energy in group fitness and people feed off each other’s energy.” In addition to healthy competition among group members, “you also realize that there are other people with the same struggles,” he says. Silberman is combining the “energy” and social rewards that come from working out with others with the benefits of personal training at his newly opened Chickamauga, GA facility called The Key. Described by Silberman as “the club of the future,” the “Technogym Key System” will give each member an electronic “key” which stores his or her personal training and medical data along with a prescribed workout set by a trainer for each visit.
Teresa Wade, Health and Fitness Director for the Sports Barn, claims that group fitness “keeps exercise fun, interesting and challenging.” “Being with other healthy-minded people can help you stick with your personal exercise plan and better achieve your goals.” Another benefit of group fitness, according to Wade, is that it takes you out of your “comfort zone” and inspires you to reach a new level.
The Sports Barn offers two types of group programs. One consists of group fitness classes that come with membership such as indoor cycling, yoga and water classes. A favorite for members of all fitness levels is the circuit class which continually changes to keep participants focused and free from boredom. The second type of group fitness at The Barn is called group-based personal training which allows small groups of friends to work with a personal trainer and share the rates. As an extra bonus, participants of small groups use a specialized gravity-based training machine that combines strength training with Pilates.
At the Signal Mountain Boot Camp, David Duford, owner of Quick Fit Training Studio, says there is no better way for women to tone up than outside in the fresh air exercising together. Mr. Duford started The Boot Camp to provide women the ideal atmosphere to exercise together and lose unwanted weight. The program consists of two components: continuous exercise to tone the body and burn fat, and motivation and support gained from women working together to achieve the same goals. Says David Duford, “Most women want firmer arms, tummies , and buns, so what better way to accomplish that than to burn fat with like-minded women outside in the fresh air? Every woman participating in our program gains more effective fat-burning capabilities and a better understanding of what foods to eat that will maximize their weight loss results.”
A class at Madia’s Studio means leaving the stress of modern life at the front door and joining a group of “like-minded” people on an “ethereal journey” where mind and body become one. According to owner, Madia Swicord, “There is an ambiance created in a studio setting that is not typical of most gyms and a sense of peacefulness that comes from the inward focus of practicing yoga.” While participants do enjoy the quality of peace that comes from the physical, mental and spiritual connection, they also benefit from a very real and challenging workout. “The beauty of Chattanooga is that every personality needs a match, and there are many options in the area for finding the one that works for you,” says Swicord.
Chattanooga is fortunate to have the new Fitness Center at Siskin Hospital which offers “Fitness for Every BODY.” This beautiful new facility was designed to allow disabled and able-bodied people the opportunity to work together side-by-side in a comfortable and supportive environment.” Every area from the pool to the weight room was carefully planned to allow freedom of movement and independence for all members. True to any group fitness program, “the social aspect of being with friends and following each other’s progress is especially beneficial to the members at Siskin,” says Tod Cain, director of therapy services. Several “socialization classes” are offered such as scrapbooking and sewing for members who are not ready for a physical class but want to leave the house and be with other people as they build their leisure skills. “By working with their hands and head in a group setting, these members are leading a healthier lifestyle that might encourage them to move on to some of the other classes,” says Cain. The pool is host to most of the group classes at Siskin, according to Cain, because water is a great way to ease the transition from therapy to land.
Thanks to the efforts of organizations like Outdoor Chattanooga, many of the best exercise programs in the area are virtually free and take you outside where the air is fresh and the scenery changes. If you enjoy running, walking, rowing or cycling, there is an organized club offering the comradery of friends with a good workout. The Chattanooga Track Club, a non-profit organization established in 1970, has approximately 500 members and encourages anyone with an interest in walking, running, jogging or competitive racing to join.
Track club member, Joey Howe of Fast Break Athletics, says the Club sponsors many popular competitive races in the Chattanooga area and also organizes weekly runs with the opportunity to meet other runners. The group plans social outings every 3 to 4 months such as Lookout games, trips to restaurants and picnics. The Chattanooga Track Club also supports community efforts to encourage fitness such as youth cross-country meets and the UTC Cross Country Team. “It’s a way to do something positive for yourself and give back to the community at the same time,” says Howe.
An advocate for leading a healthy lifestyle, Mary Kilbride enjoys riding her bike for exercise and is now a member of the newly formed Velo Vixens Bike Club. For Mary, joining the group was not about winning races or being the best. Instead, she says “being a part of the group keeps me accountable because someone else is waiting on you to ride.” Another benefit of group exercise she adds is the opportunity to “hop onto their learning curve along with picking up training ideas [such as the best way to tackle a hill] and equipment recommendations.” Mary says The Chattanooga Bike Club is a great organization for newcomers to cycle along with a more experienced rider. Members enjoy weekly scheduled rides sometimes followed by a casual dinner.
A Surgeon’s General Warning should be attached to long-time runner Billy Watson that reads “You will enjoy the fellowship of group running, but it could cause you pain to stay with me to the end!” Watson is actually part of a large group of fellow boomers who run or bike each weekday at noon from the downtown YMCA , and show us all that a high level of fitness is attainable at any age. “Working out with a group gives you the opportunity to associate with people who share similar goals and interests,” says Watson. “When you exercise with someone who is a little better, it encourages you to work harder and become better.” For Watson, the best benefit of being in a group is the strong friendships he has developed through the years.
Throughout the Chattanooga Region there are health and fitness groups of all types that you can join to get you “moving and losing”, and at the same time enjoy the fellowship and friendships associated with working towards similar goals. These groups can be led by professionals or just formed by friends or associaites of the same fitness centers. Join one of the many group programs in the area or call a friend or several friends to start your own. Either way, you’ll be glad you did.