ONLY OPEN THIS IF YOU WANT GREATER CONNECTION & CONFIDENCE
A 7 a.m. workout with my strength & conditioning coach triggered a cascade of unexpected deep thought.
Since August I have been working with a coach twice a week at 7 a.m. Is it hard to get up on dark, cold and sometimes snowy mornings to work hard? Yes, it is. Yet I find myself doing it anyway. I go to a facility that primarily works with youth, pre-pro and professional athletes. Do I fall into these categories? Not exactly, but I’ve adopted a mindset that I want to train like a champion regardless.
Last week, as I was reflecting on the experience thus far, I couldn’t help but notice the deep satisfaction I was experiencing. As I sat with it a little longer, here’s what came up for me:
I feel incredibly proud of myself at the end of every workout.
Even though I may be the slowest or weakest person in the room, I’m so grateful that I can get through rigorous, elite workouts (pain-free in every joint) and hang with athletes who are half my age.
I feel greater confidence in both body and mind than I have in a very long time.
When I’m in a group workout (as opposed to just training by myself), I feel a sense of belonging despite not knowing anyone in the group.
I’ve had to practice what I preach about mindset and self-talk. I notice all self-defeating thoughts or statements, and correct them immediately. Note to self: I CAN do hard things.
And last but not least … When I have a moment of accomplishment, I celebrate it right then and there with a few fist pumps or a few choice words. #$%! YES!😊
Can I celebrate with you in this moment that I pulled 185 pounds off the floor? Yes, I sure did! But here’s the funny part. When I shared the news with my mom, I sort of got the vibe that she was thinking, “Now why would you want to do that?” I sensed she was proud of me, but I think she was trying to wrap her head around what my ultimate goal is and why.
Well, here’s why: I feel like a million bucks after those workouts.
For your entertainment, when I train and chat with these young adults, I feel like the character Liza on the show “Younger”, a hilarious sitcom featuring a 40-something woman who poses as a 20-something. Long story short, she doesn’t really understand the music, the social media, the lingo or the attire, but she tries to and it’s highly amusing. Hey, I’m getting a great laugh at myself, too. Laughing – there's another benefit! Hanging with a younger generation really does keep you feeling young at heart!
Anyhow, I offer all of this up, because I know employers are looking for ways to foster connection and confidence. I know this because it’s coming up in conversations repeatedly. I’ve always believed in the power of group fitness for creating community and accountability. There’s evidence to support exercise adherence as well. My recent experience in the gym (as the student, not the trainer/instructor) only affirmed what I’ve known all along.
Workouts are powerful. Groups are powerful. And most importantly, that deep sense of satisfaction, belonging, connection and confidence is powerful. Sure, group fitness in the workplace looks a lot different this year, but that’s okay. We’re doing it anyway. We recently rebranded a client’s group fitness classes as a “Virtual Fit Club” and we watched enrollment multiply by 10!!! How’s that for results? I attribute this growth to the idea that employees want to BELONG to something that can support their health and happiness. After all, that group workout (or wellness program in general) is one more place we can create inclusion for all.
Unsure where to start? Let us lead the way!
Author: Katy Tombaugh