Group Classes: A Prescription to Tackle the Mental Health Epidemic
In May of this year, the Surgeon General, Dr Viveck Murthy, gave an advisory on our epidemic of loneliness and isolation.
He laid out a framework for a National Strategy to Advance Social Connection in this rather extensive, wordy PDF. He details recommendations that individuals, governments, workplaces, health systems, and community organizations can take to increase connection in the lives of individuals and communities across the country to improve mental and physical health.
It turns out we were already doing all of the things at Thrive, but let’s think about how they might help our overall health.
We are still struggling with the downstream effects of the COVID epidemic. One of the most noticeable impacts on society is the decline of mental health. We struggled before the pandemic due to the impacts of our strained political arena, poor diet and lifestyle habits, and loss of genuine connection with others. Now, we have an epidemic. One of the biggest drivers of depression and anxiety is isolation, loneliness, and separation factors that worsened following the pandemic and impacted our society on all levels.
Think about the places you go when you need support, community, friendship, encouragement, or an energy boost. Is a fitness class on your list? It very well should be.
Group exercise has changed quite a bit, and many classes focus on optimizing health while optimizing the mind-body connection. Physical activity can stimulate the brain’s emotional center, which can affect overall wellness. Group classes can also foster camaraderie, stress relief, and even confidence, as well as provide an effective workout. The best instructors nurture not only the body but the mind and spirit, too.
It turns out that when individuals get this support, they also reap both physical and emotional benefits.
Simply walking into a class, having people smile at you, performing the same exercises, and sweating together can help you feel less alone. Amazing comradery occurs when groups exercise together, even when they are challenged, reminding us we do not have to tackle life’s challenges alone.
Research has also shown that individuals are more likely to reach their fitness goals with group support.
This makes them inclined to make other positive health changes, like optimizing their diet. Those who engage in group exercise have fewer major health problems overall. Psychologically, exercising in a social environment can also lead to greater well-being, improved self-esteem, healthy body image, and less depression and anxiety.
Group exercise can certainly have bigger goals than simply working out.
It can meet the needs of friendship, nurturing, community, accountability, and discipline. Also, research has shown that a supportive class that gets you sweating together can change your brain chemistry, increasing the activity of neurotransmitters that positively affect mood, attention span, perception, motivation, and your desire to return for more.
Finding the right class can be intimidating and this is why we have developed the exercise program at Thrive.
We feel the classes we provide give you more bang for your buck—inspiring instructors, a variety of options, and classes that are accessible to everyone, even beginners. Providing group classes in a safe environment is key, too. It’s nice to push yourself to work out harder than you might alone if done safely.
September is Yoga Awareness Month, so if you have never tried yoga, this may be a great time to do so. Be sure to check out the other classes at Thrive as well. Diversity in exercise is the key to strong bodies and minds.
