For many, the gym can be a daunting place. The first 5:00 AM wake up is easy. You’re motivated and the new pre-workout hits, your gym outfit is cute. But the third morning with 5:00 AM wake up call? You start to fizzle out, it stops being fun and starts feeling like an unnecessary obligation. The fourth morning, you don’t make it to the gym. But what if the key to overcoming the lass of steam and seeing real results doesn’t lie in going solo, but in finding a community? The journey to feeling confident and strong in the gym, and achieving SERENE STRENGTH lies in connection and community. I’ve personally experienced this through volleyball, group fitness classes, and even working out with a partner. Below we will dive into how you can use community to see real results in the gym.
Finding Joy in Volleyball
One of the biggest areas I have found community in my life has been in volleyball. Initially, I started volleyball because I wanted to be separate from my brother and dad with sports. I wanted something non basketball sport that I could be great at and also have a team. I didn’t get serious about the sport until eighth grade when I started playing on a travel team. I am incredibly competitive, but got some really strange looks from people when they saw what I wore to play. I wore long black leggings and a skirt instead of spandex. My parents were passionate about staying modest even during sports, and I internalized this ideal. The looks and questions would often get to me and made me slowly hate the way I looked because of the way I dressed.
I tried to make up for it by being good at volleyball. I tried so hard to be the first one to finish conditioning exercises, first one in the gym, first one to get things set up. Volleyball played a significant role in shaping my relationship with exercise and my body. It wasn’t just about the physical workout, but about the sense of belonging and camaraderie it fostered. In high school I made all the fun be about winning. When we didn’t win, or i had a bad game, the exercise lost all its fun. It made me pray for my season to end early. My friends today would never believe me if I told them that.
My Testimony
Once I ended my high school career I didn’t play for a year and a half. I had no access to a court, and would do drills with my friend when the craving to play hit me especially hard. This giant piece of my identity had evolved into something I loved, then hated, then missed like nothing else. My entire life changed when I found volleyball again my Sophmore year of college.
Playing volleyball helped me realize that exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore or punishment. It became something insanely fun, uplifting, and something to look forward to—especially when shared with others. Sundays were my favorite day of the week for the first time in my life because it meant that I got to play competitive volleyball with who would become my 
closest friends.
Being part of a team means that I am not just showing up for myself, but for my teammates. That accountability transformed how I viewed exercise. Instead of feeling anxious or overwhelmed at the thought of working out, I became excited to meet up with my team, move my body, and enjoy the game. The shared goals, laughs, and wins on the court spilled over into my workouts outside of volleyball. These people became my most beloved community, with whom I do life. We have watch parties for NCAA volleyball games (Go Nebraska ! Go UofL!!), we host community wide grass volleyball games, we play as much as humanely possible. And through this, I found that exercising with others, whether it was through a sport or in the gym, significantly reduced the pressure and anxiety I had once felt in the gym.
The Power of Group Fitness Classes
If volleyball isn’t your thing, don’t worry—there are plenty of other ways to find a sense of community in fitness. One of the easiest ways is by joining group fitness classes, or if you are a college student Intramural Teams. . Whether it’s a cycle class, yoga, cross-fit, or pilates, group fitness offers a structured yet supportive environment where everyone is working towards a common goal.When you’re surrounded by people who are all pushing themselves, it can be incredibly motivating. Group classes provide an energy that you just can’t replicate on your own. That energy can help push you to work harder and reach new levels in your fitness journey.
But perhaps more importantly, group classes can help reduce the intimidation factor of the gym.If walking into a gym filled with unfamiliar machines and super-fit people feels overwhelming, group fitness can offer a much-needed reprieve. In a class, you’re given guidance by the instructor, so there’s no guessing about what you should be doing. The focus shifts from worrying about how you look or what others might think to simply following along with the class and doing your best. The camaraderie in these classes is palpable—everyone is in it together, encouraging each other along the way.Group fitness also creates a natural support system. Regulars get to know one another, and soon, it becomes more than just a workout. It becomes a social event, a place where you can connect with others who share similar goals and experiences. These connections can significantly improve your mental health, offering a chance to achieve SERENE STRENGTH.
Workout Partners: A Game Changer
While group classes and sports teams provide a broad sense of community, having a workout partner adds a different kind of support. A good workout partner can be a game changer when it comes to consistency, motivation, and accountability.When you have someone counting on you to show up, you’re far less likely to skip a workout. This doesn’t just help you stay consistent, it also reduces the anxiety that can come with working out alone. With a partner, you’re in it together—whether you’re both pushing through a tough workout or celebrating post-workout endorphins, the experience is shared. This shared effort makes the whole process feel less daunting and more achievable.
Moreover, working out with a partner can help you push yourself further than you would on your own. Whether it’s encouraging you to try a heavier weight, finish that last rep, or stick with the workout when you’re ready to quit, having someone by your side makes a big difference. It’s a mutual exchange of support, and that can significantly boost both your physical and mental health.Mentally, the companionship of a workout partner alleviates much of the stress and pressure you may feel going into the gym alone. They act as a safety net, giving you someone to talk to, laugh with, and share the experience with. Plus, knowing that you have someone on your team makes the whole experience more enjoyable and less anxiety-inducing.
The Mental Health Benefits of Community in Fitness
Beyond the physical benefits of exercise, the mental health benefits of working out in a community are immense. Research shows that social connections can greatly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When we exercise with others, we’re not just building physical strength; we’re building emotional resilience too.
A strong fitness community provides more than just accountability—it offers support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a volleyball team, a group fitness class, or a workout buddy, surrounding yourself with people who have similar goals can help reduce the anxiety that comes with fitness and create a more positive relationship with exercise.Exercise no longer feels like something you have to do, but something you get to do with others. And that shift in perspective can be life-changing. Not only do you start seeing better results in the gym, but you also feel more at peace mentally.
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