The not-so-hidden benefits of Our Fitness Clubs

Living Well

Written by: Meg Sharp MSc., Fitness & Well-Being Consultant, Cambridge Group of Clubs

More Canadians than ever have home gyms. We cite convenience, lower cost, and privacy as huge benefits. Which makes sense. For decades we have complained that we can’t exercise because we don’t have time, it’s too expensive, or we’re uncomfortable working out in public.

And so, it should follow that Canadians are exercising more than ever. 

But we’re not.

Still less than 50% of Canadian adults are getting 150 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity – the level recommended by Health Canada. Statistically, we were more active a decade ago. We were even more active 2 decades ago. 

Motivation to exercise is complicated. We acknowledge – perhaps now more than ever – how positively transformational exercise is. The short- and long-term benefits to our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing are too long to list. Between home gyms and phone apps, equipment, coaching, and support are more accessible than ever before.

So why aren’t all Canadians exercising?

In the end, convenience, low cost, privacy, and accessibility are not enough. We stick with exercise only when it proffers results. THAT dear reader – whether you realize it or not – is why you have joined and will remain a Member of our – that is yours and mine - Fitness Club.

Great Health Clubs – like ours – support incredible results. Let’s list a few of the best:

Fun. Exercising at the Club is fun. We could all benefit from more of that in our lives! Between incredible classes with even more incredible instructors, cocktail parties, great playlists, goofy trainers, whirlpools, steam rooms, and rooms full of smiling, engaged people, being at our Clubs is FUN.

Longer workouts. I’m a huge fan of sneaking a 4 or 11 minute workout into a busy day. Still, we can’t ignore the plethora of benefits that accompany a longer workout: The added mobility that accompanies a proper warm-up, the lean tissue gains from those extra reps and sets, that added mental resilience from grinding through a final 8 minutes of effort. When we make the time to physically set foot in the gym, we are far more likely to commit to a full workout.

Intensity. Many of us push a little harder in group settings. We want to keep up. We get inspired. Did you know we experience less pain and discomfort when we exercise with others?! Pushing out of your comfort zone – especially multiple times – builds healthier brain tissue, increases power, and makes us feel like superheroes. 

Consistency. It’s easy to skip out on ourselves. Tougher when people expect you to show up. Consistency in the short term builds robust habits. Over the long term, it’s transformational.

Confidence. It’s hard to stick with an activity if you’re unsure how to do it properly. A great Club surrounds you with experts who can guide, teach, and support you. Not only does this keep you safer and less prone to injury (another reason why people drop it), it boosts your confidence and sense of autonomy. Our classes and clinics are taught by athletes, personal trainers, and movement professionals. We cover the cost of an initial personal training session for every single new member and welcome you to ask for a refresher at any time.

Mental Wellbeing. According to many sources, Canadians are lonelier than ever. We might be struggling more with stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise – anywhere and of any type or duration – is so beneficial in relation to mental health. For many, exercising with or in close proximity to others offers an additional benefit of feeling more connected and engaged. Sharing a common interest – the class, the Club, a specific exercise routine, or modality – can spark conversation and help build social relationships.

To be completely transparent I have a home gym. I depend on its convenience for 1-2 workouts every week. It drives that vital forward momentum. I exercise alone 1-3 times per week. My solo workouts provide a sort of moving meditation for me, they are centering and allow me to disengage in some ways and completely engage in others. 

And my favourite workouts? The ones I have at our Club.