THE POWER OF CONNECTION
At re:sculpt Personal Training, we are huge believers in the power of connection, with other people, face-to-face. In an increasingly digital world, we still feel 100% that the value of “in person” interaction is incomparable. Below you’ll find strong reasonings for this belief. We think that you’ll agree that we should look to a future of a hybrid-style exercise which embraces the fantastic digital offerings coming to market, but continues to recognise the importance of us just being human.
Mental Health
In 1938, Harvard researchers commenced studies demonstrating the consistent link between connection and happiness. Further studies around the world have shown that social isolation gives rise to mental illness. The Mental Health Foundation UK states that if you have increased social interactions with others you are more likely to be happy and physically healthy than those who have fewer social connections. They have also found that you will live longer and suffer less mental health issues. The arguments for the positive effects of connecting with others are indisputable.
Effects of the Covid lockdown
Living through the Covid pandemic lockdown has given us a prime example of what our futures may look like if we continue on the trend of working at home, shopping online, working out at home and relying on home entertainment.
There has been a huge boom in home digital fitness usage. Peloton alone saw a revenue increase of 102.97%. Nonetheless, Nuffield Health’s survey demonstrated that 73% of people did not meet NHS guidelines for recommended physical activity over the lockdown period in the UK. This would perhaps imply that the self-motivation for regular exercise alone just isn’t there.
Sport psychologist, Dr Jill Owen, believes that in a time of increased mental stress, people turned to the apps for the communal support experienced and the feeling of “being in this together”. Therefore, despite the popularity of the convenience of being able to workout at home, people are still craving that all-important power of connection with others.
Connecting with others to help mental health
Gym trends
Rebecca Passmore, the UK managing director of PureGym, revealed in June that the bounce back rates of membership across the fitness industry have surmounted all predictions. An increase in frequency of gym visits has also been seen.
The overall trend showing for 2021 is a dramatic increase in the popularity of boutique gyms. These are gyms that tend to have a focus on group fitness classes. F45 is reportedly one of the fastest growing boutique offerings in the world at this time. They’ve embraced digital fitness through the use of workouts on the screen,. However, they’ve kept the all-important group vibe in the sessions and the personable connection bonus with instructors monitoring you throughout your workouts.
Advances in technology within the fitness are, without doubt, extremely exciting. They keep us on our toes, they keep us motivated, inspired and charged with new energy. But let’s not forget the power of connection, the special ability humans have to interact, to forge relationships, empower others, and put smiles on each other’s faces.
If you’re looking for some in-person training but aren’t looking to head back to the gym, get in touch with us to chat about your personal training options with our fabulous performers.
Written by Becky Barrett.
Becky Barrett is an international talent manager and personal fitness coach with over 15 years’ professional experience and a 1st class Honours degree in Business & Law.
Driven by her unique values of compassion and a holistic approach to talent management, Becky has devised an innovative solution to take on the fitness industry with a brand-new personal fitness concept that aims to inspire and boost ‘new normal’ approaches to exercise routines.
Features include: Health & Wellbeing, Natural Health, Arden University, The Telegraph, BBC, Time & Leisure, Bdaily News, The Stage.