It’s well known that physical activity helps support mental health – it can boost endorphins, improve mood and help manage anxiety and stress. But something else happens when you choose to exercise in a gym.

Whether you’re doing fitness classes, hitting the free weights, or heading to the studio, exercise in a gym environment gives you something that’s just as beneficial for your wellbeing: connection.

The gym team that smiles as you enter, the PT who says hello as you walk by, the person who always works out at the same time as you – they’re actually providing you with something that might be more powerful than the exercise itself – they’re giving you a feeling of community.

And that’s before you even start making friends…

In the modern world, isolation is an issue that’s becoming increasingly common.

Whether we’re spending more time WFH on our laptops, scrolling on social media, or simply being alone, we’re becoming increasingly isolated as a global population.

The internet might be a great place for connection, but we need to remember that IRL (in real life) connection is the most powerful.

We're creatures of community, and always have been – the need to make friendships, have connections with others, and feel like there’s a “tribe” that understands us is important.

There’s no denying that people need people, and with people around you, you can feel uplifted, supported, and like you have a true sense of belonging.

In a gym community, this can be incredibly powerful…

The gym community can give us a true sense of belonging.

It could come from a nod from the person you see every morning or it could come from the feeling that you’re somewhere you know you’re accepted as you are and always supported.

There’s something powerful about the shared experiences you have in the gym - your experience might not be the same as the person next to you, but they’re likely pushing for a new PB (whatever that means to them), have a goal, and are also dealing with being a human outside of the gym.

Knowing that makes for a real feeling of camaraderie.

When you got to the gym, you can be exactly who you are.

You temporarily get to drop the labels you have for yourself – whether that’s parent, carer, employee, student or something else entirely – and you can just focus on yourself.

The same goes for everyone around you and therefore the connection with others in the gym can often feel more authentic.

The confidence that grows from allowing people to see you just as you are will help leaps and bounds for your self-worth.

There’s an underlying truth at a gym: everyone is there for themselves, but as a community, there’s a shared purpose of self-improvement and self-care.

Everyone might be there for different reasons, but knowing that you’re part of a collective that’s working to focus on their wellbeing can be powerful.

It’s an empowering feeling to have a shared community purpose, and it’s even more special when you can see it in the “you’ve got this” someone says when you’re doing your final rep or the “well done, have a good day” wave when you leave.

Creating and sticking to a structure and routine can be hard, especially if you’re dealing with a bit of a tough time. However, a routine can really help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing.

The gym can help you find that accountability and show up for yourself – it could even become the thing that you structure the rest of your day around.

What's more, the gym community, especially if you’re working with a PT, signing up to classes, or training with a friend, can help you stay accountable.

We pride ourselves on building strong, supportive communities in and across our gyms. So, maybe it’s time to step into your local gym, not just to get moving, but to start connecting too?

Your mind will thank you for it - find a PureGym near you.