As a GP, health assessment doctor and personal trainer, I am an emphatic promoter of the mental and physical health benefits of exercise. Along with most of the population I’ve lacked motivation to exercise at times; but finding an activity that is rewarding, social and fun has been vital for adhering to regular exercise which pushes me to keep improving my mental and physical fitness.

I joined CrossFit Tonbridge in June 2020, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Having recently moved location, with a new job and government restrictions on seeing friends and family, it was an essential way for me to sustain my mental wellness and keep up regular social interaction – both key aspects of social and group exercise.

CrossFit is a strength and conditioning exercise sport involving functional movements, gymnastics, and high intensity training. A common misconception about CrossFit is that it is only for elite athletes situated in an intimidating environment, but my experience is far from that. In reality a huge range of individuals attend, of all ages and abilities; and the overwhelming feeling is that of community and encouragement.

During the pandemic, classes at CrossFit Tonbridge were held outside due to Covid-19 restrictions, but this didn’t deter us from attending. The positivity, encouragement from coaches and fellow members, structured nature of the class and leaving feeling high on endorphins all remained, helping us to keep fit both mentally and physically during a challenging time.

CrossFit classes generally consist of working on strength or gymnastics skills as a group, and then a WOD (workout of the day) performed as a collective. The WOD can be as competitive as you make it; maybe you want to beat a previous time you achieved or lift a heavier weight, the aim is to challenge yourself, but work within your limits; the coach is always there to guide you on this and encourage you to achieve your best.

Attending classes motivates you in a way that exercising on your own cannot do. It is common to struggle with motivation to exercise or even to leave the sofa at some point, however the benefit of an exercise class means you are always rewarded with something positive; whether that’s a smile after talking to a new or old friend, weight-lifting a personal best, hearing uplifting music or feeling part of a community. Partaking in exercise as a collective group inspires you, humbles you, makes you laugh and provides the social interaction that we innately search for as humans.

Talking to other CrossFit members, an overwhelming theme is the mental health benefit of attending classes. I asked fellow members their opinion on group exercise:

Anna said,

“CrossFit and exercise in general helped me hugely coping with a partner with a brain tumour and life-long brain injury, and a mum who’s had stroke…exercise is my release, it keeps me balanced mentally. Physically it keeps me strong to cope with everyday life and everything it throws at me. I honestly believe I am not on anti-depressants due to the hormone releases during exercise.”

Hannah said

“I absolutely love spending time with like-minded people of all ages who have completely different things going on in their lives, yet we all share one common passion and goal – to get fitter and feel better throughout life. It’s a friendship like no other, they see you at your rawest – messy hair, sweaty, no makeup, out of breath; it’s the ultimate friendship.”

Kate said

“CrossFit really shifted the focus to what my body can do as opposed to what my body looks like. In the past I measured my success in fitness by how I looked. I love how that isn’t relevant at CrossFit, instead it’s all about learning new skills, getting stronger and being able to do more!”

The Khler effect explains the increase in individual motivation to achieve more when exercising in a group – if the others in the group are stronger and fitter than the individual, they tend to accomplish more than they would if working alone. The motivational effect of training with others encourages us all to work a little harder and longer during exercise. Another fellow member, Adrian said “learning new skills provides an alternative focus during exercise and seeing those around you who have already mastered something encourages you to try harder”.

Not only are there individual achievements to celebrate being part of a fitness community such as CrossFit, but plenty of teamwork too: through activities such as ‘Pairs & Teams’ classes, in-house and external competitions, all of which encourage accountability and provide friendly interaction with like-minded people.

Attending a scheduled and structured class helps with persistence and consistent commitment to regular physical activity; for many, a programmed session removes some of the unfamiliar and ambiguity of attending a conventional gym alone. Even as a previous regular ‘gym-goer’ it is clear to me that CrossFit classes have increased my focus, determination, and overall fitness. Participating in regular group exercise and becoming part of a social exercise community benefits those who take part in many ways, and I encourage everyone to try it.

 

if you are interested in joining a CrossFit class, have a look to see if there is one in your area here https://map.crossfit.com/.

 

Blog written by BASEM Member – Dr Alexandra Williams

Images taken by photographer Tom Miles https://www.tmphoto.co.uk/