Working out from home or virtually has its perks (no commute, for one!), but sometimes it’s fun to connect with people in real life. In fact, having an IRL group of like-minded people to bond with over shared wellness goals can be hugely beneficial. 

“Real-life connections hit differently,” says Peloton instructor Logan Aldridge. “Online is great for scale and reach, but nothing beats sweating it out side-by-side or seeing someone’s face light up when they achieve a goal or exceed their expectations.” 

One way to get that face-to-face interaction: Start your own local fitness club. It’s a great way to make new friends, strengthen your community, and get a workout in the process—and it’s not as intimidating as it may seem (promise!). Here’s your step-by-step guide with expert tips to make it a success.

What Is a Local Fitness Club?

A local fitness club consists of groups of people who regularly meet up in person to exercise together and, in the process, motivate each other. These workout communities can look very different depending on where you live and what interests the group. 

Running, cycling, or hiking clubs, for example, are excellent ways to connect with others and push yourself to go faster and farther than you might on your own. This can be especially helpful if you’re working toward a big goal, like a marathon or triathlon. 

But also, it doesn’t need to be that serious. Your fitness club might meet in nearby parks to simply get moving together. (For inspiration, check out the Peloton App’s outdoor workout classes.) 

Benefits of Creating a Local Fitness Club

It’s no secret that exercise is good for you, period—and when you combine it with real-life community support, those benefits only grow. Here’s why in-person fitness clubs can be a great idea.

They May Boost Your Mood

You may already know that exercise makes you happier, but when you work out with people you enjoy being around, those mood-boosting benefits are even greater. One 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that people who consistently exercised as part of a group experienced better emotional health and lower stress levels compared to those who didn’t. Other research has also found that exercising in social settings can contribute to greater wellbeing.

“I love my tennis team because it allows me to catch up with my teammates and banter about the highs and lows of our week,” says Peloton Member Beth W., who cross-trains for her matches on her Peloton Bike. “This part is almost—if not more—therapeutic than tennis.”

They May Improve Your Self-Esteem and Confidence 

Exercise makes you feel good, of course, but it also makes you feel good about yourself. In a 2017 study of older adults, researchers noted that regular group exercise helped the participants feel happier about aging and their lives overall than exercising solo did. 

“One of my favorite things about [my] run club is bringing people together and watching beautiful friendships emerge that go beyond attending a weekly run,” says Peloton Creator Ambassador Xavier Jimenez, co-founder of the California-based Runa Running Club. “It makes for a great support system for people to lean on when times get tough and to celebrate with each other when times are good.”

They’re a Good Way to Strengthen Community

Over time, the people you work out with in your local fitness club are likely to become your own little community. Research repeatedly shows that group fitness can contribute to higher levels of social and emotional support as well as companionship, and even help shape your perception of who you are: In a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, researchers found that participants who were part of a group exercise program had a more positive exercise identity than those who weren’t. 

Peloton Member Annie R., who joined a local yoga club during her pregnancy, found that the sense of community she gained perfectly harmonized with her App workouts. “It is so reassuring to be surrounded by people who can relate to what you are going through,” she says.

How to Start a Local Fitness Club

Once you have a vision for your local fitness club—maybe it’s a run club, a walking group, or an outdoor Pilates meet-up—your next step is figuring out how to get it off the ground. You’ll want to consider these factors: 

Once you’ve got the basics established, spread the word! Tell your friends about your club and ask them to tell their friends. Social media can be excellent for this—for example, you might consider sharing your group’s information on your local parent or neighborhood Facebook groups. 

“[I] started [my] run club very organically,” says Mallory Kilmer, Peloton Creator Ambassador and founder of New York-based No More Lonely Runs. “Some girls DM’d me on Instagram asking if we could go on a run together, so I posted on my Instagram Story saying ‘I will be at Central Park this time and day for anyone who wants to join.’” Six women showed up and the rest is history, she adds.

6 Tips to Set Your Local Fitness Club up for Success 

Once you start your local fitness club, keep the momentum going using these tips: 

Designate a Point Person to Lead the Charge 

Maybe that’s you! Having a point person to manage the group makes communication a breeze, since you’ll always know who’s going to send out updates about meetups, timing, or cancellations. 

Start a Group Chat for Ease of Communication 

A WhatsApp or Facebook group, email list, or group text thread can help keep schedules organized and allow the point person to answer any questions group members have. Plus, it helps foster additional communication and bonding.

Plan Your Workouts

While they don’t have to be super intense (unless you want it to be!), having some variety in the types of workouts your group does (like a new hiking route, a HIIT routine, or gentle yoga) can keep members engaged and focused on their goals. 

Need ideas? Change things up by having your run club all complete the same outdoor guided runs on the Peloton App. Your club could also take a Peloton Outdoor Run Club class together alongside other Peloton Members participating virtually around the globe. 

Work Together—and Be Willing to Adapt

Tap into the hive mind to bring the club to life. “Together, we came up with a name, logo, and a run schedule for the community,” recalls Jimenez. “We had about five people show up to our first official meetup. We didn’t know what to say or how to lead the group, but we managed! Through trial and error, we learned what worked and what didn’t.”

Use Technology to Your Advantage

ICYMI: Peloton’s teams feature lets you seamlessly connect with other Members on the App. You can set up your own team and invite friends from your local fitness club (and beyond!), then work together toward specific goals. 

This tool can be the perfect way to merge your virtual and face-to-face workouts with your nearby community. For example, you might use the teams feature to create a shared Leaderboard where Members of your local fitness group can seamlessly share how many days they’ve worked out or how many miles they’ve logged each week. 

Be the Spark

When you’re building your own local fitness community, “show up first, bring the energy, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or ideas,” Logan recommends. And allow others to help you too: “I learned early after [an] accident that people want to pitch in—they just need a nudge,” he adds.

Have Fun!

Give your group a fun name, make matching shirts, set fun goals or challenges, or treat yourselves after a tough workout with a massage. 

“Hit a new deadlift one-rep max? High-five it! Someone shows up for the first time? Make them feel like a rockstar. That’s how you grow roots with any community,” says Logan. Not only do these kinds of rewards help keep everyone motivated, but they give group members additional opportunities to strengthen relationships and foster that sense of belonging.

The Takeaway

Working out solo is great, but when you add in a buddy—or even better, a whole group of like-minded people—the benefits increase dramatically. Starting a local fitness group can be a wonderful way to gather people together who have shared wellness goals, and it can improve both your physical health and emotional wellbeing.