Social distancing might just be the most buzzworthy phrase of 2020—and maybe the most discouraging.

Our world has been flipped upside down over the past few weeks/months, and we’ve had to quickly rethink any semblance of what a "normal" routine looks like. From local restaurants turning to take-out only to our favorite studios/salons shuttering their doors for the time being, our connection to community hangs in the balance of social media and Zoom meetings. 

So how can we keep our seven dimensions of wellness (and workout regimen) inspired and intact in a time like this? By staying connected through group fitness and making ourselves a priority—because this girl wants to come out of quarantine fit as a fiddle with her friends. 

Whether it’s working out from home with virtual fitness classes, making DIY facials, or finding ways to keep our extrovertedness intact, the new (wellness) norm is about getting creative with our well-being (and budget). Here are three reasons why working out with others and investing in ourselves should be a priority, especially in time of pandemic.  
 

Group fitness makes you feel good.   

Even though we aren’t physically sweating side-by-side on the reformer or squat racks doesn’t mean we can’t workout together. Many of us might be missing our 6 am barre class with our best friends, but that shouldn’t get you down (unless you’re letting lower with your leg lifts at home). Leverage the thousands of virtual, on-demand workouts on Mindbody.io and the Mindbody app and meet new workout buddies (or get your faraway family sweating). From the comfort of your home (it’s our new reality), there’s something to be said about strength in numbers, even if you’re streaming solo. By virtually working out with others, you’ll feel the benefits of real-time face time, including pushing yourself harder, a sense of accountability, increased endorphins (hello happiness!), and external motivation. Just the sight of a new studio that you’ve been dying to try or the smile of your favorite instructor through your screens will do wonders for your wellness—physically, mentally, emotionally and beyond.  

Financial and friends: It pays to stay connected.  

With all the uncertainty flying around, tapping into what supports our well-being is essential—and that includes staying connected to what kept us feeling fierce before parts of society shut down. Now more than ever we need to give ourselves, our relationships, and our small businesses a little love. 

By continuing to financially invest in our fitness and wellness routines, we are investing in ourselves during this emotional time. Did you know you can inquire about updating your membership if the current payment cadence isn’t working for your budget right now? Not only are we supporting what makes us feel good, we are spreading positivity and purpose amongst those closest to us. And maybe we will inspire them to join our next on-demand workout. 

Whether it’s streaming mat Pilates to sweat out that stress or zoning out with mindful meditation after a long day of working from home with your S/O, staying connected to the studios that support every aspect of our strength will help us to stay focused—not fearful.  
 

[Find Virtual Classes anywhere in the world with Mindbody]

Yoga is therapy: Group workouts are your online outlet.  

It’s not shocking that emotions are currently running high (like at warp speed)—and panic is running rampant. Empty store shelves, COVID-19 taking over the news, layoffs... the current social and economic climate is just plain daunting. Plus, we can’t leave the house to even vent to our friends the local bar. So, is group fitness the answer? When it comes to your personal wellness, we’d like to believe so. You know that feeling when you leave your Vinyasa class feeling renewed, refreshed and calm? Channel that. Now think of your next virtual group fitness class as an inspirational interaction. Even though you’re plugged in to stream the class, disconnect your mind from drama, be more mindful, and let your emotions eat up all those feel-good endorphins. Reset your mind, body, and soul. Just let it go and flow.

Use virtual classes as your outlet to yes, connect with others, but to also connect with yourself. You might surprise yourself with what you’re able to accomplish from the mat in your living room.  Embrace the good energy and gratitude post-class and spread it around, whether it’s a quick call to Mom across the country or a motivational quote on social media. We are human and though we can bend pretty far, we don’t want to break. And in times when things feel out of control, you can control what makes you feel amazing.  

We encourage you to find the good in group fitness, especially right now. From yoga and barre, to HIIT and Pilates, and everything in between, fitness can keep us focused and connected, and invested in ourselves—wherever we, whatever we want to achieve.