Making friends in Raleigh
Moving to a new city, finishing college, or simply seeking a change of pace can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s natural to feel a bit isolated and lonely during these transitions. However, finding ways to connect with others and build a supportive network is crucial to your well-being, and at GLOW Fitness, we’re here to help! It’s important to us that our members fulfill themselves through a variety of activities both inside and outside our fitness community :) Let’s explore how to make lasting friendships and combat loneliness if we ever find ourselves in a rut!
Discover Your Interests
When it comes to making friends, start by asking yourself what you enjoy doing the most and what you like the most about yourself? Friendships often form naturally when people share common interests but even then, friendships are hard and people “become” friends, meaning they weren’t friends beforehand. Maybe you really enjoy group fitness and that’s how you found yourself at GLOW! There are plenty of fitness enthusiasts here that like to have fun, and sharing a passion with others is a great way to bond. You may find yourself motivated by similar goals, and before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to seeing a person again!
Overcoming Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can make it challenging to initiate conversations, and is often cited as a top reason people struggle to make friends. Remember, this doesn’t mean you can’t make new friends! Oftentimes, simply saying anything is enough to start a conversation, and the rest will flow naturally. I’ve been there too. You might freeze. Your mind might be blank. You’re worried about saying the wrong thing and being judged. The unknown can be scary, but nothing changes if you do nothing. And guess what happens when you do something??? Take initiative and surprise yourself! Authentic bonds flow from authenticity and vulnerability.
Embrace GLOW Fitness as Your Social Hub
Your beloved fitness studio isn’t just a place to work out, it’s a vibrant community filled with amazing individuals who share your interests. Even though it may be warm outside, take off your coat and stay a while! Before class and after class are great times to say hello, smile, and introduce yourself to someone new. Let the ~good vibes~ flow!
Group fitness classes are also a wonderful way to connect with others while staying fit. Whether it’s Indoor Cycling, Yoga, Barre, Sound Healing, or Zumba, these classes create a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that we struggle to find as we get older. I know for me, during BodyPump classes I find myself looking around and laughing with others about how much we’re struggling during the challenging exercises and I can’t help to feel a sense of community! The shared experience of working out together often leads to strong bonds and lasting friendships. Plus, our instructors are always around before and after class to chat and get to know you!
Find a Workout Buddy
F is for Friends that do stuff together, right? F is also for Fitness. Put those two together and you have one helluva combination! Working out with a friend can make your fitness routine more enjoyable and keep you motivated and held accountable. Don’t be shy about asking someone you meet at the studio to join you for a run, group fitness class, or workout session. A simple invitation can go a long way! Shoot your friendship shot!
Volunteering and Local Community Events
Outside of the fitness world, local community events are a great way to meet new people and get to know your city. Cultural festivals, farmers’ markets, art exhibits, live shows, and various events are often teeming with friendly locals and provide an easy, relaxed environment to strike up conversations and make connections in Raleigh. You can always ask a GLOW instructor or staff member if they know anyone who might be interested in an activity, and we can point you in the direction of a new friend! Or just join the GLOW Pals Facebook group to see what everyone is up to!
Social Clubs and Hobby Groups
Birds of a feather flock together. Finding people you like by doing the things you enjoy is a great way to make friends. Consider joining a book club, public speaking workshop series, running club, pottery class, cooking class, wine tasting, recreational sports, breweries, and more! Websites like Meetup have plenty of pretty active groups, and lots of our members are involved in these extramural activities so ask around!
Stay Positive and Open-Minded
Your mindset is key. That’s what it always boils down to. Maintaining a positive and open-minded attitude helps in making new friends and connections. Be approachable, show genuine interest in others, and most of all, be patient. Building meaningful relationships takes time, and it’s important to show up for yourself consistently. By embracing the social opportunities within and outside our gym, you’ll enhance your mental health and fitness journey, creating lasting friendships that will help make Raleigh feel like home!
Adjusting to a new environment and combating loneliness is a journey in and of itself, but you don’t have to go through it all alone. GLOW Fitness is here to support you every step of the way. Be courageous! Be intentional! And be more loving! Take that first step today – attend a class, say hello to someone new, challenge yourself and try something new, and let’s keep building a strong and supportive community together! See you soon!
Reflection: What’s something you really enjoy doing now or in the past? How can you try to do more of that this year or with more people?
xoxo, GLOW Girl 💖
