Group fitness on Long Island builds motivation and community

Lace up those boots — and hit the trail! Cathleen Healey, 62, a CFO of a real-estate company, is eager to do that on Oct.19.

It’s the date of her gym’s annual Bear Mountain hike — an outing she looks forward to sharing with other members of Dimensional Training in Garden City.

"I like it for several reasons," says Healey, whose 20-year-old son also works out at the gym near her home in Garden City. "I like that it’s for all different levels. I like it because of the physical activity and the bonding. Everybody’s in it together."

Togetherness has become a priority at local workout centers, which are increasingly incorporating group challenges, nutrition programs and social outings into their offerings — all designed to unite and push like-minded members toward their best selves.

Teamwork makes the dream work isn’t just a catchy phrase for trainer and movement specialist Andrew McCreary, 57, who founded Dimensional Training. It’s a guiding principle behind its signature high-energy group training classes.

"We’re stronger together," says McCreary, a firm believer that classes are a more fun and social way to train. "Birds of a feather really do flock together."

COMMON GOAL

Recent fitness findings back that up: people who exercise with others are more likely to stick with it. In fact, 42% of gym members say working out with friends keeps them committed, and those who feel part of a community are three times more likely to stay long-term.

In January — when everyone’s in new year, new you mode — Dimensional Training’s Love Me Fit challenge begins. It’s a rigorous seasonal six-week event that kicks off with a 10-day detox, followed by five weeks of clean eating and intense training.

Training alongside a supportive community is a major motivator. "Everyone looks to see what they can make happen and change in our body in the six-week period," McCreary says.

CrossFit Strong Island in Merrick also prides itself in its encouraging community-focused approach to fitness. "In CrossFit, we’re all working toward the same goals: becoming fitter, healthier, and more capable in everyday life," says co-owner and head coach Brad Waltman, 35, a former police officer and a father of four.

"The path looks different for everyone — the intensity, weight, or scaling of movements varies depending on each person’s individual needs," he adds.

Challenges and fundraisers along that route foster engagement and a sense of camaraderie through fitness activities taken on in addition to individual routine workouts.

The Murph Hero Workout, held on Memorial Day at CrossFit gyms, honors Navy SEAL Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who died in the line of duty in Afghanistan in 2005. It includes running elements and a set number of pullups, pushups, and squats.

CrossFit Strong Island’s own December Challenge is also designed to enhance member engagement and camaraderie. The invitational includes various elements to complete that month — 1,000 squats, 500 burpees, running 50,000 meters, for instance — that change each year.

"Nightmare on Benson Lane," set for Nov. 8 and open to non-members, is a competition for coed teams of two that raises funds for breast-cancer awareness.

Justin Krell, 52, a lawyer and married dad from Merrick, credits the gym with having a deep impact. "It changed my body. It changed my health," he says. "It gave me confidence. It gave me friends, lifelong friends."

"There’s an actual community that's developed through hard work," he says. "The support that you get, the motivation that you get. It’s invaluable."

Challenges incorporate "healthy competition," says Krell. "They push you to work a little harder because you see someone else putting in the work. It’s a great way to just add extra fitness to your lifestyle."

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

A strong togetherness vibe looms large at the Fit House in Long Beach, where inclusive, community‑driven workouts are designed to maximize members’ full potential.

"One of the biggest things that's most important to us, and also what has set us apart, is the big social community aspect of the gym," co-owner Jess Thurman, 34, says.

The gym runs a January lifestyle challenge to jump start incorporating fresh habits to build upon through the year. The facility also regularly runs special events. "We’ll organize a workout around a cause," Thurman says. Benefactors have included local veterans, animal shelters and California wildfires relief.

"By creating this community vibe and having everyone feel part of something, you know, makes them also want to show up to the gym, because these people become your friends," Thurman says.

A 21-day "Summer Steps and 6-Pack" challenge was designed to push the exercise envelope. It was developed by Stephanie Katsaros, 35, who coaches several Fit House group classes and runs her own independent fitness invitations. A pre-Thanksgiving nutrition challenge is now being planned.

"There’s something about pushing people out of their comfort zones together that form a special bond," Katsaros says. "Every time I finish one, people always ask, ‘So what's next?’"

Fit House member Jacqueline Inkelis, a 36-year-old hairstylist from Long Beach, understands the appeal. "I love challenges," Inkelis says. "The strength is in the numbers. It’s more than about lifting weights. It’s about lifting other people up."