Who Will Help You Move Your Couch?

In this weeks issue, we’re looking at the impact of real connections in fitness communities. The relationships formed in gyms and martial arts schools extend beyond workouts, shaping overall well-being and longevity.

Amidst the chaos of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of community. But after 15 years as a CrossFit gym owner and a member of an exceptional Jiu-Jitsu school, I’ve seen how these connections show up in everyday moments, even in something as simple as moving a couch.

In the right gym, you’ll see it too. When someone needs help, whether it’s with taxes, finding a reliable roofer, or moving furniture, there’s always someone willing to step up. That’s not a coincidence. It’s a reflection of genuine human connection.

Health isn’t just about physical fitness or avoiding illness. It’s about belonging. Studies show that strong social relationships reduce the risk of mortality at a rate comparable to quitting smoking or maintaining a healthy weight. On the other hand, loneliness has been linked to heart disease, depression, and premature death.

Exercise is essential, but the right gym does more than provide a place to train. It gives you a community. A space where you push your limits, grow, and form bonds with people who care.

If you can’t immediately think of three or four friends from your gym who would drop everything to help you move that couch, maybe it’s time to rethink where you train. A gym should be more than just a building. It should be a place where real connections happen.

So, ask yourself. Who will help you move your couch? If the answer isn’t clear, it might be time to find a gym where it is.