5 minute read
Wellness: Fitness + Friendship
If you haven’t yet found a way to be active while also being social, you can double your gains if you combine the two. We all know moving keeps us healthy, but the social aspects have been proven to make at least as much of a difference in our well-being as exercise. Check out these great ways people are staying active while strengthening social ties: a win-win for overall health.
Pickleball
Pickleball is a sport similar to tennis that uses a small paddle and plastic ball (think a wiffle ball). Players volley the ball back and forth to score points. “Pickleball is a very accessible and multigenerational sport,” says Stephanie Daniels, owner of Pickleball Euphoria. Stephanie sees people of all ages and skill levels take to the courts. Some people pick it up as a social activity, while others get serious and compete.
Pickleball will get you moving, but it has other benefits too. “Pickleball boosts your physical health, and it also boosts your mental health and well-being,” Stephanie says. “It creates connection and community with people you may have never otherwise connected with. It starts with meeting on the court, but it becomes so much more. Some of our groups travel together, celebrate birthdays, and are there for one another through tough times.” by
Getting involved is easy. “We’ve tried to keep things simple because we want as many people as possible to get engaged and play on our courts,” Stephanie says. Pickleball Euphoria has two Louisville locations and a third opening soon in Clarksville, Indiana. A membership is free and is required to use the automated system for reserving courts. Beginner clinics are also offered to allow people to get in the game right away. Since Pickleball Euphoria’s opening in 2021, over four thousand people have been introduced to the sport through their clinics. “We have groups that are always willing to invite a new person in, and we can connect you with them,” Stephanie says.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get moving with the added benefit of spending time in nature. The Louisville Hiking Club invites people to get outside and explore with a group of friends. Founded more than 95 years ago, the club meets each Saturday year-round to hike a local or regional trail and enjoy a meal after the hike.
“Our purpose is to have people enjoy nature while getting physical activity and enjoying each other’s company,” says Cindy Vaughan, a Louisville Hiking Club board member.
To join a hike, you can see what hikes are coming up on the club’s website, then you can just show up. You’ll follow a hike leader who guides the group. Hikes are generally 5 to 6 miles long, but the group often offers a shorter version of each hike. After you complete two hikes with the group, you can opt to become a member. Members get weekly emails with information about upcoming hikes and events, invitations to weekend hiking trips that include an overnight stay, and invitations to special events such as the annual holiday party and the Derby Day hike at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana.
Anyone is welcome to join a hike. “We are a very welcoming group,” Cindy says. “We watch out for new hikers and make sure they have everything they need to enjoy a hike with us.” Hiking gives you an opportunity to talk with others and to develop new friendships. “It is such a great opportunity to meet like-minded people,” Cindy continues. “When I think about it, a majority of my friends are from the Louisville Hiking Club.”
Getting physical and social
Having a friend to work out with is always a motivator to keep moving. Why not join a group that is focused on fitness and fun so you can always do both? The YMCA of Greater Louisville offers Forever Young/Active Older Adult programs that aim to keep older adults moving and connected. They offer special fitness classes designed for participants age 50+. In addition to fitness classes, the groups plan social events and outings.
“Our programs are open to all — you do not have to be a Y member to attend,” says Sandra Simpson, Forever Young volunteer coordinator for the Northeast Family YMCA. Social events range from events at a Y location to field trips. “We are headed to tour Rebecca Ruth Candy next month as a group,” Sandra says. “We do most of our events at the Y, but occasionally we go offsite. We are taking a bus as some of our members do not want to drive, so it is great to all travel together.”
Events hosted at Y locations include time for socializing, and often the groups share a meal together. “We have done a variety of things — in February we make valentines to donate, last March we played bingo, and we do potlucks,” Sandra says. Branches host different events, so to get involved, check the YMCA of Greater Louisville website or contact the YMCA branch closest to you.
By Tami Pyles
Today's Transitions | Winter 2024-2025
