Fitness and running clubs grew into social hubs after the pandemic. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Many people left pandemic isolation seeking real-world connection. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Groups that meet to run, walk, climb, and bike offer social contact and exercise. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
This story matters to Thai readers because loneliness rose during the pandemic. ( Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness - CDC )
Loneliness harms mental and physical health. ( Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness - CDC )
Many people now seek low-cost ways to socialise. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Community exercise groups fill that need. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Organisers say people want a third space outside home and work. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
These groups create routine and belonging. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
In the Twin Cities, run clubs grew quickly after lockdowns. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Event organisers report higher race registrations than before the pandemic. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Race organisers expect record youth participation this year. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Club events now include icebreakers and warmups to welcome newcomers. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Some groups formed to serve specific communities. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Examples include groups for Black runners and LGBTQ+ climbers. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Organisers say these groups reduce friction for beginners. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Club leaders add programming for different abilities. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Some groups offer scholarships to widen access. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Exercise groups also cut social costs compared to bars or restaurants. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Members value alcohol-free social spaces. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Researchers show group exercise improves adherence to activity. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Group membership links to multiple forms of social support. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Researchers measured companionship, emotional, informational, and validation support. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
The study found social support helps people build exercise identity. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Stronger exercise identity links to more weekly activity. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
The study notes gender differences in group effects. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Women showed stronger links between group membership and activity. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Researchers call for more diverse samples in future work. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Public health agencies warn that loneliness harms health. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Loneliness links to higher heart disease risk and depression. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Thailand has national guidelines for physical activity and sleep. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Pre-pandemic activity levels in Thailand varied by year. ( Prevalence of sufficient MVPA among Thai adults - BMC Public Health )
Surveys suggest a drop in activity during the early pandemic. ( The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity of the Thai population )
Recent Thai data show high sedentary behaviour in cities. ( Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents )
Thai women often report lower activity than Thai men. ( Prevalence of sufficient MVPA among Thai adults - BMC Public Health )
Community exercise groups could help reverse that trend. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
A Thai public health approach could match international lessons. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Local running groups already operate in Bangkok and provinces. ( Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents )
These groups tend to be low-cost and family-friendly. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Thai culture values group harmony and family ties. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Group exercise can align with Buddhist community practices. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Active groups offer simple rituals that build belonging. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Minneapolis examples show clubs can welcome diverse skill levels. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Clubs often start with a social beat and a warmup. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Leaders teach newcomers to feel comfortable. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Groups also provide role models and peer encouragement. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Peer support helps people keep exercising over time. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Organisers in the US report family-friendly formats. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Parents can bring children and still join the activity. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Thai communities could replicate this design. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Local parks and temple grounds can host walks and runs. ( Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents )
Public health agencies can promote inclusive clubs. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Health departments can fund training for group leaders. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Training helps leaders create psychologically safe spaces. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Programs can target underrepresented communities. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Targeted groups can reduce barriers for beginners. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Public-private partnerships can support low-cost gear lending. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Equipment costs limit participation in some sports. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Bike and climbing groups find costs a constraint. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Subsidy programs can expand access for low-income residents. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Schools can support community fitness groups after hours. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
This approach builds intergenerational contact. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Local healthcare providers can prescribe social exercise. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Clinics can refer patients to verified community groups. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Employers can host group runs to boost morale. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Companies can offer flexible hours for group activity. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Event organisers can keep races affordable for families. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Affordable mass participation events boost community ties. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Organisers can add child-friendly distances and routes. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
City planners can map safe walking and running networks. ( Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents )
Good lighting and signage raise perceived safety. ( Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents )
Inclusive programming can welcome older adults and youths. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Schools and universities can host training for peer leaders. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Peer leaders can foster supportive social norms in clubs. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Measuring outcomes helps refine programs. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Local surveys can track activity and loneliness over time. ( Loneliness, Lack of Social and Emotional Support - CDC )
Researchers should study how group exercise affects mental health. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Policymakers can use evidence to scale effective models. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Community voices must shape any program design. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Inclusive planning reduces exclusion and microaggressions. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Leaders should set clear codes of conduct for members. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Local health budgets can prioritise social prescribing pilots. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Pilots can test referrals from clinics to community groups. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Researchers can monitor physical and mental health outcomes. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Clubs can document attendance and member satisfaction. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Simple steps can yield large community gains. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Start small with weekly meet-ups in local parks. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Invite neighbours, families, and friends to join. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Keep the activity free or low-cost to reduce barriers. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Offer options for walking, jogging, and stroller-friendly routes. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Use social media to build momentum and share safety tips. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Partner with local DJs or volunteers to create upbeat atmospheres. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Document stories to inspire more participants. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Measure success by attendance and wellbeing gains. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
Policymakers can scale models that show clear benefits. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Clubs can help heal post-pandemic social fractures. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Community activity can reduce loneliness and boost health. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
Thai local leaders can adapt these lessons to local needs. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Start with pilots in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and provincial towns. ( Patterns and correlates of physical activity and sedentary behavior among Bangkok residents )
Evaluate pilots before national expansion. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )
Community sport can become a public good. ( Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation - HHS.gov )
It can combine health promotion with social recovery. ( Group exercise membership is associated with forms of social support, exercise identity, and amount of physical activity )
The post-pandemic moment offers a chance to rebuild ties. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )
Thai communities can make ordinary movement a way to reconnect. ( Thailand - World Health Organization (WHO) )