Experience Oklahoma on foot or by bicycle through social exercise clubs. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a complete beginner or someone who’s in between, there’s a welcoming group for anyone looking to move their body for fitness and fun.
Everyone knows regular physical activity can improve health, increase energy levels and improve sleep quality, but finding the motivation to get started isn’t always easy. Joining a social exercise group like the Tulsa Running Club (TRC) or the Oklahoma Bicycle Society (OBS) can provide encouragement and accountability.
These separate entities connect through the same purpose: to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage social engagement with a healthy dose of competition.
Leaning into the social aspect of running, TRC offers an opportunity for participants to make connections with participants of all ages, experience levels, disciplines and backgrounds through recreational and competitive running.
“We want people to talk and connect beyond the run itself,” says Corey Jones, the club’s president.
The TRC holds bi-monthly social runs starting at various locations. In the warmer weather, runs begin at Andolini’s Sliced, where the club also provides post-exercise pizza. TRC runs start at DoubleShot Coffee Co. in the winter, as well as at Turkey Mountain throughout the year, where walkers and hikers are welcome.
TRC’s social runs are free and open to the public. The running club also holds numerous races throughout the year. Participants can also join the TRC via Strava, a free app and website that allows for tracking and sharing stats, offering participants the opportunity for some friendly virtual competition.
Anyone can join the TRC, even if they aren’t runners.
“We want to be accessible,” Jones says.
The OBS sponsors a year-round program of weekly rides which range from slow-paced family outings to those that test the abilities of even the most experienced riders. Rides include leisurely and historic bike tours, a three day party on wheels, and spins ranging from 15 to 70 miles.
“Many OBS members start out with group riding as a way to meet new people and learn from others,” says Graham Harris, OBS president. “We find that when you ride regularly with others, the desire to stay with the group will push the fitness level of the rider. On many rides, members find time to talk, which creates friendships and camaraderie.”
To support social fitness, OBS sponsors a number of events which combine a short ride with a party or picnic.
The average person rarely gets the recommended 2.5 hours per week of physical exercise, but companionship and friend groups can impact how much one is willing to move their body.
Social fitness paired with fun can provide the engagement someone needs to get started – and keep going.
To begin your social fitness journey, check out Tulsa Running Club, Oklahoma Bicycle Society or the many other social fitness groups in Oklahoma with a quick internet search. With welcoming groups across Oklahoma ready to cheer you on, you’ll likely find that the miles go by faster when they’re shared with others.
