Blog, Fitness, Training

The Importance of Belonging

Jun 17, 2025

Andrew Boimila

5 min read

Did you know that Tradewinds Fitness has a book club? Yes, we really do! It’s a very welcoming and inclusive group (much like Tradewinds itself) that meets once a month to lightly discuss a book and more heavily socialize and enjoy delicious treats together. During the month of June, we’re reading Julia Hotz’s book, “The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging,” and it has really gotten me thinking.

Hotz’s book explores the concept of social prescribing; a practice where healthcare professionals connect patients with community activities and resources instead of solely relying on medication or procedures. “The Connection Cure” highlights how taking part in activities within nature, or surrounding art, movement, and service can significantly improve one’s physical and mental well-being. Studies highlighted within the book show that activities like sea swimming, art workshops, fishing clubs, and volunteering can address issues from depression to social isolation.

We live in a day and age where meaningful connections with others and within our community are becoming fewer and farther between. Everyone is so busy with responsibilities and virtual communication is often easier than making it happen in-person. The lack of support from the “village” we’re meant to be able to rely on means we’re all attempting to manage everything on our own, which, in turn, makes connection with others even less possible.

Those of us who go to Tradewinds know that it’s an anomaly of a gym. It’s not just a place to get in a great workout, but it’s also a gym that places a high value on community, social action, inclusivity, and belonging. Not everyone is in a place where they are ready to take advantage of all the options Tradewinds has to offer. And on the other hand, not everyone is struggling with isolation or the lack of connection within the community. But if you are feeling a lack of connection and you’re ready to take action, then this is for you. Here are some simple ideas for leveraging your place at Tradewinds to help you gain more connection and community.

Simply join in. Tradewinds offers some kind of community activity at least once a month in which you can join, meet others, and have some fun. Whether it’s a Trivia night in town or a fitness challenge, the first step is actually raising your hand and joining in.
Join the Facebook group. If you’re on social media, join the fun! Tradewinds Athletes is a closed group for current Tradewinds athletes where you can share your highlight of the week, encourage the Athlete of the Month, or welcome new members, among other things.
Join the Book Club. Is reading the book a requirement? No! Is it a welcoming and friendly group where you might make a new like-minded friend and share some home-cooked goodness? Yes!
Be brave and reach out. If you are an athlete at Tradewinds, you already know you’re in a place where you’re surrounded by like-minded folks. It can be a huge jump to take a relationship from “gym-acquaintance” to “friends outside of the gym,” but you won’t know until you take that leap. I’m certain that the majority of athletes at Tradewinds would be thrilled to meet up outside of the gym for an ocean swim or a beach walk.
Ask your teammates about opportunities to serve locally. At Tradewinds, we offer a few different opportunities throughout the year to clean up the local environment, collect toys for children, and donate time and service to other local charitable organizations. Believe it or not, there are several options in Winthrop alone, such as Mi Amore, and the Harbor Foster Closet who can gladly use helpful volunteers!
Get outside! We’re on the threshold of one of the best seasons to spend time outdoors in the Northeast. Right within Winthrop and our surrounding communities, there are countless options for swimming, walking, birdwatching, kayaking, biking, or simply meditating outside. Even better, grab a gym buddy and get outside together.
Try hitting class at the same time for a few days in the week. Many athletes have their routine and stick to class at the same time. The more you do that, the more apt you are to see the same athletes and make more meaningful connections with your classmates and coaches.

None of this is to say it’s easy. The reason so many people are struggling with isolation and the lack of meaningful connection is because as a society, we have forgotten how to do this! It can be scary to take the leap and reach out. But the only way around the struggle is through it. What’s one thing you can do in the month ahead to create the opportunity for connection and belonging in your life? Being a member of Tradewinds is already getting you halfway there. You simply have to accept the offer.

Not a member at Tradewinds yet?