We know that making new friends can be hard! We’re also know that Inspire people are the best people.
One of our favourite things about Inspire is seeing you find YOUR people in our community. Whether you’re new to the area, fresh out of school, or just looking for new social connections, we’re convinced Inspire is the best place to make friends 👭
Our resident social butterfly, Caitlin, shares how she found her forever friends at the studio and her top tips for finding Inspire besties of your own!
Tell us about your experience making friends at the studio when you were a rider.
I first joined Inspire not knowing many girls in the area, even though I live around the corner from the studio. I noticed the same girls from my Cycle and Box classes walking around the streets and at the local coffee shop (shoutout to Salt). I have always been confident so when I kept seeing one girl in particular (who was an absolute weapon in class!) I went up to her after my 100th class and told her I had seen her around and thought she was so good! I asked to have coffee with her and the rest is history - Alyssa is now one of my best friends. Alyssa introduced me to Charlotte, Cara, Izz, Issy and Holly and we all came together because of our mutual connections in Brisbane. When Cami (we miss her more than words 💔) came to Australia, she was our missing puzzle piece!
How have your friendships grown since becoming an instructor?
Instructing has absolutely made my friendships grow deeper. It has made me adore and cherish these girls more than anything. I have always looked up to my friends - they have been training with Inspire for a while before me and I would see them slaying the front row. Watching them continue to grow and get stronger is incredible. They especially challenge me to be the best I can be, bring the most energy and remain authentic.
I believe that people become an amalgamation of their close friendships and these girls have well and truly shaped me into who I have become. Their music taste in particular has been a huge influence in my classes. I’ve been introduced to so much amazing music by Cara who is the queen of EDM (CJ the DJ IYKYK) and Alyssa who has a true dancer's ear for a strong beat.
What makes Inspire such a great place to meet people?
I had stints at other gyms before joining Inspire and what truly sets us apart is the community focus. Community drives everything that we do here and although it is inherent in all group fitness, Inspire particularly pays attention to the mind and soul so there is a bigger value on authentic connections. When you’re a regular, you see the same people day-in and day-out and realise that you have more in common with the stranger riding or punching next to you than you first thought. In Teneriffe and Richmond we’re spoiled for choice with so many places to eat, drink and play nearby which allows us to mingle and connect outside the studio and truly creates that community feel.
What do you think makes friendships made at the studio so strong?
Exercise is often thought of as a ‘chore’ or a solo task. Inspire takes exercise and makes it into a real bonding experience. We go through many emotions in class and so when you can bring your friends, or make friends in the community you connect with them on a deeper level. It’s two-birds one-stone.
What did you first bond over with your new friends?
We bonded over the one and only Ariel Kaplan, the true cult leader of Inspire! Her classes have always been so driven by community and Ariel always makes you feel like you are riding as a collective; the success of the people around you makes you stronger. This is something I try to incorporate into my own classes. It's important to have moments of connection, and to reflect on the achievements and energy of everyone in the room.
And I can speak for all Inspire-formed friendships, you always bond over classes! Whether it’s instructors, trying classes together, doing endless jogs or burpees, or sharing music likes and dislikes! It really is Inspire over everything.
What’s your go-to after class catch up spot?
I am so glad you asked! In the AM we are strictly at the new kid on the block, Fraser’s (you can find Fraser’s on the corner of Stratton Street and Commercial Road). In the PM it’s a hard pick between Fishbowl or Yo-Chi at Gasworks.
How has the social aspect impacted your studio experience?
The people make the place. Coming to class and knowing that you get to see your friends, sweat together and get a post-class coffee is why Inspire is SO much more than just group fitness. The social experience was the hook for me. I love the motivation to attend classes, even as an instructor now because I get to spend time with all my favourite people.
What’s the best way to break the ice or ask someone to Fraser’s (without making it weird)?
Remind yourself that there is nothing weird about asking someone to coffee, especially if you are seeing this person (and you know they see you) every day at the gym!
Consider this the Caitlin Friendship-Making Guide:
Do:
Be yourself! You are perfect as you are, the right people will love you for you.
Compliment something about them (keep it authentic) e.g., “You always inspire me to hold up my jogs!” or “I love your activewear set!”
Ask them questions, whether it is about the studio, or recommendations for coffee … then you can ask if they would like to join, handy hint 😉
Add them on socials - people are chuffed to get a follow!
Don’t
Be scared to ask someone for a coffee
Go to a cafe that isn’t Fraser’s (period!)
What’s your best piece of advice for someone who might be shy or new to the studio?
Remember that making friends can be intimidating, but you never know where a connection might lead. When you are new (just like I was) you get to have that fresh start. There is very little that can go wrong, but you have to be open and willing to challenge yourself and seek out connections. If you see a person, or a group who look like your kind of people, take it one step at a time and simply say “hi!”. At the end of the day, everyone is looking for new connections and the more the merrier! ☺️
Ready to make the first move? Inspire members get 10% off at Fraser’s (as if you needed another reason to make it your new go-to!) We’ll see you at the studio 🥰
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