Sunrise fitness groups motivate women to be more active together

Group workout clubs are giving young women the chance to stay active while being in a friendly and supportive environment.

A Sport New Zealand study found young women spend 28 per cent less time being physically active than men.

They concluded in a profile that young women are less likely to participate in sport on their own and feel more enjoyment working out when they are supported by others.

The Sunrise Club meets every Saturday morning at different Auckland beaches for a 45-minute workout, mindfulness session, sunrise swim and ends with networking over coffee.

Current club organiser Lucy Sutton says it was created to bring young women together who want to get up early, exercise and form connections.

“It’s so hard in your twenties to meet new people apart from at uni or work, this club aims to bring like-minded people together.”

Personal trainer Georgia Smith says that a group environment can help to increase motivation during workouts.

“If you have a good instructor pushing you and can see everyone else around you is trying hard, you want to try hard too — to keep up with each other.”

Smith enjoys attending The Sunrise Club as it allows her to network and build new relationships.

“It's nice to know everyone wants to get up early and meet with all of these different people, who half the time they’ve never met before, and do self-development and wellness things together.”

Sutton says it has been rewarding to see people meet new friends, reach their goals, and boost their self-esteem through the club.

“I’d bring some of my friends in the beginning because I didn’t want to be by myself, but now I’m meeting new people, so I don’t need someone to hold my hand the whole time.”

With winter approaching, Sutton wants to find a way to keep the club running so that young women can enjoy being active and supported year-round.

“Maybe it won’t be about the good weather and seeing the sunrise itself but rather the idea of getting up early, staying active and getting out there with your friends.”

Watch: during the cafe networking session, Lucy Sutton explains the details of The Sunrise Club workouts and mindfulness sessions.