Friends Week at Davidson Strength and Fitness
TL;DR
Strong social connections support mental health, happiness, and productivity.
Science shows people with solid social networks thrive more than those without.
Group classes build community, accountability, and camaraderie.
Friends Week invites new people to try unlimited classes February 8–15, 2026.
You don’t need to know anyone. Just show up.
A Check-In
Life feels heavy sometimes.
Helloooooooo friends. (I hope that came through in the most Mrs. Doubtfire way possible.) I know it has been a while since I have checked in and I apologize for that. I've been juggling all the same craziness that you have, it’s a lot!
I see you.
Real talk: How are you holding up?
The World Feels Like a Lot
And connection matters more than ever.
The world is on fire. Money is tight. The future is scary. This is all true, we get it. So how do we make sure we don’t lose our collective minds, and even more, our own precious sanity? The answer sounds corny and simple so we never give it enough credit: Each other.
The science behind friendship
Support networks change outcomes.
The Beatles knew, “I get by with a little help from my friends.” They were right, and not just anecdotally. There is real science behind this. Studies have shown that people who have, and rely upon, a solid social network have much more relative success to those without.
It is probably important to note that success might include financial stability, but not exclusively. What about the ability to spend extra time together?
Depression levels in folks entrenched in committed social networks are fractional compared to those without a support network. This doesn’t mean these people are sitting around, airing grievances like a self-help meeting either.
It can be as simple as saying “yes” when a friend asks if you want to come grab a coffee. Or, even better, being the friend who texts to ask if anyone wants to go get a coffee.
Connection at Work
Small talk has real impact.
How about allowing a little bit of small talk between meetings? There are no water coolers in offices anymore, so what about water cooler talk?
This is a real phenomenon that we joke about but has real world and real business implications. The ability to connect with one another is literally what keeps us going. When employees are allowed these breaks, managers see increased productivity, higher yields and overall better numbers. For the employees it is an added bonus to not feel like going to work is a chore.
Meaning in Our Work
Purpose changes how we show up.
Sure, we would almost all rather be participating in our hobbies or relaxing than getting up and going to work. But when we do go to work, how do we feel about it?
Are we barely hanging on, begging for the weekend? Do we feel like we are making a difference, even in a small way?
You don’t need to be saving the dolphins at your job to be doing something worthwhile. A server who truly cares about providing a good dining experience to their tables will make better tips than the one barely making an effort.
The teachers who are there because they love seeing the look on a kid’s face when they learn something new have far more engaged students than those who pop on a video lesson and ignore the class.
The CEO that allows for employees to ditch on nice days and enjoy time together sees bigger returns than the one who requires 60 hours a week regardless of circumstances.
Why Group Classes Matter
Shared effort builds real bonds.
All this is to say that we need each other and when we rely on each other we are infinitely happier and more productive. That feels like a pretty big win for us. This concept is right at the heart of why we offer and love group classes.
Group classes not only promote healthy competition and a desire to do well, but more than that they build camaraderie. They build friendships. Mutual suffering is a powerful binder and you will certainly have a new appreciation for the person doing 50 wallball shots right alongside you.
Accountability and Care
Showing up is easier together.
We are more inclined to show up for class when we know friends are there and expecting us. We check in with one another when someone is out. We ask each other about our kids, grandkids, jobs, health, recovery and more.
We care, and honestly, that’s the reason we do what we do.
Learn More About the Science
Recommended reading.
If you are curious about the science of all this we highly recommend reading The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.
Join Us for Friends Week
February 8–15, 2026.
If you are curious about our classes and what we have to offer join us for FRIENDS WEEK. February 8–15, 2026 is Friends Week. Anyone new to us is encouraged to join us for as many classes as they are able all week long. There are no attendance limits.
Come see what a whole week with us can do for you. There will be little perks and bonuses along the way so follow us to see what’s coming up. You don’t need to know someone here to be considered a friend, just show up.
