Boston Marathon® Athlete: Julianna Santiago

As human beings, we are social creatures by nature. Instinctively, we don’t like feeling alone, and our bodies and brains actually function better when we are surrounded by others. We are basically wired to be social. If you were to google “why humans need humans” or anything along those lines, you’ll find a plethora of articles explaining why social connections and friendships are vital to our health and well-being. Outside of our family units, when we have friends we can lean on, laugh with, cry with, and talk to, we are nourishing ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. We need that connectivity not only to survive, like this article suggests, but to thrive. Whether you’re someone who prefers to have just a few really close pals, or you’re a social butterfly with a lot of friends, at the end of the day, we need those relationships. Here are the top three reasons we need friendships in our lives! Friendships improve our health Research has shown that having strong social connections is vital to our health. For starters, it can reduce stress levels, ward off depression and suicide, lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, and cancer, as well as boost our immune system...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s also easier to exercise and live a healthier lifestyle when you have the support of friends and family. Friends extend our life expectancy Aside from improving our overall health, maintaining friendships can also add years to our lives—just like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and not smoking. Multiple studies have found that people who have positive relationships with their family, friends, and community are happier and tend to live longer. Some studies have even gone as far to conclude that social belongingness is just as important as physical survival needs, such as food and shelter. Friends make life more fun This might not be a mind-blowing revelation, but friends bring an abundant amount of happiness to our lives. While I’m sure you can find enjoyment doing certain things solo, I’d argue that most things are more fun when you do it with someone else. There’s an unexplainable joy that comes from sharing experiences with people we care about. Studies have shown, including this one conducted back in 2011, that having meaningful social relationships affects our neurobiological endogenous opioid system (think endorphins), triggering the part of the brain that makes us feel good. Simply put, connecting and interacting with our friends gives us happy feelings. Ever caught up with an old friend, then felt really good afterwards? Those are your endorphins kicking in, telling you that what you just did is healthy for your emotional and physical health! So, no matter what stage of life you’re in, make it a priority to get out and do things with your friends. Whether it’s a quick phone call or grabbing lunch, keep your friends close and remember to have fun!

iFIT Exclusives are more than workouts. They are transformative, documentary-style experiences that connect you with the stories, people, and moments that make the iFIT community unique. These episodes offer a deep dive into the lives of our trainers and members, following their personal journeys to greatness. Hannah Eden’s Story: Turning a Challenge into a Strength The latest iFIT Exclusive brings you Iron Mom: Hannah Eden’s Story, following her journey from motherhood to the finish line. You’ll witness her transformation as she sets her sights on completing a Half Ironman in Hawaii, all while balancing training and family. With honesty, heart, and the support of her friends and family, Hannah reminds us that strength isn’t just physical–it’s the courage to keep showing up, even when things get tough. Why iFIT Exclusives Matter iFIT Exclusives go beyond physical fitness. They tap into the human experience and serve as a reminder that growth and struggle are all part of the journey. Through stories like Hannah’s, you’ll feel connected and inspired to chase your own goals. More Stories Ahead Iron Mom is just one of many iFIT Exclusives that aim to keep you motivated and engaged in your fitness journey. Stay tuned for more powerful stories from the iFIT community. Whether you’re in the midst of your own comeback or simply looking for inspiration, Hannah’s story is one you don’t want to miss. Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.

We know it can be difficult to stay consistent with your workouts, especially when life gets busy or your routine starts feeling stale. That’s why we’re launching a new experience that iFIT members can all look forward to each week: the iFIT Weekly Group Ride. This new series reimagines how you engage with cycling workouts on iFIT. It’s a weekly drop of fresh motivation that brings the iFIT community together, all from the comfort of home. What is the iFIT Weekly Group Ride? The Weekly Group Ride is a structured, 12-week journey built around Anja Garcia’s new bike series in the iFIT Studio. It’s an approachable, results-driven cycling program that’s great for all levels. Whether you’re new to intervals or looking to build consistency in your routine, this ride is for you. Rather than releasing all 12 workouts at once, we’re doing things differently: one workout will be dropped each week on Wednesday, starting Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Each week’s ride will appear in the “Featured Now” row on your iFIT-enabled bike, so it’s easy to find and jump in. Why Ride with iFIT? We believe fitness is more powerful when it’s connected. The Weekly Group Ride is just one more way we’re building experiences that bring our global fitness community together in fun, flexible, and motivating ways. So clip in, press play, and ride with us. This is your time to take control of your fitness, one week at a time. Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.