Connection Starts with a Name

Let’s be real, remembering names isn’t always easy. Between the new faces every week and the 6 a.m. coffee still kicking in, it’s a miracle we remember our own sometimes. But learning someone’s name (and using it!) is one of the most powerful ways to connect. That first “Hey, Jamie!” when someone walks into class can completely change how they feel, it tells them they’re seen, they belong, and they matter. And that kind of connection is where real progress begins.

Over the years, I’ve learned that remembering names is less about memory and more about intention. When you make a conscious effort to call people by name at the start of class, during a tough set, and when they’re walking out, you create a bond that sticks. It’s that consistency and care that turns a fitness class into a community. People might show up for the workout, but they stay for the connection.

Now, full honesty moment — I once had a student come up to me after class and (very kindly) tell me I’d been calling her the wrong name for over three years. Yep. Three. Years. Turns out her name was Ann, not Linda. I couldn’t have been more off if I tried. We both laughed, and she admitted she always felt seen and appreciated, even if I got the name wrong. That moment taught me that while perfection isn’t required, effort absolutely is.

So, these days I stick to one simple trick: say their name a lot. When they walk in, when you cue them, when they leave. The repetition makes it stick, and it makes people feel important. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about nailing every name on the first try; it’s about showing up with genuine care. Names are personal, but connection is universal.