RAPID CITY - A few weeks ago, a group of about 12 people met to do a little hiking and biking in the Black Hills. Later, they gathered for a barbecue.

While a lot of people probably did the same thing on that particular Saturday, one thing made this group a little different. All were members of the Athletic Club, a local fitness center. And all were embracing the club's push to make its members friends rather than just friendly.

"It just gives people opportunities to socialize together and it helps them with their exercise and fitness programs, too," said Mary Freidel, assistant manager of the Athletic Club.

The Athletic Club, located on Sheridan Lake Road, is a 24-hour fitness facility. But owner Robby Cregut wants it to be more. He wants it to be a club where members connect and develop friendships.

Cregut's idea isn't unusual. Nationwide, fitness clubs are striving to make their facilities more than just a place to work out.

A 2008 survey by IDEA, a health and fitness association, found that "group cohesion" has become a definite trend in fitness facilities. About 43 percent of the fitness managers surveyed this year offer social activities. Sixty-seven of those expect to see the activities expand.

The survey's authors speculate that in the age of technology, people are looking to cultivate a little more actual face time with peers.

The Athletic Club started organizing activities two summers ago with such beliefs in mind, Freidel said. The reaction of participants indicated they were on to something, she said.

"I think one of the first things we did is climbed Harney Peak," she said. "People really enjoyed that."

Last summer, club members participated in several events, including a motorcycle ride to Devils Tower. This year, due to the weather, events didn't get under way until July, but Freidel said Cregut planned the hike and bike and has more events in mind.

Not all of the activities are necessarily physical. Sometimes, Cregut organizes an outing to a social event such as a dance. Sometimes he organizes an all-terrain vehicle ride.

Nationally, the IDEA survey showed that activities included walking and running clubs, as well as shopping trips, movie outings and even group cruises.

The goal of the events, whether physical or not, is to give fitness members a feeling of connection, Freidel said.

"It's a huge membership retention thing," she said.

But it's beneficial to the fitness of members as well, she believes.

If members get to know the people they see at their club, they're more inclined to maintain a regular workout schedule, Freidel said. It's like have a whole bunch of exercise partners in one spot.

"People get to know each other," she said. "It's a huge part of staying consistent."

Cregut plans to add more winter activities to his club outings, including snowmobiling or maybe skiing, Freidel said.

He hopes the end result will be happy members who stick to their workout regimes and, hopefully, walk away with a few new friends.

Contact Lynn Taylor Rick at 394-8414 or lynn.taylorrick@rapidcityjournal.com.