Finding community-based wellness activities that fit your schedule and goals can transform your health journey. Whether you're looking to boost physical activity, connect with others facing similar health challenges, or access free preventive health services, Oklahoma City offers a range of wellness events and meetups designed for real people with busy lives. About 1 in 3 adults report feeling lonely, yet research shows that group-based wellness activities provide measurably better outcomes than solo efforts—studies associate group membership with substantially higher weekly physical activity compared to solo exercisers.
These Oklahoma City programs range from free community health screenings to weekly fitness meetups, from mental health support circles to outdoor training groups. What matters most isn't finding the "perfect" event—it's discovering communities where you feel welcomed and supported, because feeling genuinely connected to others in wellness activities predicts success more than the specific activity type.
Key Takeaways
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Community-based wellness activities deliver better health outcomes than solo efforts through increased accountability, social connection, and consistent participation
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Free and low-cost options throughout Oklahoma City eliminate cost barriers, with programs specifically designed for uninsured individuals, families, and underserved populations
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Diverse formats ensure everyone can find fitting activities—from peer support groups and meditation circles to running clubs, group fitness classes, and hands-on cooking workshops
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Social connection matters as much as the activity itself—group participation reduces loneliness and social isolation, which are linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and premature mortality
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Sustained engagement creates compounding health benefits—regular participation in even one or two weekly events significantly impacts physical activity levels, mental health, and long-term wellness
1. Mental Health Association of Oklahoma Support Groups
The Mental Health Association of Oklahoma operates multiple peer-led support groups throughout Oklahoma City, providing safe spaces for individuals navigating mental health challenges, chronic illness, and life transitions. These facilitated groups meet weekly or biweekly at various locations across the metro area.
What Makes Them Valuable:
Peer support groups complement professional mental health care by reducing social isolation and providing practical self-care strategies. Research shows that peer support programs enhance mental health outcomes when integrated with clinical treatment, though they don't replace professional therapy for acute crises.
MHA Oklahoma offers specialized groups for BIPOC populations, Spanish-language programs, and condition-specific circles including depression/anxiety support, grief support, and family caregiver groups. The organization follows established confidentiality protocols and trains facilitators in appropriate group management, ensuring participants receive consistent, quality support.
Group Offerings:
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Depression and anxiety peer support (weekly)
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BIPOC mental health circles
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Spanish-language support groups (Grupos de Apoyo)
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Family caregiver support
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Chronic illness peer groups
Frequency: Weekly to biweekly depending on specific group
Location: Multiple sites across Oklahoma City metro
Cost: Free
Contact: Visit mhaok.org/services/support-groups or call for current schedule
Who Benefits Most: Individuals seeking peer connection alongside professional mental health care, family caregivers, those experiencing social isolation, and Spanish-speaking community members
2. Red Coyote Running Club Weekly Runs
Red Coyote Running hosts free community runs every week from their Oklahoma City locations, welcoming runners of all paces and experience levels. These casual group runs combine cardiovascular exercise with social connection in an inclusive, no-pressure environment.
Why Group Running Works:
Research demonstrates that group exercise membership provides five dimensions of social support—emotional, validation, informational, instrumental, and companionship—which strengthen exercise identity and sustained participation. Participants in group activities report higher levels of enjoyment and better mood compared to solo exercisers.
Red Coyote's weekly runs feature pace groups ranging from 8-minute miles to 14+ minute miles, ensuring runners find partners matching their speed. Regular participants often form accountability partnerships that extend beyond weekly runs, creating social infrastructure that supports consistent training.
Run Details:
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Multiple pace groups (all speeds welcome)
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Routes vary by week and location
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Post-run social time at the store
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Beginner-friendly atmosphere
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Running form tips and training advice available
Frequency: Weekly (check website for specific days)
Location: Red Coyote Running store locations in Oklahoma City
Cost: Free
Registration: No registration required; show up and run
Contact: redcoyoterunning.com/weeklyruns
Nutrition Support: For runners attending multiple weekly sessions, XV1 Liquid Collagen supports joint mobility and recovery with hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and biotin in a fast-absorbing liquid format.
3. Oklahoma County Health Department Total Wellness Programs
The Oklahoma County Health Department operates comprehensive Total Wellness programs providing free and low-cost health screenings, chronic disease management education, and preventive health services throughout the metro area.
Accessibility and Impact:
Community health programs successfully reach underserved populations who face cost barriers to healthcare. Research shows that 91% of participants at community health events serving these populations are uninsured, with most reporting annual incomes below $20,000. Cost is consistently cited as the number one barrier to healthcare access in traditional settings.
The Total Wellness program addresses this gap by offering biometric screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose), immunizations, nutrition counseling, and connections to ongoing care—services that participants would otherwise not receive. Licensed healthcare providers conduct all medical services using calibrated equipment and provide clear follow-up guidance.
Services Offered:
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Free health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes)
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Immunization clinics
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Nutrition and healthy eating education
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Chronic disease management programs
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Maternal and child health services
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Connections to ongoing primary care
Frequency: Ongoing programs; specific screening events quarterly
Location: Multiple sites across Oklahoma County
Cost: Free to low-cost based on income
Contact: occhd.org/tw or call for upcoming screening events
Who Benefits Most: Uninsured individuals, low-income families, those without regular healthcare access, and anyone seeking preventive health education
4. YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City Group Fitness Classes
The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City offers over 100 weekly group fitness classes across multiple branch locations, ranging from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training and aquatics programs.
The Group Fitness Advantage:
Studies show that group fitness comprises 33% of fitness facility attendance on average, with top-performing facilities seeing group classes account for 57% of total visits. This participation rate reflects the powerful role that social connection plays in sustained exercise adherence.
Research examining group fitness experiences found that when participants perceived higher groupness during classes—feeling part of a cohesive, supportive community—they reported significantly more enjoyment, better mood, and greater exertion. The YMCA's diverse class offerings ensure members can find formats where they feel comfortable and welcomed.
Class Categories:
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Mind-body (yoga, Pilates, tai chi)
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Cardio conditioning (Zumba, step aerobics, cycling)
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Strength training (body pump, circuit training)
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Aquatic fitness (water aerobics, aqua Zumba)
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Senior-focused classes (SilverSneakers, chair yoga)
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Beginner-friendly formats with modifications
Frequency: 100+ classes weekly across all branches
Location: Multiple YMCA branches throughout Oklahoma City metro
Cost: Included with YMCA membership; financial assistance available
Contact: quickscores.com/ymcaokc for class schedules by location
Pre-Workout Support: XV1 Green Superfood Powder provides caffeine-free energy and fills nutritional gaps with one daily scoop containing organic greens, B-vitamins, Vitamin C, and probiotics—compatible with vegan, keto, and intermittent fasting lifestyles.
5. This Land Yoga Community Classes
This Land Yoga offers community yoga classes in Oklahoma City, emphasizing accessible, trauma-informed instruction that welcomes all body types, abilities, and experience levels.
Yoga's Mental and Physical Benefits:
Regular yoga practice combines physical movement with mindfulness techniques, addressing both cardiovascular health and mental well-being. Mindfulness capacities can be effectively learned and strengthened through training and practice in group settings.
This Land Yoga's approach prioritizes individual comfort over performance, offering props, modifications, and instructor guidance that help beginners build confidence while challenging experienced practitioners appropriately.
Class Offerings:
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All-levels yoga (beginner-friendly with modifications)
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Gentle/restorative yoga
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Vinyasa flow
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Yin yoga
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Meditation and breathwork sessions
Frequency: Multiple classes weekly
Location: Oklahoma City studio
Cost: Drop-in rates and class packages available; community pricing options
Contact: thislandyoga.com for current schedule
Who Benefits Most: Individuals seeking stress management tools, beginners new to movement practices, those recovering from injuries, and experienced yogis looking for community practice
6. Oklahoma City Landrunners Club
The Oklahoma City Running Club Landrunners is a non-profit organization hosting regular group runs, races, and running-focused social events throughout the metro area. With decades of history, the club provides structured training opportunities and racing camaraderie for runners from 5K beginners to marathon veterans.
The Social Capital of Running Groups:
Belonging to exercise groups that meet regularly creates what researchers call "social capital"—the networks, relationships, and shared norms that facilitate collective action. Studies show that women in exercise groups reported nearly 1,000 more MET-minutes per week of physical activity compared to non-members, a difference that translates to significant cardiovascular benefits.
The Landrunners structure includes pace-specific training groups, race teams, and social runs that build relationships beyond shared miles. Many members cite accountability and friendships as more important than race performances in sustaining long-term running habits.
Club Activities:
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Weekly group runs (multiple locations and paces)
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Structured training programs (5K through marathon)
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Monthly social events
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Race organization and participation
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Beginner running programs
Frequency: Weekly runs; monthly social events
Membership: Annual dues required
Location: Runs depart from various Oklahoma City locations
Contact: okcrunning.org for membership and schedule information
Performance Support: XV1 Creatine Gummies provide 1,000mg creatine monohydrate per gummy in a convenient, no-scoop format—supporting strength, power, and recovery for runners tackling higher training volumes.
7. Oklahoma City Recreation Centers Fitness Programming
The City of Oklahoma City operates multiple recreation centers offering diverse fitness programming, sports leagues, and wellness activities at accessible price points throughout the metro area.
Community Wellness Hub Model:
Municipal recreation centers function as community wellness hubs—trusted gathering places that connect every community member to essential programs, services, and spaces advancing health equity. These facilities intentionally remove barriers to participation through low-cost programming, accessible locations near public transit, and inclusive environments.
Research on community wellness programs demonstrates their effectiveness in reaching populations who might not access private fitness facilities, including older adults, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities.
Program Categories:
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Group fitness classes (aerobics, strength, dance)
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Youth sports and activities
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Senior wellness programs (SilverSneakers accepted)
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Open gym and lap swimming
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Seasonal outdoor programming
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Family wellness events
Frequency: Daily programming across all centers
Location: Multiple recreation centers citywide
Cost: Minimal fees; resident discounts; income-based assistance available
Contact: okc.gov/Community-Recreation for center locations and schedules
Who Benefits Most: Families seeking affordable fitness options, seniors, individuals without transportation to private gyms, and community members seeking accessible facilities
8. OU Health Healthy Eating and Cooking Classes
OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center offers hands-on cooking classes and nutrition education workshops focused on diabetes prevention, heart health, and balanced eating patterns.
Nutrition Education's Role in Preventive Health:
Educational programming addressing diet quality serves a critical public health function. Research shows that regular physical activity combined with improved nutrition reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers while helping manage existing chronic conditions. However, nutrition information alone rarely changes behavior—hands-on cooking instruction builds practical skills and confidence.
OU Health's classes teach meal planning, grocery shopping strategies, cooking techniques, and recipe modification—skills that translate to sustained dietary improvements when participants practice consistently.
Workshop Topics:
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Diabetes-friendly cooking
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Heart-healthy meal preparation
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Budget-friendly nutritious meals
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Grocery shopping and label reading
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Meal planning for busy schedules
Frequency: Monthly workshops
Location: OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Oklahoma City
Cost: Varies by program; some sessions free
Contact: ouhealth.com/harold-hamm-diabetes-center
Who Benefits Most: Individuals managing diabetes or prediabetes, those at cardiovascular risk, family cooks seeking healthier recipes, and anyone wanting practical nutrition guidance
Nutritional Foundation: XV1 Green Superfood Powder fills common nutritional gaps with organic greens, red superfruit antioxidants, and digestive support—providing a simple daily foundation that complements whole-food meal planning.
9. Buddha Mind Monastery Meditation and Mindfulness Sessions
Buddha Mind Monastery in Oklahoma City offers free meditation instruction and mindfulness practice sessions open to the public, regardless of religious background or meditation experience.
Mindfulness Training's Mental Health Benefits:
Meditation and mindfulness practices provide evidence-based tools for stress management and emotional regulation. While individual practice benefits mental health, group meditation settings offer additional advantages: accountability, instruction correction, shared intention, and community support that sustain practice over time.
Research indicates that mindfulness skills are largely learned rather than innate, meaning consistent participation in group instruction effectively builds these capacities.
Session Offerings:
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Beginner meditation instruction
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Guided group meditation
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Dharma talks and teachings
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Special meditation retreats
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No religious requirement to participate
Frequency: Multiple sessions weekly
Location: Buddha Mind Monastery, Oklahoma City
Cost: Free (donations accepted)
Contact: ctbuddhamind.org for current schedule
Who Benefits Most: Individuals seeking stress reduction tools, those interested in mindfulness without religious commitment, beginners wanting guided instruction, and experienced meditators seeking group practice
10. Windsong Inner Space Wellness Classes
Windsong Inner Space offers holistic wellness classes including yoga, qigong, meditation, and movement practices in Oklahoma City, emphasizing mind-body integration and gentle, accessible approaches.
Mind-Body Practice Benefits:
Mind-body practices combine physical movement with focused attention and breath control, addressing both physiological and psychological dimensions of health. Studies examining these modalities show benefits for stress reduction, emotional resilience, and management of chronic pain conditions.
Windsong's approach welcomes participants across ability levels, offering modifications and props that make practices accessible to individuals with physical limitations or health conditions requiring gentle movement.
Class Types:
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Therapeutic yoga
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Qigong and tai chi
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Meditation and breathwork
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Sound healing sessions
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Movement for chronic pain management
Frequency: Multiple weekly classes
Location: Windsong Inner Space, Oklahoma City
Cost: Class packages and membership options available
Contact: windsonginerspace.com for schedule and pricing
Who Benefits Most: Individuals managing chronic pain or illness, those seeking gentle movement practices, beginners intimidated by fitness-focused studios, and anyone interested in holistic wellness approaches
11. Healthy Living Oklahoma City Events
Healthy Living Oklahoma City hosts regular wellness events, workshops, and health education sessions at their facility, covering topics from nutrition and fitness to stress management and holistic health.
Community Education Programming:
Health education events provide accessible information that empowers individuals to make informed wellness decisions. Research on community health improvement programs shows they effectively deliver evidence-based information while connecting participants to ongoing resources and support services.
Healthy Living OKC's events range from single-session workshops on specific topics to multi-week courses providing in-depth skill building. The facility also hosts health screenings and wellness assessments as part of their community outreach.
Event Categories:
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Nutrition and healthy eating workshops
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Fitness demonstrations and class samplers
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Stress management and mental wellness sessions
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Holistic health education
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Periodic health screenings
Frequency: Regularly scheduled; check event calendar
Location: Healthy Living Oklahoma City facility
Cost: Varies by event; many free or low-cost options
Contact: https://www.healthylivingokc.com/events for upcoming events
12. Oklahoma City Outdoor Fitness Trails and Park Programs
Oklahoma City maintains outdoor fitness equipment sites and park-based fitness programming throughout the metro area, providing free access to exercise equipment and structured outdoor activities.
Outdoor Exercise Accessibility:
Public outdoor fitness facilities eliminate cost barriers while providing accessible exercise opportunities in communities lacking private fitness facilities. Research shows these installations increase physical activity participation, particularly among individuals who report cost and transportation as barriers to gym membership.
Oklahoma City's outdoor fitness sites feature multi-station equipment for strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility—all available without membership fees or scheduled access hours. Many sites also host informal workout groups and training sessions.
Available Resources:
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Outdoor fitness equipment at multiple parks
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Walking and running trails
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Seasonal fitness programming in parks
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Free outdoor yoga and group fitness classes (seasonal)
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Accessible equipment for varying abilities
Frequency: Equipment available daily; seasonal programming varies
Location: Multiple parks citywide
Cost: Free
Information: okc.gov/Community-Recreation/Recreation-Activities/Fitness and shapeyourfutureok.com
Who Benefits Most: Individuals seeking no-cost fitness options, those preferring outdoor exercise, community members without transportation to gyms, and anyone wanting flexible workout schedules
Why Community Wellness Participation Matters
The shift from solo wellness efforts to community-based participation isn't just about preference—it's supported by compelling health data. Research shows that social isolation increases risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and premature death, while social connection provides protective effects. In fact, social isolation contributes to an estimated 100 deaths every hour worldwide—over 871,000 deaths annually.
Group-based wellness activities address this crisis while simultaneously improving physical health outcomes. Studies demonstrate that belonging to sport or exercise groups protects against depression, with the relationship underpinned by two mechanisms: members engage in physical activity more frequently and feel less lonely. The protective effect is substantial—clinical depression rates were almost twice as high among non-group members compared to those belonging to exercise communities.
The accessibility component deserves equal attention. Despite Oklahoma City's recent improvements in fitness rankings, health disparities persist. Community wellness events specifically target underserved populations, with research showing 91% of participants uninsured and most earning below $20,000 annually—individuals who cite cost as their primary healthcare barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find free wellness events in Oklahoma City if I don't have transportation?
Focus on programs at Oklahoma City Recreation Centers, Oklahoma County Health Department, and YMCA locations near public transit. Many organizations offer virtual options. Call specific programs—some provide shuttle services or transit partnerships for participants.
Can I attend wellness events if I'm significantly out of shape or have health conditions?
Yes. Most programs offer beginner-friendly options and modifications for various abilities. YMCA senior programs, gentle yoga classes, and walking groups accommodate all fitness levels. Consult your healthcare provider before vigorous activities if you have cardiovascular risk factors.
How many wellness events should I attend weekly to see health benefits?
Optimal outcomes typically require 150+ minutes of moderate activity weekly—three 50-minute classes, five 30-minute walks, or any combination. Start with one or two weekly events and build consistency before adding more.
Are peer support groups at Mental Health Association Oklahoma a substitute for therapy?
No. Peer support groups complement professional mental health care but don't replace it. They reduce social isolation and provide practical strategies alongside clinical treatment. If experiencing acute crises, seek professional clinical intervention.
What should I bring to my first fitness meetup or wellness event?
For fitness events: water, towel, comfortable athletic clothing, and appropriate footwear. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to introduce yourself to instructors. For support groups and workshops: just bring yourself and an open mindset. No special equipment required.
