Group Exercise Is Fun... Really Fun!

Growing up dancing, I was always in a class setting for movement.  I was comfortable exercising with other people and that led to teaching and participating in many forms of exercise to include yoga, aerobics, dance, and strengthening classes.  I also cherish time outdoors hiking, running, and walking, which are more independent activities. I have found group classes offer high levels of motivation, which can compliment your outdoor activities and prevent injuries.  Here are some other benefits of finding a group class near you.

INCREASED COMMITMENT TO A ROUTINE

Showing up for a group fitness class of any type can help with the hardest part of exercise being committed and consistent. If you pay upfront for a class, it motivates you to go. Working out with a crowd carries many benefits that include enhancing consistency, duration, motivation, conversation, and inspiration.  People who work out with friends or in a group setting say they enjoy it more instead of sweating alone.

SOCIAL TIME

Time for yourself outside of home/work responsibilities is important for body, mind, and emotional health.  Classes can be a great way to meet people or spend time with friends.  This can encourage and motivate you to show up for the class, even when you may feel you have low energy.  We all motivate each other in so many ways, and finding consistency with a class you enjoy can reap many health benefits.  There is a bond that is created when a group struggles, sweats, and finds their way through a workout. “When we workout with other people we can gain a sense of camaraderie, because everyone is there for the same purpose.” Davina Wong, Master Trainer at Club Pilates.

MOTIVATING AND PUSH YOURSELF HARDER

In a class setting, you may find the music and instruction very motivating to push yourself harder than you might following a video at home.  Your instructor may explain the benefits of the exercise, which might inspire you to work to your full capacity.  A qualified instructor can also offer modifications and proper technique to make it a safe place to workout. The Kohler effect “is the idea that no one wants to be the weakest link in a group setting.”  Group settings can lead to positive competitiveness.  A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology set out to examine how true the effect is – having participants perform a series of planks both alone and with a partner.  What they found was that working with a partner produced a motivation gain that allowed the participants to hold their planks for a longer period of time.

ENDORPHINS

Group workouts can have a couple of mental advantages over solo workouts.  While it’s true that working out releases endorphins (think of a runner’s high), a group class can lead to release of endorphins outside of just physical exertion. The energy in a group class may lead to smiling, which also is a mood booster and overall feeling better.

DIVERSIFY YOUR WORKOUTS

Group classes can open up new ways of exercising. Today, you might find partner workouts in a class, interval classes, or relays.  A variety of exercises can offer benefits of working your body in different ways and therefore seeing more results toward your fitness goals.

PT360 offers many different classes at 3 of our locations.  Check out our website for a full listing of class times, descriptions and locations.  Hope to see you soon!