Why Group Fitness Classes Are Good For You
Like with most things in this world, exercise can be more enjoyable if you do it with other people. Now, these other people don’t necessarily have to be your closest friends. In fact, they don’t even need to be your friends at all. For some, simply knowing that other people are going through the same challenges they are is enough to make them push through even the toughest of workouts. So it’s time to put on your favorite pair of yoga pants because in this article we’re going to talk about all the benefits you get from taking group fitness classes.
It Gets You Pumped Up
If you lack the motivation to even start a workout, then signing up for a group class can work wonders for you. There’s no working at your own pace when you’re with other people, unless you work the ab machine and kettlebells on your own. You’re going to have to keep up with the pace of those around you. If you see them trying their best to continue even if they feel like they’re going to pass out, maybe it will motivate you to do the same. It would be better to make friends in your class so you’ll look forward to seeing them in the next session.
It Helps Build A Sense of Togetherness
Joining a group class at your local gym also helps build a sense of community for all those involved. Even if you don’t interact with one another on a regular basis, simply seeing each other sweat through workout after workout, week in and week out, is more than enough to bring out a sense of togetherness in all of you. Being with people who have more or less the same goals as you is also ideal for those who regularly interact with potential distractors such as spouses with unhealthy habits or kids who just want to eat junk food.
You Get to Meet All Kinds of People
If you’re an extrovert, then you’ll love the opportunities to meet new people that group fitness classes provide. Most of the gym goers you interact with may only become casual acquaintances, but there could also be a handful that you really go close to. You may schedule to meet both inside and outside the gym to enjoy each other’s company. You may even decide to get matching yoga shorts to wear in every class. The best part is you’ll be able to learn from them, not only in terms of exercise, but also with whatever knowledge they have.
Working Out Becomes A Lot More Fun
Speaking of enjoying other people’s company, reaching your fitness goals with other people is a lot more fun compared to doing so on your own. When you each set up your yoga mats next to each other at the gym, it gives you the energy to do even the toughest of workouts. However, it’s not only the social aspect of a group fitness class that gets the people going. The great soundtrack booming through high-quality speakers, as well as the well-trained instructor with seemingly endless amounts of energy, also help make the exercises more enjoyable. Things like these can make hard workouts like battle ropes and boot camps feel significantly easier.
It Helps Improve Your Form
This may not come as a surprise to most people, but it’s also important to note that when you exercise with other people, it can greatly help improve your form. Maybe you’re doing agility ladders or something as simple as foam rollers just a little bit off. If you’re in a class, the person next to you may point out what you’re doing wrong and how you can change it. Not only does this make exercises more effective, it also reduces the risk of getting injuries. Getting hurt doesn’t only stop you from getting fit, it also prevents you from enjoying daily life.
It Gives You Balance
Aside from feeling that you belong when you exercise with a bunch of other people, group fitness classes will also provide some much-needed balance to your workout regimen. If you’re starting to get tired of doing the same things every day of the week, try doing it with someone else. Just adding a single person can make such a big difference, what more if you’re in a big group? If your class has a good instructor, we’re sure that you won’t feel bored with your workouts. Your trainer may even push you to do exercises that you’re uncomfortable with.
It Structures Your Life
Structure is another thing group fitness classes can provide for your workout. These classes usually take place at the same time and day every week. For a lot of people, having such a routine can help them reach their fitness goals much quicker. Setting an hour or two every week, or even every day, to do a group fitness class can actually help you break away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. This is true for both students and workers. Group classes give you something to look forward to despite how hectic your schedule becomes.
You Get The Complete Package
It also helps that these classes are complete from the warmup all the way up to the cool down. It’s not all about the workout. Because of this, group fitness classes are perfect for those who are just starting to work out. These classes aren’t only meant for beginners though. There are also group sessions that are meant to be more advanced – perfect for those who want more of a challenge when they’re trying to break a sweat. There are also workouts somewhere in the middle, if you’re not feeling up to scratch. No matter the type of workout you’re looking to get into, there’s surely a group fitness class that can cater to most, if not all, of your needs.
You’re Pushed To Try New Things
On the same note, taking up group fitness classes can introduce you to workouts that you’ve never even though of trying. You may not have even heard of some of these at all. For instance, a spinning class may pique your interest, but you don’t know the slightest bit about it. This may have happened due to a recommendation from your trainer or from a friend. You may have also been intrigued when you passed by and saw how much fun they’re having. Working out with different people also makes the same routine feel different each time.
You’ll Feel Accountable For Your Goals
You’ll also feel accountable for your fitness goals if you join a group instead of just working out on your own. In a lot of group classes, you’ll have to book your spot in advance, so if you’re a no-show, you don’t only miss your chance to get in a good workout, you’ve also taken that away from another, more willing person as well. You may even have to pay a pretty penny for these classes as well, so not showing up is just as good as throwing away money. Make the most of what you paid for your gym membership. You won’t regret it one bit.
Those are just a few reasons why you should sign yourself up to a group fitness class as soon as possible. Working out and breaking a sweat is a lot more fun if you turn it into a social experience. Joining a group fitness class can also help you learn more about better form and how to get the most out of each workout.
Sources:
- The Benefits of Group Fitness Classes, Active
- 12 Benefits of Group Exercise Classes, Active Beat
