1 May 2020

Benefits of…group exercise

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Taking a group exercise class or joining a club and working out with your peers can be a great way to socially interact and stay on track to achieve your goals. Here are some benefits to group exercise sessions:

Motivation

When you place yourself in a group of people reaching for the same goals as you, you’re more likely to push harder than you would on your own. Classes or group sessions are led by instructors. They are trained to motivate you throughout the workout to go beyond your personal records, which increases your reasons to complete the workout and keeps you coming back for more.

Group structure

When you attend a group exercise session, you don’t have to do any planning. You just turn up, listen and follow the instructor. The session will have structure and consist of a proper warm-up, workout and cool-down. There’s no planning on your part and you just get the session done.

Correct Form

Certain forms of exercises, such as pilates, yoga and strength-training, benefit from using proper form. In a class or group environment, the instructor will look out for you, gently correcting your positioning and movements if necessary. This can reduce your risk of injury and improve your whole exercise experience.

Accountability

By signing up to attend a fitness class or group workout on a regular basis, you’re less likely to skip out on your workout. Why? Because there are people, like the instructor and your peers, holding you accountable. And if the sessions cost money, you’re essentially throwing your cash out of the window if you don’t attend.

Physical progression

When you go to the gym or get active on your own and perform the same exercises every day, you’re likely to get bored, plateau and stop seeing results. When you join a group session, you’re likely to come across different exercises and start working more muscles in your body. Variety is key if you want to keep it interesting and to keep making physical progression.

Social interaction

Joining a group exercise class isn’t only a great way to get physically active. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out and meet like-minded people who have the same lifestyle goals as you. You are likely to have more fun exercising in a group than working out on your own. Group exercise sessions are also a wonderful place to meet people. Who knows, maybe you’ll even make a long-lasting friendship or two?