Whatever your fitness goals, group classes offer a results-oriented way to workout that is challenging, fun, and sustainable in a way that is generally not possible with isolated exercise alone.
The benefits of group exercise include:
- Camaraderie
- Quicker, Better results
- Accountability
- Higher endorphin output
- Greater mental well-being
- Variety
- Greater adherence
Group exercise is emerging as the future of the fitness industry. Gone are the days of signing up for a gym membership and going through an individual treadmill walk and weight circuit workout. Now, greater results both physically and mentally are being found through the camaraderie and accountability in group fitness classes.
"Working out in a group provides support, accountability, and structure," says Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation Officer of the national YMCA. "People don't want to let their buddy or group down, which is terrific in terms of adherence to an exercise routine."
Group classes allow for more time to be spent with friends and even family in a less traditional, but more beneficial way. The time spent with those close to you is a great refreshment mentally, while providing accountability for the progression of workouts physically.
"In a class, the instructor can say, 'let's pick up the pace,'" says Vaughan. "A class can help you move past a plateau - if you want to push yourself a little bit and improve."
Losing weight is easier in a group than by yourself. Improving endurance, strength and physical appearance is easier when in a group.
According to Alex Hutchinson of The Globe and Mail, group fitness unleashes an overflow of endorphins, which create a mild-high and sense of well-being, and allow for a significant increase in pain thresholds compared to working out alone. The result, is better performance and better results.
Hutchinson also found studies by University of Saskatchewan professor Kevin Spink suggesting that a greater sense of 'groupness' and cohesion in an exercise class results in the participants being more punctual, having better attendance and working harder.
Group exercise would be similar to anything performed in groups; religious services, meals and parties. Often times a better satisfaction is gained in the 'groupness' of the ritual compared to let's say, having a meal by yourself or turning on the music and partying by yourself.
Group exercise is gaining speed as the future of the fitness industry. Gone are the days of signing up for a gym membership and going through an individual treadmill walk and weight circuit workout. Now, greater results both physically and mentally are being found through the camaraderie and accountability in group fitness classes.
Embrace the benefits of group fitness. Meet new people, break the workout plateaus built up by years of individual fitness and walk away with a greater sense of self and accomplishment.
