I never thought I’d join a group exercise class until my friend relentlessly asked me to join her Zumba toning class. And I’m glad she did.
According to fitness instructors, group exercise training is one of the most efficient ways to get into shape. It builds endurance, improves muscle tone and provides motivation with less risk of injury, making it an ideal workout method, especially for beginners.
Typically, a group exercise class is a workout program performed by a group of individuals led by a qualified instructor. Whether it’s aerobics, Zumba, Pilates, yoga, muscle conditioning, kickboxing, indoor cycling, or other group exercises, each class offers a variety of techniques and challenging workouts that will get your heart rate up and provide you with a good time.
Here are other benefits of working out as a group:
1. It provides motivation.
Trudging to the gym after a long day at the office can be dauntless when you’re on your own. But when you attend group exercises and receive constant encouragement from your trainer, you become motivated to return day after day, week after week. Being able to keep up with the class is also a great way to motivate yourself and boost your ego. Working out in a group encourages members to push their limits and achieve goals.
2. You meet people and make new friends.
If you want to sweat it out and make new acquaintances, group exercise classes are a perfect place to find and make friends. You get to sweat, ache, and achieve together with like-minded individuals. The common goals you share can strengthen your relationship and be great motivators.
3. It prevents injury.
With your instructor in the flesh, not only will you be able to see how the workout is properly executed, you’ll also be able to ask and get answers instantly. Instructors will be able to assist you in real-time, as well as explain what you’re doing and how to do it. This helps prevent injury and maximize results in the long-run.
4. You get a full body workout.
Oftentimes, when you train on your own, you limit the workout to a specific group of muscles alone. In group exercise classes, you are more likely to challenge yourself and complete a full body workout.
5. It’s fun!
Group exercises are never boring. The variety of music selection, instructor styles and interactions with other participants takes your mind off the work. Furthermore, this exercise method is so fun that an hour-long workout may pass by without you even noticing it. Also, like going to the beach or seeing a movie, working out can be more enjoyable when shared with others.
6. You stick to a routine.
Some individuals don’t achieve maximum results because they lack commitment in their routine. Paying in advance and working out as a group helps you commit to a daily routine. In addition, if you don’t show up during your class, you will often get a call and be forced to explain yourself.
Group exercise classes are one of the best things that happened to me. Up until today, I still join the Chuze Fitness group exercise classes my friend dragged me into in the first place. It gives me an opportunity to have fun and be physically active at the same time.
About the author:
Melissa Page loves working out, and is addicted to Zumba. When she’s not sweating out, she’s writing about the things she learned through her experiences.
