Whether you’re not fond of working out solo or simply prefer the camaraderie and support of sweating it out alongside others, group fitness classes may be the perfect way for you to exercise. Classes are led by a certified group fitness instructor, who both designs the workout and gives expert direction, cues, and form correction, which can help improve the way you exercise.
If you’re curious about this style of physical training and think it may be for you, continue reading to learn about the physical and mental health benefits of working out in a group environment.
1. Group Fitness Can Help Keep Motivation High
Working out with a group of people who likely have similar health and fitness goals as yours can do a lot for your motivation level, especially when you don’t feel like hitting the gym.
How? Because working out with other people functions almost like a social gathering — a several-person game, if you will — which can help create a healthy sense of competition. And when those people faithfully show up day in and day out, simply knowing that they’ll be there can help motivate you to show up, too.
What’s more, group fitness classes can actually help you enjoy exercise more. And when you actually enjoy exercising, you’ll be more likely to get a workout in because it’s something you want to do rather than something you feel you have to do.
2. Group Fitness Classes Positively Impact Social Health
Because group fitness is basically a sweaty social gathering, it not only helps you socialize regularly but also helps you gain support from the people you’re gathering with. That support can help you overcome any anxiety or stress you feel about working out in public, especially if you’re new to the gym.
Simply knowing that you and those around you are diligently sweating it out toward a common goal can give you a sense of security and help you stay committed to your health. Research suggests that no matter your age, working out in a group setting not only helps you improve and maintain physical health but also boost your mental health by improving your sense of social connection.
3. Group Fitness Helps You Stick to an Exercise Schedule
If you’ve tried working out solo but find that you have trouble sticking to an exercise schedule and/or routine, going to group fitness classes can be a great way to stay on track.
Since classes only happen at prescheduled times, those timeslots become pre-set blocks during which you can work out. And when you have limited choices that are already set, that can help eliminate some of the anxiety and decision fatigue you might feel about finding space in your day to hit the gym.
From a psychological standpoint, the more options you have — whether that means time slots for working out or purchasing items at the store — the harder it is to make a decision. And when making decisions feels overwhelming, not making a decision (aka not going to the gym at all) becomes far more likely.
4. Group Fitness Creates Accountability
When you show up for the same group fitness classes multiple times per week, chances are you’ll make a friend or two while you’re there. And when you’re not there, those people will likely start to notice.
Simply knowing that your group fitness comrades are aware that you aren’t in class can help you stay accountable to your exercise goals. Over time, sweating it out together through dozens of tough workouts creates a supportive bond between group members. And knowing that you’re showing up to see and encourage one another is a healthy and positive way to boost accountability.
It’s certainly better than hitting the gym regularly purely because you feel obligated rather than encouraged to get a workout in.
5. Group Fitness Can Help You Push Yourself Harder
Ever heard of the Köhler Effect? If not, it’s a phenomenon that occurs when people engage in performance-based tasks as a group. And to put it in a nutshell, it basically means that no one wants to be the weakest link in the group.
That tends to happen when you train in group fitness classes.
So when you’re working alongside others — particularly people who are fitter than you — you’re more likely to push yourself harder than you would if you were exercising solo. Obviously, this can be hugely beneficial for your confidence, self-esteem, belief in yourself, and, of course, your overall fitness results.
Join Group Fitness Classes in Hopkins, MN!
If you’re ready to get involved in group fitness classes in the Hopkins area, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Envision Fitness! We specialize in group bootcamp classes, weight loss classes, and nutrition coaching, as well as highly individualized personal training. Whether you’re new to the gym, are making a comeback after a hiatus, or are a group fitness devotee, we’d love to welcome you into our supportive gym community!
To learn more about group bootcamp classes at Envision Fitness or any of the other training and nutrition services we offer, give us a call at 952-444-2791. You can also request a free session online, and we’ll get in touch to get you started!