Do you get bored exercising alone or can’t find the motivation to go to the gym? You are not alone. You can turn the situation in your favor with group fitness classes.
Research shows that the healthy behaviors of others rub off on us.
A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences states that participants can gravitate toward the exercise behaviors of those around them.
Another study published in the journal Obesity states that overweight people tend to lose more weight when they spend time with fit friends.
Whether you’re looking for exercise inspiration or you’re not improving with your current gym routine, group exercise classes may be the solution.
Let’s examine the advantages of group lessons together.
Increases Motivation, Provides Inspiration
One of the best ways to motivate yourself is to have people around you to cheer you up. You can also get inspired by your classmates’ fitness adventures.
In group classes, you don’t have to stress and strive to be better than everyone around you. Because everyone was a beginner at one point.
This should not scare you but rather motivate you.
Seeing someone next to you lifting heavier weights or moving faster can inspire you to push your limits.
A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology shows that those who exercised with a more skilled partner increased their time in the plank position by 24 percent.
Supports Your Mental Health
Having fun by listening to loud music, being guided by an energetic instructor, and exercising in a group environment increases the secretion of hormones that make you happy, such as endorphins.
This allows you to leave the course happier. Group workouts have health benefits that go beyond physical exercise.
Group training can also be very beneficial for your mental health. The social aspect of meeting like-minded people and training can lead to a dopamine boost.
In a group workout, endorphin levels may be higher not only because of the physical activity but also because of the fun and enthusiasm that accumulates.
A study published in the International Journal of Stress Management states that people who spin for 30 minutes with a friend feel calmer after exercise than those who spin alone.
Adds Variety to Your Training
Doing the same movements over and over again can become boring after a while and can also hinder your progress.
Adding variety to your workout is one of the best ways to avoid a plateau, and group exercise classes are an opportunity to turn things around.
Every instructor has a different teaching style, so once you find a group of classes you like, each class will feel different.
Helps Prevent Injuries
Group exercise can be a great middle ground between exercising alone and working with a personal trainer.
In a group lesson, you benefit from professionals showing you how to perform each movement with the correct form.
They will also help correct your posture so that you don’t hurt yourself if your posture is bad while doing the movements.
You won’t get this advantage by going to the gym alone.
You Gain Responsibility
We all know that the hardest part about exercise is deciding to go to the gym. Most group exercise classes require you to reserve your spot in advance. This will encourage you to stick to your schedule.