Group Exercise Classes – If you ever tried to train alone, you’ll understand the feeling. On Day 1, you’re very motivated: “I’m going to work out for an hour every day!” But on Day 3, you end up spending most of your time saying, “Maybe tomorrow. or next week. or never.” Don’t worry; we all have been there once. One of the easiest ways to avoid this pitfall is by joining a group exercise class. Not only do these classes give you a little bit of structure, but they also make exercising lots more fun. And we can all use a little fun, right, when it comes to breaking a sweat?
Why? It’s simple. Responsibility. You aren’t going to flake, because there are other people who are looking forward to your participation. It’s no longer about you; it’s a group of people. No one enjoys being the person who doesn’t show up, right? It’s like peer pressure, but it’s helpful peer pressure. Plus, having an instructor lead the class relieves responsibility from your shoulders. No thinking is required; you just go along with it, and before you know it, you are halfway through a killer workout.
Group Exercise Classes for Motivation and Fun Workouts:
Pro Tip: You will need a class buddy. This could be a friend or maybe someone you have met in class. But having a workout partner makes all the difference. If Sarah’s going, I have to go too! That extra sense of accountability really helps you not skip.
Making Workouts Fun Again:
Let’s be real: working out is sometimes a drag. More so if you’re doing the same thing day in and day out. Group classes are a party, though. At least a close imitation of one. Coaches often set music that keeps the energy lively, encourage participants, and give challenges to spice things up a bit. They create an energetic environment to distract you from just how much you are actually working out.
Example: Zumba, for instance, is pretty much disguised as a dance class and a workout. You’re moving, shaking, and sweating, but it feels so good you hardly notice just how hard you’re working. (Though you might feel it tomorrow.) Then there’s spin class where you’re pedaling furiously to the beat of music lights flashing all over the place with each other around you grinding it out. Like a nightclub with cocktails instead, water flows through you… and lots of it.
The sheer variety of group classes is, in my opinion, yet another reason they’re so fun. You’ve got your yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing, of course, but then you’ve got the more recent up-and-comers, like boot camps, which have lately become very trendy, along with aerial yoga or HIIT dance parties. There’s always something new to try, and that means no chance to get bored.
The Community Vibe:
Being part of a group class isn’t just a workout; it’s a sense of community. You start feeling this collective pride when you and an entire room full of people just killed a killer session. You start noticing familiar faces, and before you know it, you’ve found some new friends. Usually, the atmosphere is welcoming, and if you feel like you belong to a tribe, you tend to maintain regularity much easier.
Group fitness classes are also great if you are a little shy or don’t know what you’re doing in the gym. You do not need to stress about how to use equipment or that you don’t know what you’re doing. Everyone there is doing the same routine, and there is the instructor there to guide you along. And the best part is, you all are in this together, pushing through those last few reps and giving each other high-fives when class is over.
Pro tip: If you’re new to a class, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to the instructor or other classmates. It’s a good way to break the ice, and once you’ve met a few people, you’ll feel just as comfortable coming back.
Variety is the Spice of Life:
Doing the same thing, day in and day out, can bore anyone easily. The biggest advantage of group classes is the sheer diversity. You can try classes which would concentrate either on cardio, strength training, flexibility, or a combination of the three.
Example:
Want to get rid of some calories and bust some moves? Try Zumba or some other dance-based cardio class.
Looking to firm and tone? Boot camp or a strength-based class is always available.
Want to stretch it out and unwind? A yoga or Pilates class may be what you need.
Cross-training keeps it interesting and challenging. And because each activity targets different muscles, you can rest assured that you’re getting a better-rounded fitness experience.
A Little Friendly Competition:
Even though you might not be competitive, group classes has a natural knack of making that athlete in you tap in.
The spirit of group exercises is more toward teamwork than competition. However, a little nudge from your neighbor can make you realize your potential and get you to try things you might not think you can do.
Tips for Making the Most of Group Exercise Classes:
So now that you are convinced that group exercise is the way to go, how do you make sure you get the most out of your experience?
- Go slow: If it’s your first time in a class or you haven’t worked out in a long time, that is totally okay. Don’t feel that you have to keep up with the veterans-you can always modify moves or take breaks when you need to.
- Arrive early: Come at least a few minutes before class is set to start, so that you can settle in, chat with the instructor, and find a good seat in the room. Nobody likes to be searching for a seat when the rest of the class is underway .
- Hydrate: You are likely to be drinking a lot during this gym class, as it is intense, and you will be absolutely sweating. So, ensure that you stay hydrated throughout class – before, during, and after.