The health benefits of group workout classes will quash all your fitness excuses of getting fit & losing weight.
Going to a group exercise class is a great way to have fun with others who are also getting fit! If you haven't tried group fitness classes, what are you waiting for?
The good news is that the benefits of group classes go far beyond just enjoying people's company as you sweat and move. Working out in a group has several physical, psychological and social benefits for anyone looking to get leaner and fitter faster while having fun. Here're 5 reasons why joining group fitness classes is one of the best ways to get fit.
1. Motivation
It's one thing to decide to start exercising to get healthier, but to actually do it is the real challenge. Working out in a group can motivate you to show up at the gym because you wouldn't want to bail on your workout buddies. It also motivates you to return repeatedly to the class, and share the energy and experience with everyone in the group exercise class.
2. Social Support
If you feel shy about stepping into a gym to work out alone, sign up for group fitness classes with friends to work out together and be one another's source of support! Have your friend track your progress and egg you on when your motivation wanes.
In addition to strengthening the bonds with your friends, you'll also meet other like-minded souls in the group fitness class. Say hello to and congratulate your new friends for a job well done after each group fitness class, and you'll end up with new workout mates in no time. This makes group exercise classes a fun social occasion that is also mentally empowering at the same time.
3. Happiness Boost
A study conducted at Oxford University in 2009 showed that athletes who trained for 45 minutes in a group showed higher endorphin levels than athletes who trained solo for the same amount of time. The study noted that these elevated endorphin levels were present in people who do synchronised activities - such as dancing, listening to music, and even laughing - together.
Some theories put forth from the study for this occurrence suggest that the surge of endorphins facilitates social bonding, and enhances cooperation and generosity among those who participate in the same activity. So raise your happy hormone levels by working out in group fitness classes.
4. Variety
Typically, big gyms offer a plethora of group exercise classes - on days when you want to take things easy, join a calming yoga class; if you feel on top of the world, dance it out with others in a dynamic dance class. Whatever your mood is, you can always find a group workout class that you fancy.
Additionally, group fitness classes are designed to target various muscle groups within a particular time frame, usually ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. No matter which class you choose, you can be sure of a good workout. Above all, the wide variety of classes will ensure that your fitness routine remains an exciting one.
5. Comprehensive programme
Each group fitness class has a programme structure that begins with a warm up, followed by a unique combination of fitness components ranging from power to agility, cardiovascular strength, balance and flexibility, then finally a cool down at the end. By attending a variety of group fitness classes, you ensure that you are constantly developing all your physical abilities, which helps you track your progress and personal improvement over time.
This story was originally published by our friends at SOULSCAPE.
