5 Benefits of Group Exercise Classes

If you’ve been working out at home and find your routine boring a bit stale, or if you want to get started exercising and are thinking about a group setting, you may be wondering about the benefits. Many benefits of group exercise classes exist — from motivation to having fun. Read on to find out why group exercise classes might be a great choice for you.

1. Motivation

It’s one thing if you work out from home and you never have any, or very little, problems with motivating yourself to your workouts on a regular schedule. But if you do find that you have issues with motivation and you skip workouts more than you should, you might benefit from group exercise classes.

Group exercise classes give you some accountability. You sign up, you attend and people notice when you’re not there. Plus, if you have a competitive nature, a group exercise setting can offer you the opportunity to compete against others informally.

2. Advice From the Pros

Another reason attending group exercise classes is of benefit is that you can take advantage of advice from professional certified trainers and instructors. Perhaps your form isn’t right or maybe you need help perfecting a certain move. Whatever the case, it’s nice to have access to the advice.

3. Socialization

Choosing to participate in group exercise classes means you’ll be around other people with like interests. Before class, during breaks and after class, you can choose to talk to others. While your main purpose isn’t to go to the classes to socialize, there will be always opportunities to meet people and make friends.

4. More Variety in Workouts

Group exercise classes also allow for more variety in your workouts. For example, you can take advantage of all sorts of classes, such as Zumba, HIIT classes, boxing and spin classes. And you won’t have to worry about investing in expensive exercise programs or equipment when you’re not sure if a certain class is for you. If you try something and don’t like it, you can just try something else.

5. Extra Fun

Another one of the benefits of exercise in a group is having extra fun. Sure, you can have fun on your own when you exercise, but you can have more fun with other people around you. For example, you can feed off of one another’s energy and excitement, which can motivate you to keep going. Put a smile on your face and give 100% in each class you take.

What If the Thought of Group Exercising Makes Me Nervous?

It can take some adjusting to go from working out solo in your home to going to group exercise classes. After all, other people are going to witness you exercising. While being around others when exercising may not be a big deal for some people, for others it is.

If you’re part of the latter group, here a few tips to make the transition easier.

1. Invest in some new exercise wear: If you’re working out from home, it doesn’t really matter if your workout clothing is frayed and faded or is a little too baggy. But when you’re a part of a group exercise class, you’ll want to look your best. And if you look your best, you’ll feel more confident, which is a win-win. So, take the time to find and invest in some well-fitting workout wear that you feel great in.
2. Make an effort to get to know others: Introduce yourself to your instructor as well as other people who are taking the class. By being proactive, you’ll make it known you are a friendly and interested member of the class. Then, if there are class days that require you to choose a workout partner, you’ll already know some people you can ask.
3. Ask questions or be willing to offer advice: Exercising properly requires you to develop technique. If you’re having trouble, why not ask questions? You can also answer other people’s questions and offer advice from your own experience.
4. Have a positive attitude: Go to each group exercise class with a positive attitude that shows you’re pumped to be participating. Your positive vibes will inevitably rub off on the other members of the class, making it a much more pleasant environment.
5. Show your personality and have fun: Don’t be afraid to show your personality through your workout wear and the way you communicate with others. Being yourself will make you the most comfortable, as well as the other people around you. And never take yourself too seriously. Make sure you’re always having fun.