MOTIVATION

It’s inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by dedicated, like-minded individuals. It doesn’t get much more empowering than a class with an encouraging instructor and supportive people all working hard together. Group fitness is a great way to help motivate yourself and others to dig deeper and push harder in workouts.

STRUCTURE

Group fitness is a great way to get a workout in without having to think or plan. Each class is structured with a warm-up, a balanced workout and a cool-down.

The warm-up is designed to help you properly raise your heart rate while loosening your joints and muscles before jumping into strenuous activity. The instructor will coach you through each segment of the workout. The cool-down will help you safely lower your heart rate and stretch all the major muscles worked during class.

PROPER FORM

It’s the fitness instructor’s job to not only show proper form, but to also make sure that everyone in the class is executing each exercise the right way. Not only is proper form important for your muscles to reap the most out of every exercise, but it also helps eliminate potential injuries.

VARIETY

Cardio kickboxing, bootcamp, spin, Pilates, Insanity–the list goes on. There are several types of group classes offered by gyms and athletic clubs.

Having a variety of classes in your weekly workout regimen is a great way to create muscle confusion, which keeps your body guessing and ramps up your metabolism. It also helps prevent boredom.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Some facilities require members to sign up in advance for specific classes. This is a great way to keep yourself accountable for your workouts. If you’re signed up and it’s on your schedule, there’s a good chance you won’t skip it. If your gym doesn’t require you to sign up, find a few classes that you want to take and invite a friend or pencil it in on your calendar.

FUN

There’s really no other way to put it: Group fitness classes are fun. Between the upbeat music, a great workout and a group of people motivating each other along the way, it’s an enjoyable way to exercise. If you’re looking to add a little more pizazz and fun in your fitness life, group classes may be just what you need.

Accountability: You’re less likely to skip a workout if you work out with friends in an organized group.
Camaraderie: Working out with a group turns exercise into a social activity. It’s no longer a chore, but a healthy getaway that you might just start to look forward to.
Identity: When you work out with others, the activity tends to form a link with your identity. The group builds, feeds, and maintains that image you’ve created. Ultimately, it can help you stick with your routine.
Competition: Friendly competition can help motivate you to exercise even on the days you don’t feel like working out. You’re less likely to skip a workout if you know your competition will be waiting for you.
Encouragement: On the days you’re feeling sick or unmotivated, the group often picks up the slack and helps restart your engine.
Enjoyment: Working out alone can get boring and suddenly you’re not having fun anymore. Sharing your training experience with others—both the challenges and triumphs—can increase the enjoyment of the activity or training routine.