Better Together: The Benefits of Group Exercise

Group exercise is one of the most popular trends in 2019. From F45 to OrangeTheory Fitness to Barry’s, it’s all the rage. Working out together is where it’s at and for good reason!

When it comes to exercising, some people prefer to workout alone, but some wouldn’t make it to the gym (or the park) if they didn’t have someone to push them. That extra motivation factor is the key!

Having a workout buddy or a trainer push may be the push you need, and if it means you get more exercise and the health benefits that ensue, that’s great!

When it comes to exercise there are many physical benefits and usually some of the key reasons people exercise.

The key benefits of group exercise include:

Socialisation

For those that struggle to exercise on their own, working out with a buddy is a great alternative. It also gives those that struggle to get out (and out of bed or off the sofa) a chance to meet new and like-minded people in their community. Many of the other people in the classes you seek out may have similar goals, motivations and interests – chances are you make a few new friends along the way. Which is great if your regular workout buddy can’t make it!

Structure

Committing to a weekly class (or multiple classes per week) helps to build a plan to meet your health and exercise goals. This creates the structure needed and necessary to make it all happen. Making the time to exercise will also help you prioritise your day (and/or week) and in the end other areas of your life will benefit (work, home, etc).

Accountability

Sometimes the commitment to exercising with a friend is the hardest part, but when you do, it will also make you accountable to them…and yourself. Don’t let that scare you. It will give you the opportunity to push each other. And if you are missing classes (because on cold winter mornings you bed feels so much nicer), you’re going to be letting your friend down and potentially all the new friends you will eventually make!

Physical Benefits

The biggest and most obvious reason anyone exercises in the first place – the physical changes in your body.

• Improved cardiovascular fitness.
• Improved strength and flexibility.
• Improved posture.
• Less aches and pains (from not moving enough).
• Better strength and performance (as you rehab an injury) for daily life and sports performance.

Psychological Benefits

The biggest one of them all! Along with the physical health benefits, the mental health benefits are even greater, especially nowadays when so many of us our overworked, overstressed and anxious. Mental health benefits include: improved mood and decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Working out with a friend can be the perfect way to de-stress while reaping the physical and social benefits of exercising together.

Next steps

• Check out what’s out there
• Find something you would enjoy doing.
• Invite a friend along!

Exercising in a group setting can be intimidating, but the pros (as listed above) totally outweigh the cons! Missing the group vibes? Get in touch to exercise with ours.

#exercise #groupexercise #clinicalpilates #yoga #qigong #mentalhealth