When I first started working out in 2013, I literally had no idea what I was doing. So in an effort to actually use my GoodLife Fitness membership, I decided to take weekend Zumba classes. And that’s where my true love of fitness began. Not necessarily with Zumba, although it’s a great class, but with group fitness classes in general.
But somewhere along the way, I stopped attending. And eventually, I stopped working out altogether. Coincidence? I’m beginning to think it wasn’t. So I’ve decided to try adding group fitness classes back into my life.
If you’re not in the same boat as I am and you actually work out frequently, you may be thinking that group fitness classes aren’t for you. But there are so many benefits of group fitness classes for everyone, not just beginners or born again gym goers. So today I’m going to tell you why I think you should make them a part of your workout schedule, whether you’re a seasoned athlete, regardless of your fitness level.
Benefits of Group Fitness Classes
1. They’re Challenging
I hate lunges. Give me leg presses, curls or extensions any day and I’m usually okay. But lunges? All of a sudden my knees are too weak, I broke a nail, I gotta wash my hair…basically I’ll say anything to avoid lunges.
But when I’m in a BodyPump class and those two leg tracks come on, I’m able to push myself way further than I would on a regular leg day. Maybe it’s my competitive spirit that won’t allow me to quit others are still lunging or maybe the other people in the class just motivate me to keep going. Whatever it is, something about group fitness classes always challenges me get out of my comfort zone and do my absolute best.
2. No Thinking Required
There are days when I drag myself to the gym only to realise that I’ve used all my higher brain power just getting there. In those situations deciding what workout to do is literally beyond me. And I usually end up having the crappiest workout ever. Or, I may just stay home altogether because I know I’ll just half ass two exercises then leave.
But when those I-don’t-know-what-to-do-today feelings start showing up, group fitness classes are exactly what I need. Because you don’t actually need to think. Okay, yeah, you need to think about those basic things like breathing and moving your feet. But you don’t have to actually come up with your own workout. Can I get a hallelujah?!?
3. Learn New Skills
Group exercise classes are a great place to learn new things and how to do them properly, without paying out the eyeteeth for a personal trainer.
I’d never done or even considered doing a deadlift or a clean and press before going to BodyPump. But after attending a few classes, they quickly became a couple of my favourite exercises. Same goes for half the things we do in every hot yoga class. And if you’re open to trying boutique classes, there are classes like Barre or SoulCycle that can give you a workout like you’ve never imagined, in a completely new-to-you way.
4. Make New Friends
I don’t have many friends at my current gym because I usually go with my new gym buddies. But a few years ago when I lived in Mississauga and knew like 2 people, I had quite a few gym friends and I met them all through group classes.
Trust me, you definitely make lifelong friends while suffering through all the basics, straddles and knee ups in BodyStep or the dreaded lunges in BodyPump or burpees in BodyAttack. Plus, once you’ve made all those awesome friends, you have yet another reason to make it to the gym for your next workout.
5. Hear Great Music
I talked about this in my post on creating epic workout playlists, but I thought it was worth mentioning again.
I don’t know about the classes at your gym, but those Les Mills people really know how to throw together a soundtrack. No playlist I come up with on my own can compete with the songs on BodyAttack 79. They somehow manage to keep me motivated through an hour of one of the most cardio-intensive classes I’ve ever taken. And I hate cardio, so that should give you an idea of how great it is.
Plus, I can take those awesome songs and add them to my personal playlists for those times I decide to do my own thing at the gym.
What about you?
- Are you a fan of group fitness classes?
- How often do you go?
- Which ones are your favourites?
Share in the comments below!
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This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.
I love group exercise classes, they are so motivating. I think they’re the perfect place for people new to working out to start too because of all the reasons you mentioned.
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I’ve never done group fitness and have been on the fence about it. I feel like I’d be awkward. Lol
I love this! I typically work out alone (in my living room, during nap time) but not because I prefer that over group fitness classes. I would take classes anytime, any day if I could! I love the group participation, challenging myself with others around, and the not thinking part. I hate workout mind games. Someone just tell me what to do!
I am actually not a fan of group training. I think for me is I get very whelmed when I am in a large group. It’s definitely out of my confront zone. I know it’s so important though, so I tried to do it at least one a week , because I know how good it is for me
YES! Nothing gets me to the gym besides my beloved Les Mills classes. I finally joined a gym here in my college town with classes, and it’s so worth it. There’s something about the music and choreography and synchronization that kind of gives me a fitness high. Hahaha, is that weird? Gah, I just love group classes.
I have worked out alone in a gym, with a personal trainer, and in group fitness classes. It really depends on what my needs are at the time. But personal trainer or group fitness classes will generally always push you more than you will push yourself. Thanks for sharing!
I agree that working in a group can be really useful and at the same time challenging too. I have noticed that it helps boosting one’s confidence.
Indeed a great post buddy.
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Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
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Physical activity helps to reduce body fat by building or preserving muscle mass and improving the body’s ability to use calories. When physical activity is combined with proper nutrition, it can help control weight and prevent obesity, a major risk factor for many diseases.
I totally agree with you about this. I used to work out alone at a gym but after that I found it is not good and I decided to take park in group fitness class. I think It is a perfect place to work out and It also make me feel more confident and make friends. Thank you for your sharing.
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Piece your workout together. You don’t need to get all your exercise at one time. Ten minutes morning, noon, and night can give much of the same benefit as 30 minutes all at once.
There are workout supplements that can be beneficial for a number of different reasons. If you are looking to gain more energy or use your fuel more efficiently, that is one workout supplement. If you are looking to build muscle, that is another supplement. Repairing your muscles post workout can be aided with yet a different supplement.
A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.
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Who does not love a good challenge? It will definitely keep you motivated and reaching for your fitness goals. Great article! Thank you for sharing!
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These are very valid points for group excersising. I personally prefer training in a goop whenever possible as it gives me the motivation and drive to contiue. Plus I basically live for the storys and the experience sharing in work out sessions…!
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I agree that it’s important you feel challenged. A lot of us go easy on ourselves with workouts. Not only do classes help challenge you, that can elevate your expectation for yourself and motivate you to do better. It’s that extra push that accountability provides!
Keeping committed to a challenge is the best thing you can do to reach your goals
I thought the same thing, group workout is better than single exercise. Keep share your article with us.
Thanks for sharing this amazing article with us. I appreciate your knowledge on fitness. Many of your fitness and lifestyle tips has helped me live a healthy life. Thank you and keep blogging 🙂
I love doing exercise training in my free time. I liked how you spoke to the fact that you feel more motivated when you have others that can help you get to the gym, especially in group classes. I will look in the future into signing up for a group yoga or training class thanks!
I found it interesting when you said that group fitness training classes have great benefits not just for experience people but for beginners as well. My wife told me that she would like to find a fun way to lose weight. I will share this article with her to see if she would like to try going to a group fitness training class.
I found this blog very interesting that i wanted to share this Dance Fitness that can help us physically fit too, while we enjoy dance at same time we are physically fitness and feel healthy.
Yes you are absolutely right about group training, because I have experience regarding. It really helps for our consistency in training on daily basis. Initially I started doing my training by my own for decreasing my body weight but I did only for 10 days but when I start doing it in group, I really get tight hold on my consistency and getting better results. So I would recommend people to first read your article and then start training in group.
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Today again I landed here at your site so I thought I must comment. hehehe…!!
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Amazing. You covered very beneficial aspects to exercise in fitness classes. Group exercise is very good option to maintain health in any age.
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