If you’ve always been someone who works out solo, whether at the gym, on your at-home fitness equipment, or on your daily run outside, there are lots of reasons to consider mixing up your workout routine with small group fitness classes.
Adding a weekly (or multiple times a week) fitness class to your workout plan is a great way to shake things up, give you a good balance between cardio and weight-training, and make sure you’re working all your muscle groups equally. Plus, researchers found working out in a group lowers stress by 26 percent and significantly improves quality of life, while those who exercise individually put in more effort but experienced no significant changes in their stress level and a limited improvement to quality of life, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
When you think about group exercise, you might think about those classes a big gyms, where you’re just a nameless face getting a mediocre workout. But small group fitness classes are different. With a limited number of people, the certified personal trainer leading the class can really focus on helping each person get the best workout. Plus, smaller groups can mean everyone gets a more intense workout, especially since there’s enough equipment to go around.
So, if you’re considering adding small group fitness exercise classes to your workout routine, here are five benefits you’ll get from them that will make you want to sign up right now!
Benefit 1: Motivation and Accountability
One of the top reasons people miss or don’t finish a workout to their full ability is a lack of motivation. In a group class, you have the motivation of not only the instructor, but also a class full of like-minded individuals to lift you up!
Subconsciously (or consciously) you’ll be pushing yourself harder than you would on your own. It also holds you accountable to show up week after week, and finish each workout. Studies show that working out with others, even if it’s just one other person, can have a big, positive impact. Working out with a partner significantly increase time spent exercising and improves performance, doubling the workout time of those who exercised alone.
Benefit 2: Structure
Another major reason that people stop going to the gym or aren’t getting the results they want out of their workouts is lack of structure and knowing how to put an effective routine together.
By attending a workout class, you’ll be following a mindfully put together workout by a certified instructor. You don’t have to think about what comes next, someone will be there to tell you.
Benefit 3: Variety
If you’re tired of doing the same types of workout day after day, a small group exercise class is a great way to switch it up and incorporate some variety into your routine! Most classes, including the small group fitness classes at Inspire Fitness Training Studio, will use a variety of different equipment and training techniques to keep it fun and exciting every time.
Benefit 4: Proper Form
Correct form during any type of exercise is key, and something people often struggle with. When you attend a workout class, a certified instructor is constantly watching, walking around, and correcting people’s form. This helps to prevent injury, ensure you are targeting the correct muscles, and getting the most out of your workout!
“With group classes, you’re getting the expertise of the instructor,” says fitness instructor Karla Bock. “They’ll make sure the exercises you do are safe and they’ll watch your form.” Qualified, certified personal trainers can also address any physical problems you may have, and cater your exercises accordingly.
Benefit 5: Social Opportunities
Joining a workout class is a great way to meet people in your area, who likely have similar interests, lifestyles, goals, and hobbies. After all, you both chose to attend the same fitness class! Plus, research shows that the healthy actions of others rub off on us. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participants gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them.
If you’re new to town, it’s a great way to make friends in your community. You’ll start to see familiar faces in classes, and eventually “gym talk” can lead to smoothies after class, a run on the weekend, and maybe friendships far beyond!
Try a Group Fitness Class Near You in Arlington, Ma.
As you can see, group exercise classes provide a variety of benefits beyond doing a workout on your own. Try out our conditioning, lift, or active aging fitness classes at Inspire Fitness Studio conveniently located near you in Arlington, Ma.!
Joe Rindone, NCPT is a certified personal trainer and the Founder of Inspire Fitness Studio in Arlington, MA. Joe’s passion for fitness has motivated him to become one Greater Boston’s best personal trainers. An athlete throughout high school and college, Joe has always enjoyed being active. Currently he enjoys road races, working with his boxing coach, kettlebell training and getting out for a round of golf in his spare time.