Group workout classes are certainly nothing new. A lot of us probably remember Richard Simmons “sweatin’ the oldies” in shorts that were just a little too short, back in the 80’s. While group workout classes may take on many different formats and structures, they have some important commonalities that have created staying power in the health and fitness industry for decades. Exercise fads have come and gone over the years, but group workout classes have remained. Let’s examine why and if they’re a good fit for you. 

Comparing Fitness Classes to Solo Workouts

If we’re going to discuss the benefits of workout classes, we need a point of comparison, and that is solo workouts. Now solo workouts aren’t bad, by any stretch of the imagination. Anything that gets you moving is great with me. Solo workouts provide time for solitude, reflection, and a way to escape. Some of us who are a little more introverted might even find this kind of exercise more desirable. If that’s you, great – keep doing what works for you. With that in mind, there are some distinct benefits to group workout classes that are important to consider. 

Workout Classes & Social Support

The biggest benefit to group workout classes is that you’re usually performing the workout with people who are like you. They have similar goals, struggle with similar challenges, and are probably looking for relatively the same thing out of their exercise experience. Oftentimes, these people start out as your friends (that you bring to the workout class or vice-versa) or they become your friends. This will naturally make them a great source of motivation and social support. 

Motivation and support occurs in different ways. Frequently, on days you might not be so interested in exercising, you are interested in going to see your friends. In effect your motivation to see your friends creates motivation to exercise (because the easiest way to see your workout class friends is to go to the workout class they’re in). Beyond that, when you show up and you’re struggling with something in life (exercise or otherwise) these workout buddies can provide you a listening ear, some advice, or maybe just a hug or a high five. As mentioned early, most people tend to do their group workout classes with people that are like them, so it’s highly likely they’ll have dealt with similar challenges and can provide some good insight. Simply put by one of our members at Applied Fitness Solutions – “It’s just a feeling of family and a feeling of home”

Workout Classes & Confidence 

This might seem a bit counterintuitive at first. If you’re not an “exercise person” you might be thinking that working out in a class with other people would hurt, not help, your confidence. While this may be true if you choose a workout class with people who are much more fit than you, it won’t be true if you workout with people who have common goals and ability levels. People tend to gravitate towards workout classes with people who are like them. We all like to be around people who feel like “our people.” 

The benefit to going to a workout class with “your people,” especially when you’re new to exercise, is you can see people just like you doing the things you think you might not be able to do just yet. Looking at the psychology behind motivation, and self-efficacy more specifically, this is referred to as vicarious experiences. Research shows that seeing people like you do an activity you’re not as confident in actually increases your confidence, self efficacy and motivation. 

Group Fitness & Health Benefits of Connection

Social connection is critically important to health. The Surgeon General has recently declared an Epidemic of Loneliness. Lack of social connection can actually take years off your life. While this is becoming increasingly clear to researchers and medical professionals, addressing the root causes of lack of social connection are complicated. 

In this day and age of more virtual connections than real life connections we might be more disconnected than ever. Increasing age also decreases social connections as friend circles get smaller and mobility becomes limited. With all of these challenges to social connections, group workouts are a great way to amplify the health effects of exercise. 

Workout Classes can Save Money

If you’re looking to get guidance and structure to your workout from an exercise professional, you’ll save a pretty significant amount of money getting that structure and guidance in a group versus a solo workout setting.

Personal training can cost upwards of $100 per session in most areas. Group workout classes are sometimes included in the cost of a membership. In other cases they’re a fraction of the cost of personal training. Even the most expensive group workout classes rarely exceed $25-30 per class. 

Tips for Finding the Right Workout Class

As we’ve discussed, group workout classes can be great for social support, confidence, connection and even saving you some money. None of this matters if you don’t pick the right class for you. Here are some quick tips to pick the right workout class for you:

1. The workout class is instructed by a qualified Health and Fitness Coach. 
2. The majority of participants in the workout class are at a similar fitness and ability level to you.
3. The workout class instructors have the ability to make modifications to the workout based on your individual needs.
4. The workout class offers a number of times that are convenient for your schedule.
5. Workout instructors are able to spend more time with beginners who are new the workout class

This is the approach we take to our fitness classes at AFS.  Take a look at our exercise class variations and schedule a free consultation with one of our fitness coaches to decide which class is right for you.