Group fitness can bring a variety of benefits to participants beyond weight loss and muscle gain. Many turn to group fitness, especially in the form of classes, as it ushers in a sense of community and motivation for people. For those who feel isolated or unmotivated, group fitness classes can be the thing to not only get you moving, but bring in new relationships and set new goals.
Since we know that fitness itself has a plethora of health benefits from weight loss, improved sleep, and the happy hormones it releases, fusing these perks with the advantages of group fitness can bring further benefits.
So, what are those benefits that group classes can bring? Let’s unpack that and more below.
What are Group Fitness Classes?
Dating back to the late 60s, group fitness classes arrived on the workout scene when American doctor Kenneth H. Cooper introduced the world to aerobics. This form of fitness gained popularity with its unique style of combining exercise and rhythmic movement to produce energy and pump up heart rates. From there, group fitness classes expanded into Jazzercise, Step Aerobics, and Cycling—the main thread being a group of members all working out together with the guidance of a coach or instructor.
A majority of gyms, fitness centers, and exercise studios offer group classes that typically last from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the type of exercise(s).
What are the Different Types of Group Fitness Classes?
There are a wide range of types of group fitness classes with different focuses and goals. If you can think of it, it probably exists somewhere. However, some common group fitness classes include:
- Yoga: A collective focus on strength, flexibility, and mobility with the help of small, slow movements with intentional breathwork.
- Indoor Cycling: Usage of stationary bikes with the ability to change the level of intensity, allowing it to be a strong option for a low or high impact workout.
- Pilates: Emphasis on flexibility, strengthening core, and toning muscle through repeated muscle movements.
- Group Strength Training: Weight lifting through guided repetitions and movements with dumbbells,barbells, kettlebells, and more.
- Zumba: Dance based workout with dance instructor.
While these classes are different in movements and goals, the main idea is to work out in unison with the help of a skilled instructor.
7 Benefits of Group Classes
The idea of group classes or group fitness can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to a class or new to a gym. But, the benefits of group fitness classes can quickly outweigh the fear of the unknown that comes with signing up for a group class.
Here are 7 benefits of group fitness to consider:
- Community
Working out together as a group can foster strong community amongst one another. As a group, each member is working towards a shared goal, even if it is unique to them. Meaning, you all will be participating in the same number of repetitions or movements, but the amount of weights you use can look different for you. Additionally, you will most likely get to know the other members of your class if you attend a weekly or regularly scheduled session. Who knows, you may even make friends out of it, leading to meet-ups and connecting outside of the gym! - Accountability
Once you are established with a gym and become a familiar face with a certain class, there can be a new sense of accountability. This can look like a coach checking in on you to see what your goals are, and encouraging you to meet them by reminding you to attend class. By having this type of accountability, it is less tempting to dip out early or skip a class knowing you have someone waiting for you to show up—like a coach or friend! - Friendly Competition
If you’re someone with a competitive streak, then group fitness can offer plenty of opportunities for friendly competition. Your coach may encourage you to go a certain distance on a stationary bike or hold a plank under a set amount of time. This creates a fun way to create a competition with yourself, and can encourage you to break personal records in the gym.
Competition is not only limited to your coach or self, but can extend to your fellow gym enthusiasts! If you and another member both are in for some neighborly rivalry, you both can create your own competition between one another. This can be setting a time limit for a workout, seeing who can cycle the longest, or betting on who can lift the most. Of course, the competition should be within reason while also honoring how far you can or can’t push yourself! Friendly competition easily flows into motivation for you to do more and push yourself more in the gym, which will help you further reach your fitness goals. - Confidence
Physical fitness can boost your confidence as it can strengthen your self-esteem when goals are met and you start to see positive, physical changes and results. Group fitness in particular gives you the opportunity to meet new people who are most likely sharing similar fitness goals as yourself. Meeting new people can be scary for some. However, by consistently putting yourself out there, you’d be surprised how it can increase your confidence. Since group fitness is usually more informal, with everyone working out collectively, you can take the pressure off yourself that all eyes are on you. Instead, you can be confident in taking your time, going at your own pace, and asking for help when needed. - Lower Risk of Injury
One major plus to in-person group fitness is having a coach or instructor available to guide you through each exercise and movement. This advantage helps to lower the risk of injury in the gym, as a coach can help correct form. Paying attention to form is crucial since it is one main cause for injury during exercise. Instructors can also help create modifications for you if you are suffering from any current or previous injuries that you need to be mindful of when working out. Remember, group fitness instructors are there to help you when needed, don’t be afraid to ask for help for the sake of keeping yourself injury-free! - Structure
For many people, the idea of going to a gym can feel overwhelming as they can be unsure of where to start and which movements or repetitions to include. In group classes the structure falls completely on the instructor since they lead the entire class on what exercises to do, and for how long. Having structure, or a plan, can ease stress or anxiety in many people, and since all group fitness follows a format, it makes this type of fitness ideal for those who prefer structure when they workout. Structure in group fitness also helps to break up the monotony that can come when doing a solo workout, especially if you run out of ideas for fitness movements and forms. - Better Mental Health
Research has shown time and time again the benefits that physical activity can bring to mental health. Not only can you see a decrease in stress, anxiety, or depression from consistent solo workouts, but also in group workouts. Working out with a group of others can also bring in a sense of social engagement, reducing the feeling of isolation or loneliness that low mental health days can create.
Alternatives to Group Classes
While group fitness and classes offer many benefits for a majority of people, there are some who may be hesitant to workout surrounded by others. This can be due to social anxiety, physical limitations, or simply preference for a more one-on-one style workout. All of these factors are valid reasons to not jump at the opportunity for group fitness, but despite these factors, there are great alternatives to group fitness!
Alternatives to group fitness classes include:
- Personal training: A workout session with one-on-one training from a skilled fitness instructor to guide you directly through exercises, movements, and form. Having a personal trainer also offers accountability on your fitness journey. You can have a personal trainer for a variety of forms of exercise such as weight training and running.
- Outdoor activities: Some individuals thrive better when being active outdoors. With the fresh air and beauties of nature, it can stir more happy hormones while also being active. If your preferred choice of exercise is outside, then running at a local park, cycling in a neighborhood, or kayaking at a local lake are easy ways to keep moving your body.
- Self-guided workout: For some people, group fitness can be too distracting. Instead, a self-guided workout is another effective alternative. This can look like spending 45 minutes to 1 hour at the gym, going at your own pace, and following your own format. Self-guided workouts are truly ideal for the person who is self-motivated, disciplined, and is familiar with movements to focus on strengthening different parts of the body. If you need help creating a better workout format, check out our most recent blog!
Group Classes and Personal Training with Carbon Performance in Nashville, TN
Come reap the benefits of group fitness classes or personal training with Carbon Performance in Nashville, Tennessee. With a location in Franklin and The Nations, you will find state-of-the-art workout equipment, friendly instructors, and members all working towards the same goal of physical health and growth.
At Carbon Performance offer signature group fitness classes like:
- Les Mills Body Pump
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Mat Pilates
- Strength Training
Find your fitness community at Carbon Performance today, and become a member at our Franklin or Nations location. If you need more clarity on understanding your fitness goals, then schedule a free consultation with one of our personal trainers to steer you in the right direction.
Wherever you land on your fitness journey, don’t go at it alone! We are here to cheer you on, push you to meet your goals, and provide you with guidance all to make you a stronger you.
