Exercise is a positive activity with many benefits. If it is done as part of a group workout, the benefits magnify. Working out in a group helps people forge a relationship with a strong positive base, while it also satiates a basic human nature as social beings.
The way people interact with each other in a group exercise session enhances the experience. The lighter side that comes out in such a setting, sharing of jokes, the banter and laughter, creates a positive atmosphere with many psychological benefits as well.
Studies have proven that social environments are better at generating motivation and quality exercise experiences. Group workouts lead to higher exercise adherence than individual programmes. It also increases a person’s desire to continue exercising.
However, there are catches too. Structured group exercise programmes present challenges for those with socio-physical anxiety. It may not be feasible for those who lack the time and/or resources to join an exercise group.
Benefits of group workouts
Working out in a group motivates people to stay fit and come back the next day with the same, or even increased enthusiasm. The range of exercises that can be done in a group adds variety, negating boredom and plateauing. Popular group workouts routines involve dance, yoga, pilates, running, hiking, weightlifting and many more.
“People become more attentive while working in a group as they want to make sure they are in coordination with other people,” says Rohit Kumar, a fitness trainer from New Delhi. “No one wants to lag behind and so they remain more focused.”
Here are some benefits of group workouts:
- A group keeps you motivated and provides an ecosystem of accountability.
- People of different levels of fitness and mastery – from novices to advanced – comprise a group. You can learn not just from the coach but from peers as well, and guide those who are at the beginning stages.
- Combat based activities (martial arts, boxing etc.) can become more productive in a group as you get to have different sparring partners to learn from.
- Group workouts promote interaction and add fun elements to your sessions.
- It helps inculcate discipline. For instance, if you do not show up or are lapsing, then your group members check on you and ensure you are back.
- You feel motivated to continue as you get encouraged by people around you.
- Group exercise sessions can enhance your communication skills.
- Meeting like-minded or different individuals creates change in the environment and can reduce your stress levels.
- It can improve your confidence, self-efficacy and self-esteem.
Individual attention in group exercise
If the class consists of more than 15 members, the trainer may not be able to give individual attention. Choose your class, accordingly.
“Everything has its pros and cons,” says Abhinav Chandra Mishra, a fitness and nutrition coach from Bengaluru. “Group training offers a lot of benefits but if you are looking for individual attention then you can opt for a personal training.”
Remember it is not just you drawing from others in group workouts, but you should also contribute. It will help create and maintain a healthy and productive environment in a group, helping you and others achieve their fitness goals.
Takeaways
- Group workouts help bring in variation and maintain motivation levels, driven by support from other members.
- People are more attentive when working out in a group because they want to ensure that they are in sync with the other members.
- In group exercise sessions, you learn from the coach as well as peers, making it a fun and interactive experience.
