The Beauty of Bootcamps, Group Training or Group Classes
I cannot lie, I have always loved group fitness classes. Beginning back in the day of high impact aerobics with leg warmers on to step aerobics, low impact classes, to today's popular High Intensity Interval Classes, spin classes, body sculpt, bootcamps, Pilates, yoga, you name it. I have some one on one training clients, one on two clients and small group training clients, and don't get me wrong, I love those too. There is definitely something about the undivided attention I can give to those clients, the development of friendships and relationships are irreplaceable. However, to me, there is definitely beauty in the groups. I love the energy of a room full of people. I love to see them smile and actually have fun working out! There's a bit of camaraderie with folks exercising together, doing something good for themselves and then coming back for more!
I was thinking about this very thing this week. I have been leading this Fit in 50 (minutes!) group training class for quite some time and it just never gets old. We began our sessions this week after taking some time off during the summer. I realized this week as we started back how much I had missed every part of it while on hiatus.If you are a solo exerciser, thinking about whether to join a group, considering getting back in the exercise game or only work out with a personal trainer, here are some of the beautiful bonuses of group fitness.
- It is social. I know a group is oftentimes a social time as well as a workout time! This is a social way to exercise and get fit. It can be a great opportunity to see your friends, catch up with some you rarely see and make new friends. What better set of friends than like minded folks working together to be healthy, strong and better each day?
- Accountability is often key. You know it's much harder to skip that workout if you know there is someone there counting on you to show up. Maybe it's guilt that makes you show up. Maybe you know what a hard time you will get for missing. Maybe you want to surprise someone by actually showing up or maybe it's because you really have already paid for the class. Whatever the reason, that accountability may be just the thing to get you there. And, once you are there, you will always be glad. You know the quote, "I really regret doing that workout, said no none ever"!
- It's awesome support. You are not on a long run hating hills alone or cranking out that last dumbbell curl all alone. You are in that group together with other folks doing the same thing, sweating it out, maybe grimacing, perhaps silently cussing. But, at least you are alongside someone else who can give you an encouraging nod and a high five at the end of class. You can complain, whine and laugh together.
- It's Educational. This is true on a couple of different levels. If you have a good instructor, you are going to learn different exercises, new ways to train your muscles and your body. You can learn other methods of exercise, functional training, perhaps the latest research on various workout related topics. Being together with other folks of common goals and mindsets, you will also learn any number of things from these people. My three day a week group is one of my main sources for answers or opinions on any number of topics, ranging from book recommendations, a great recipe to try, a new restaurant, the latest celebrity gossip and what to do with a kid issue. The education is limitless!
Surely one of those reasons makes you just a little bit curious about trying a group. And this is only four of the many, many other benefits!Are you a group exerciser? What are your favorite things? What other benefits? What is your favorite type of group or class? If you are not a group person, why not?Enjoy Your Day!
If you are in my area and are interested in my group schedules, your own small group or have any questions, contact me here!