Happy Wednesday! Today I want to talk about group fitness classes. While some people prefer to workout solo, others enjoys the benefits of group fitness classes. Let’s discuss!
Accountability
Not only have I made friends with gym members, but I’ve also befriended some instructors as well. If I don’t feel like going to a class, I remind myself that the instructor will be looking for me in class. This makes me get my butt in gear and go to the gym for class. You never want to feel like you’re letting someone down, so accountability plays a huge role in this.
Meet New People
I joined my gym over five years ago and didn’t know anyone. Sure, it can be daunting when you first join, but you eventually meet people who are always in your classes. I was able to meet a few friends at my gym. Of those friends, a few have actually gotten into running as well and we’ve done local races together. In fact, I just went out to Happy Hour last week with a friend that I met at the gym!
Motivation
It can be hard to motivate yourself when you are working out solo. It’s definitely easy to get complacent with what you are doing when you don’t have an extra push to run faster, lift more weights, work out a little longer, etc. I tend to feed off of the positive energy during class and that motivates me to push myself harder. In boot camp class that means working out with heavier weights or in Barre class it could mean getting a little lower while using the bar. It’s different for every person, but in order to see results, motivation is key.
Structure/Schedule
I tend to have better results when I have a workout schedule to follow. Once you find a class that you like, it’s easy to stick with it because you know it will be offered at the same day and time every week. In the past I’ve actually structured my entire workout schedule around fitness classes that I love.
Variety
It’s easy to get bored when you are doing the same thing over and over, but that’s not the case with group fitness classes. Each week the moves will vary and the music will be different. You’ll never get stuck doing the same exact workout each week which will help you work different muscle groups.
I’m linking up with Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub and Nicole from FitFul Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday.
I’m also linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy, Susie from Suzlyfe, Lora from Crazy Running Girl, and Debbie from Coach Debbie Runs for Coaches’ Corner!
Do you participate in group fitness classes? Which class is your favorite?
Also, don’t forget to check out my charity fundraiser giveaway for Hope in Motion – Each $5 donation = 1 raffle ticket!
Debbie says
I totally agree! Group Ex isn’t really my thing (except yoga), but as an instructor I see all of the benefits that you mention.
kookyrunner says
Thanks Debbie!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I’ve been running and working out at homes for years but sometimes I do miss that social aspect of the gym! The classes are great!
kookyrunner says
I agree – the social aspect is what I love most!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
I love the motivation to push myself in spin class the way that I would not do if I were riding on my own
kookyrunner says
That’s so true – I always go super hard in my spinning classes.
Patricia @Sweet and Strong says
So many great points and exactly why I LOVE group fitness. The scheduled time really helps me, and I love making dates with friends to a class then getting a bite to eat after.
kookyrunner says
Great point – I love meeting up with gym buddies for lunch or brunch after a workout!
Ange // Cowgirl Runs says
I like a mix of both. Sometimes I want to do my own thing, and other times it’s so nice to feed off a group to get me going.
kookyrunner says
I can relate for sure. If I’m pressed for time, there’s nothing better than a quick solo workout!
Jenn says
Since I am home from all our trips, I am hoping to be able get back in boot camp and spinning. While I prefer working out on my own, it’s nice to have structured classes, too. I like the regularity and the accountability. It’s also nice to be part of something.
kookyrunner says
I agree – it’s really great to be a part of something and I like the friendships that I have made.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I love my yoga classes–the same people and I have been going there for a couple of years! It’s fun to get to know them.
kookyrunner says
That’s awesome!
AmyC says
I love group classes and meeting my friends to take a class is fun (we can laugh at how hard it was together after). Haven’t broken through to the “made friends” part yet though.
kookyrunner says
Meeting friends to take classes is awesome too. It’s nice to do something active with friends – you get to catch up and have a great workout!
Kimberly Hatting says
No fitness classes for me (mainly due to my schedule and the limited availability in my area). I used to go to a yoga class on Mondays/Thursdays at noon…but I have gotten out of the routine of doing so (my bad).
kookyrunner says
That’s always the tricky part – finding time for classes/workouts is hard!
Elaine @myRUNexperiment says
Lately it’s either spin or yoga class. I like going to group interval runs for the same reasons you pointed out – I know I can push myself further when I’m running with others.
kookyrunner says
I wish I could fit more spinning classes in my schedule – that’s one class where it’s always great to push harder!!
Rachel says
I’m the first to admit I’m not a group fitness person. Having said that, all your classes always sound like so much fun and you motivate me to want to try one!
kookyrunner says
I can totally understand that though – some people prefer to workout solo. I do enjoy a solo workout session every now and then, especially if the gym is crowded.
Farrah says
Group fitness classes are a great way to change things up–I like how they have so many options to choose from! :]
kookyrunner says
Me too! There’ never a lack of variety!
The Accidental Marathoner says
I joined a gym several years ago but tended not to go. I finally dropped it about a year ago. I was literally paying about $400 a year to get 10% off of my pedicures (there is a spa in the facility as well)! For me, it’s the hassle factor. I’d rather be working out the 15 or so minutes it would take to drive there. But I do miss meeting new people!
kookyrunner says
Totally understand that. Luckily my gym is within walking distance from my home and I get some of my gym membership reimbursed from my job.
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
I absolutely love taking group fitness classes – they have been a game changer for me to stay motivated to work out – it ‘s so much easier having somene instruct me what to do vs. wandering around the weights in a gym! We have some great classes offered through work, otherwise I’d look into a ClassPass type of program.
kookyrunner says
Totally agree – Sometimes when I work out alone I’m like “What should I do next?” lol
That’s awesome that you have classes offered through work – i wish my job had a similar program!
Annmarie says
Although I mostly workout from home, I do agree that group settings are a great place to get your sweat on. Meeting people is always fun and I do tend to push myself just that much more.
kookyrunner says
Agreed, I really like the sense of community you get with group fitness classes.
Toni says
I love group fitness classes, especially the social aspect of them. I also love solo workouts, ut I have room for both in my life! I def need to check out classpass for the variety factor.
kookyrunner says
Me too -I tend to do way more group workouts vs. solo workouts, but it’s nice to have the option to do both.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile says
I really enjoyed taking group fitness classes when I had a gym membership. I actually didnt make any friends though! The gym I went to had a much younger crowd (like 22-25 year olds) so to them I was practically an old lady lol. But the instructors were great and it definitely kept me accountable. I miss being able to go to Body Pump a few times week!
kookyrunner says
LOL, I would definitely be considered an old lady at your gym. My gym had a good mix of ages which is great. I wish my gym had Body Pump!