Group exercise is perhaps where it all started, many moons ago, with all the tribe getting together and running around the forests, hunting as a team or likewise running the other way, away from predators of the wild! But how things have changed... Luckily we have supermarkets and all manner of exercise opportunities which are far less life threatening. Group or class based exercise is a great way of keeping fit and getting active. From yoga based classes to higher intensity crossfit programs, there are many options that come with a huge benefit to your goals and morale.

Whatever your goal, whoever you are
You can find a group-based exercise to suit almost any goal. Whether you want to de-stress and improve your mobility through yoga or Pilates, improve your fitness and burn more fat with boot camps and Zumba, or improve your overall strength and sporting ability with circuit based exercise and crossfit, there’s something for everyone.

Group based exercise can also be tailored individually. There are local older adult classes which focus on all round fitness and strengthening as we age; many different sports clubs hold group training sessions from running to boxing at all levels; and group exercise such as crossfit can be adjusted for a begginer or an elite athlete.

Boosting motivation
Exercising in a group setting has been shown to help boost motivation and increase adherence to exercise long-term. Having a more social element to exercise will help keep you going as it is another element which will create enjoyment. Likewise, it can create a more competitive element in some settings which can help keep us going through the occasional struggle.

If you don’t enjoy exercise or struggle to find activities you do enjoy, joining a group will often build friendships which can help when beginning a new class or sport. This creates accountability and support for each other to get to your end goals.

Reduces boredom
Finding general exercise boring is a common excuse for people who find it difficult to adhere to an exercise program. Certain exercises can be boring, especially when doing them alone. Group based exercise and classes have been shown to improve a person’s will to exercise and promote more enjoyment. Adding in a more social element often helps exercise feel less like a chore and more motivating.