There’s a reason why people love taking group fitness classes. Let’s talk about it in this one …
It’s crazy to think that I’ve been teaching group fitness classes for 15 years.
By the way, I started out as a timid group fitness participant in the back of the studio. Little by little, I made my way closer to the front, and next thing you know — I’m an instructor writing about fitness.
I get so much joy out of teaching group fitness classes, and I also get a lot of joy out of taking them. If you’re not a group fitness class taker, you’re probably wondering why people get so obsessed with group fitness and make it their personality (okay, that’s an exaggeration). Well, it’s because you get so many feel-good benefits from this type of exercise.
Where are all my group fitness lovers at? I’m with you! Let’s get into those five super-satisfying aspects of taking group fitness classes …
1. Every group fitness class has a beginning, a middle and an end. And when it’s done, you’re done.
You know what I love and appreciate about a group fitness class? When it’s over, it’s over.
For me, personally, when I do a solo workout on the fitness floor, I’m always playing through in my head what other exercises I should do. Should I do a few more repetitions? Should I tack on one more movement pattern? How long should I stretch? And these are decisions you have to make when you work out on your own. But when you go to a class, the ending is clear, and you know when you’re done. That’s a very satisfying thought.
I particularly love it when the soothing cool-down music is complete at the end of a class, and you walk out of there with a great big feeling of success.
2. When you show up to a group fitness class, you don’t have to think too hard. There’s a trained fitness professional telling you what to do, how much to do and (hopefully) how to do it, so you save on decision-making fatigue.
Much like the point above, it’s really satisfying to attend a group fitness class and be fully instructed by the instructor. You want that instructor to tell you which equipment you need, how to set up, how to move properly, how you should be feeling and when you can take a break too.
Of course, it’s up to you to put in the actual work with your body, but you don’t have to guess at much of anything. You just do what you’re instructed.
And hey, most of us have a lot of decisions to make all day. That’s why it’s satisfying to have one part of your day where you don’t have to make a big decision. Your only decision is the decision to show up and be a part of that group fitness class.
3. Group fitness classes automatically come with the benefits of moving to music. And you get to discover new songs that you love, as well as soak up old ones you already loved.
Music makes the workout. Music makes the class. And music is a huge part of group fitness. While you won’t always be rhythmically moving to the beat of the music in a group fitness class, you can bet there will always be music playing.
I’m a music lover, and since becoming an instructor, music means even more to me. You can access new emotions and new motivation, just by hearing beats/rhythms/vocals while you’re exercising. Not to mention, music can help drive the beginning, middle and end of a group fitness class as well.
I love it when my participants come up to me after class and ask me for the name of a particular song I used because they enjoyed it and want to listen to it later. Rehearing that song will bring up a positive association to the work they did in class. And that’s a super-satisfying thing.
4. You do more when you do it with others. And in group fitness classes, you can feed off the energy of other people in the room.
My participants tell me all the time that they probably wouldn’t do certain movements or work quite as hard if they weren’t doing those movements/challenges in my classes. I feel that to my core.
When you attend a group fitness class (well, a good group fitness class, that is), you can feed off the energy from the other people in the room working out with you. Even if you’re choosing different levels of a particular movement, it’s impossible not to be motivated by the people next to you, in front of you and even behind you (as well as the instructor). Some days you’ll be one of the motivators in the room, and some days you’ll be one of the people needing the extra motivation. Either way, group fitness facilitates that transfer/sharing of energy.
I think that’s probably what drew me to group fitness classes in the first place so many years ago … I felt like I could push harder and do more when I entered the group environment. It’s a really powerful aspect of being in a class.
5. Group fitness classes foster a sense of belonging and community, which can drastically improve your mood and outlook.
Did you know you can go to a group fitness class, never talk to anyone individually and yet walk out of there feeling like you’re part of something?
It’s true. A good group fitness instructor in a good group fitness class will help create a team environment that makes you feel like you’re working with others to reach a goal. Your efforts matter and your efforts help the team as a whole.
I think one of the most satisfying aspects of group fitness is the people element. It’s really cool to connect with others and chat with them before and after class, but it’s also cool to know you were in the room where it happened. That’s something you just don’t get at home alone in your living room trying to break a sweat, you know?
I feel so grateful that I have group fitness in my life, and it’s important for me to share that love with you.
Thanks for reading this post about five super-satisfying aspects of taking group fitness classes. Have a wonderful day!
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Questions of the day
What’s your favorite part about taking group fitness classes?
How often do you take group fitness classes?