The Value in Working Out with a Group
Group fitness classes are intimidating, especially going by yourself. This deters a lot of people from ever trying a group fitness class. Your not alone if you’ve had this thought once or twice. Working out with a group of people is the best way to keep yourself accountable, gain confidence, and have fun. Not convinced yet? Read below for more benefits of working out in a group.
The Beginning
The key is finding the perfect gym. This can be a challenge. It may take a couple of visits to different gyms in order to find the fit for you. But once you find it, you’ll flourish and enjoy exercising again. Starting the process of going to the gym is the hardest part. Getting in the habit of attending classes that match your schedule is key to maintaining your goals of consistency. I was shy and apprehensive in my classes because everyone else looked like they knew what they were doing. But the truth is we all had to start somewhere. Remind yourself, we were all in your shoes once. The biggest mistake we can make is comparing ourselves to someone else. Whether at the gym, work, or life in general, this is our downfall.
I started my fitness journey when I was 14 years old, doing Crossfit Varsity at Outsiders Crossfit. At this age everything is intimidating, your still figuring out who you are and what you find fun. This crucial time period made me who I am today by the great community of coaches and peers I was surrounded by. My favorite thing to see is new people showing up and trying new things. Coaches are coaches for a reason we want to help YOU. A community is an extension of coaches. As I attended more classes at the beginning of my journey, I got to know the coaches and the people a little more each class. Especially at the beginning, the people around you will help you adjust and make you feel comfortable. As you start to form a relationship with the gym you will show up not only for the coaches but for yourself.
Accountability
Being in a community with a certain goal in mind, keeps you accountable. A lot of people struggle with consistency in the gym. Knowing others are looking towards your attendance in class, helps you stay consistent with your exercise schedule. A community makes it easier to want to attend classes by making them fun or interactive each time. There are always events on the weekends or during class that are bit different than your average gym. Think of group fitness as if your apart of a team sport. Everyone is working on themselves but as a team to get there. Fitness is supposed to be fun and lighthearted, you should WANT to go to class every day or every other day. The people around you make that possible.
Once you have established your schedule, your friends in class can help keep you accountable with other goals like nutrition!
Motivation and Inspiration
Having someone to look up to for guidance is the best way to improve your skills. Belonging to a group of people that have similar goals and values will help you stay motivated with your own goals. When you see others in the gym trying something new that may inspire you to try something new too. I loved watching people set personal records for themselves, because it made me want to get after my own personal records. We all have something we are after, or a skill we want to master we just need a little push from our friends and coaches to further encourage those steps to mastering.
Group fitness is perfect for moments like these because it’s almost like you have more than one coach. You have a group of people cheering you on and rooting for you. How is that not going to encourage you or make you feel more confident?
Outside Support
On top of all these positive reinforcements and encouragement in the gym, you can also rely on these peers for support in other areas of life. As a community, you want to be there for people when they need someone. Going to the gym allows you to get out of your head and focus on one thing: getting a good sweat in. In a class setting you can lose track of time and have fun despite work or home stressors. For one hour of your day, you can count on immersing yourself in an activity that brings you joy and allows you to disconnect from the stressors in your life. What more could you ask for?
The common saying “it takes a village” always plays in my head when I see a class banding together to help someone else hit a goal or a PR (personal record), because that is what the community brings. Group fitness brings the most uncommon people together that have one thing in common: bettering themselves. Take this into your daily life and you have a whole village supporting you through whatever it is.
Next time you or a friend thinks group fitness isn’t for them, make sure they try it before they write it off. If your friend is hesitant bring them with you because it is always easier to do something new with a friend! At Outlast we offer your first functional fitness class FREE. Use the link below and the promo code 1STCLASSFREE to claim your FREE first class with Outlast Health and Performance!
Till Next Time!
Ashely Guetler
