There’s no wrong time to start working out. And there’s no wrong way to do it. Exercise is becoming more accessible, and the wide variety of sports and activities offers many different options for beginners and advanced athletes alike. From Pilates to boxing or working out at the gym, everyone can find the right place to feel good and enjoy exercising. The choice is personal, and whatever you choose, you’re sure to make the right one.
The important thing is to get started.
There’s no doubt that group classes have several key benefits, which we’ve decided to sum up and share. First of all, they’re incredibly fun! As the English say, “The more, the merrier.” Group classes are absolute proof of that. You’ll make new friends to laugh and share with, spend time with, and hear about their lives. Another important benefit is that group classes teach us to respect others, build camaraderie, and make us want to be part of something bigger than ourselves.
Here are some other key benefits:
Variety
One undeniable benefit of group classes is the wide variety on offer. You can choose from so many different sports, depending on your fitness level or mood. You can try different activities such as spinning, CrossFit, or Tap Out, or decide to relax with yoga that day. Our advice is to try different classes and find the ones you enjoy most. Mix up your activities, because every workout is different and targets different muscle groups. This variety will challenge your body in a positive way and prevent it from getting used to the exercises. The result: steady weight loss and well-rounded fitness.
Read more: 5 sports that need gym workouts
An Endless Source of Motivation
Burning calories and shaping our bodies is the main motivation when we decide to start going to the gym. Unfortunately, even the proven fact that exercise makes us healthier is sometimes not quite as compelling as working out for vanity. But for those who see their ideal body as a distant mirage in the desert, the thought of putting in the effort alone can sometimes be discouraging. We give up going to the gym, thinking it’s boring and monotonous.
We disagree, and we’ll tell you why another time. But for those who have doubts, group classes are the perfect solution. What could be better than getting stronger while spending time with new people, each with their own story and reasons for being there! Before you know it, you’ll be losing weight, burning extra calories, and growing stronger and more resilient in the company of equally motivated people. Plus, while working out together, you’ll see that not everyone is in great shape or can complete every exercise, yet they don’t give up because they have a goal they’re pursuing. Can you think of a better reason to come back next week for the same workout?
A Modern Lifestyle
Besides offering variety, group workouts have another advantage: they’re modern and follow the latest trends in fitness and sports. New variations on familiar activities are constantly emerging, offering participants improved programs and exercises. Many people who exercise are interested in the latest gym trends and ways to incorporate them into the rest of their lifestyle—whether it’s a new yoga trend or an innovative diet. And since these modern trends often first emerge in group classes, statistically, you’re more likely to hear about them from your weightlifting buddy.
Simply deciding to change your lifestyle and spend more time exercising is commendable. It doesn’t matter which sport or activity you choose. Be brave and make exercise part of your daily routine. You have nothing to lose except extra inches, pounds, and a bad mood.
Read more: 5 Benefits of Working Out with a Personal Trainer
Which Group Workouts Should You Choose?
Here are a few group classeswe recommend:
Pilates
Pilates is a modern blend of physical exertion and exercises from callanetics, ballet, and yoga, set to relaxing music. This type of workout helps develop flexibility, improve muscle tone, control stress, and maintain a good mood. The exercises are performed slowly, with special attention to breathing and concentration. Each movement is done once for a set number of repetitions, rather than in sets. The movements may not look difficult, but performing them with precision takes maximum strength and unwavering concentration.
- Difficulty level: Beginner
- Intensity: Low
- Calories burned: 390 calories per hour
Yoga
Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “YUG,” meaning “union, unification.” It is one of the oldest ways to keep the mind and body in harmony. For centuries, Eastern peoples have used this inexhaustible source of practices and techniques to restore and maintain the essential balance between the physical and energetic body, and between the spiritual and the material.
- Difficulty level: Beginner
- Intensity: Low
- Calories burned: 285 calories per hour
TapOut
The latest cardio program. Tapout is an exceptional MMA workout designed to help you burn fat and build lean muscle. The program combines cardio and strength exercises with fun, challenging MMA kicks, punches, and elbows that are guaranteed to transform you in just 90 days.
- Difficulty level: Advanced and expert
- Intensity: High
- Calories burned: 940 calories per hour
CrossFit
CrossFit trains the complete athlete, who is equally a gymnast, weightlifter, sprinter, middle-distance runner, and rower. Grit workouts aim to build complete physical and mental fitness and endurance. This involves developing skills in 10 areas: cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular endurance; strength; flexibility; explosiveness; speed; coordination; agility; balance; and accuracy. Equipment used in grit workouts includes kettlebells, medicine balls, dumbbells, barbells, pull-up bars, and parallel bars. Workouts are fast and high-intensity, usually without breaks.
- Difficulty level: Expert
- Intensity: High
- Calories burned: 800 calories per hour
Check out some great ideas for group workouts in this video!