Boost Your Mental Health With Group Fitness Classes!
If you’re feeling higher stress levels than normal, know that you’re not alone. Plus, there may be a solution out there that you haven’t yet considered, such as group fitness classes.
What is group fitness?
With all this decline in mental health, you may be wondering what you can do to combat it. Researchers at the University of New England have found that working out in a group lowers stress by 26% and significantly improves quality of life. At Healthtrax, our fitness classes are led in a group setting by a certified instructor. Group exercise classes offer a great way to socialize and have a little bit of fun, all while pushing you towards your health goals. No matter which form of exercise you prefer, we offer a class dedicated to them all:
Group activity is not a new concept, but it has seen massive international up-trends over the last few years with rising numbers in spin cycling, dance-based classes and Hiit workouts. Nearly 40 percent of regular exercisers participate in group fitness classes. Being a part of this type of community can provide a huge boost of motivation beyond what already comes with the physical benefits of a workout.
Benefits of Group Fitness
Social Health Benefits
For starters, group classes help motivate you to get out of the house and meet new people. There is security in having others around you who are working toward a common goal. The support helps to overcome a lot of concerns for beginners, such as fear of difficulty or failure. Being part of a “fit fam” can be hugely beneficial. By being part of a community, you can find support and guidance from people who are on the same journey as you. Whether that journey is to better your health and wellness or improve your strength and endurance, there will always be someone who has your back.
Motivation And Inspiration
Other people influence your attitudes and emotional responses to exercise. They can affect how you feel about exercising, which is critical for determining whether you try the workout or not. Group fitness challenges you to work out beyond your perceived limitations. The best way to get the strength to push through that extra rep, is by having other people by your side to cheer you on. It’s hard not to get inspired by your classmates. In a group exercise class, you don’t have to worry about being better than everyone around you. Everyone was a beginner at some point and there will always be someone who appears stronger than you. Let that motivate you, not intimidate you! When you see someone next to you lifting heavier or moving faster, it will encourage you to push your limits as well.
Accountability
Everyone can benefit from the accountability and direction of a group fitness class. Studies have shown that supportive accountability measures help adults achieve their fitness goals and even life goals. Classes help keep you accountable to exercise on a routine basis since most group fitness classes require you to book your spot in advance.
Improve Confidence
The progress you make when training regularly has a positive impact on your confidence. The feeling you get when you realize your pace is a little faster, your stretch slightly deeper, your choreography a bit smoother, all gives you more faith in your abilities. Working out with people of varying levels of experience helps improve this confidence further by providing you with inspiration and support for reaching your next goal. When you see yourself gradually attaining a similar fitness level or skill to those who have practiced longer, you feel an increased level of satisfaction.
What To Look For In a Group Fitness Class
When choosing an exercise group to join, consider how similar the other participants are to you — think about age, gender, interests. You’re likely to form a more cohesive group with people you identify with, and these groups are more likely to stick together and continue exercising. In addition, look out for instructor experience, safe environments and convenient scheduling.
Expert instructor-When looking for a group fitness class, you should check the credibility of the instructor teaching it. Always look for a certified instructor. Certified instructors go beyond mirroring workout moves. They also have the added expertise to enforce proper form during each exercise to help you prevent injuries.
Safe environment- You should look at the space you'll be taking the class at. The space should be clean and have the proper equipment to keep you safe and comfortable. A safe environment also means a space where your instructor makes you feel welcome and supported, providing the guidance needed to complete your workout.
Time you can stick to- When choosing a group fitness session, you will want to ensure that you can make the scheduled time without any hassle. For example, if you work late hours and are often exhausted afterwards, perhaps it makes more sense to fit your class in before your work hours. Choose a time with minimal scheduling conflicts.
Here at Healthtrax, we offer a variety of group fitness classes so that you can find a workout that motivates you and provides a much-deserved reduction in stress. Each of our Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New York and Rhode Island Healthtrax gym locations offer a unique set of classes, including yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, cardio and much more. Our safe and effective high energy classes accommodate all fitness levels and are led by certified instructors. Visit our website to view our class descriptions and book a class.