Slugging it out on your own in a gym can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain. No matter what gym you train in or whoever you talk to in the fitness industry, we’ve all been there. Solo training means you are not only accountable to yourself but your very own mindset. There is no external support given to you in your workouts, and we can’t always be at our best in terms of pure grit, determination and will power.

Group fitness is establishing itself at the forefront of the fitness industry. Whether you’re sweating it out on a Spin bike or swinging into action in a kettlebells class, it is evident that group fitness has the potential to get you real results while putting a smile on your face.

This article is for those looking to achieve those ‘Real Results’ we all desire. Taking that into consideration, here are 5 reasons why you should start group exercise classes this Winter.

1. The Social Element and The Opportunity to Meet New People

Group fitness is a healthy and inexpensive way of spending time with friends & loved ones. People tend to forget how relatively cheap exercise is compared to going for a night out or drinks. Fitness classes are free with your Aura Membership. Which means it is extremely affordable. Having someone you know train with you will motivate you to do the best you can. There is even room for some healthy competition and a bit of craic.

It can also be a great way of making new friends and meeting like minded people. These people are there for the same reason you are, to better themselves physically and mentally. It can act as a great substitute to heading to your local or eating out.

You will soon find you are building healthy relationships whereby you look forward to going to the class every week to see familiar, sweaty faces.

2. Explode Out of Your Comfort Zone

There’s nothing like throwing yourself into something completely new and seeing how you fare out. Disclaimer: you’re not meant to be an expert at anything as soon as you start. Meaning, if you find a particular class tough at the beginning, that’s good.

Next time, it may not be any easier, but the difference is you will be fitter and more prepared for it. Then as you become fitter, stronger, faster and eventually leaner, it becomes a lot easier. And if you hadn’t been enjoying it before you will now because finally you are performing better during it, making it extremely satisfying as you see yourself progress.

3. Helps Maintain a Consistent Training Schedule

We are all guilty of skipping a workout session due to unforeseen circumstances or a heavy weekend. By booking into weekly group exercise classes, you are sticking to a consistent training schedule. The benefits of consistent training are that you are forcing your body to change in a good way through constant tension and activity.

As group fitness is extremely popular now, it is common courtesy to show up for your fitness class if you have already booked in. If you are a few weeks into your classes, then your fitness instructor is expecting you to be there, along with your new workout buddies.  You won’t want to let them down!

4. Competitiveness leads to motivation

When people get together in a group setting for any type of sport or exercise, there is always an element of competition. Group exercise classes are no different. If your relatively new to group fitness, then you may find motivation from those around you. When you see what people are capable of you shouldn’t feel intimidated or embarrassed, the feeling should be that of inspiration and determination.

On the other hand, if you are that more advanced then you will want to compete with those around you. This is a great way of keeping you at your best and on top of your game. This goes back to what I previously mentioned, that slugging it out on your own can be tough to constantly do, Its great in a sense that it’s You vs. You. However, majority of my best workouts have always been with a workout partner.

5. Group Exercise Classes Are Simply Fun

Group exercise classes have become more than just a workout, they have evolved into a much more dynamic and engaging experience consisting of many important key elements – Inspiring music, powerful workouts, motivational instructors, great atmosphere and even greater people.

Yes, during group exercise classes you may look around you and think these people are going through hell but there not. The challenge is something we should all embrace. The more fun you have with exercise, the more likely you will keep it up. The more likely you keep it up, the greater results you will see down the line.

A Final Word

Like I said before, the people around you are there for the same reason you are, to become a healthier and happier version of yourself. You share the struggle together now, so that down the line you share the triumph.

Vinny Pyper – Marketing Co-Ordinator

Published: 15/11/2019