3 Reasons Why Group Training is Even Better
BY JOHN HARRIS FITNESS
You know what's great? Exercising. You know what's even better? Getting to know new people who love sports and fitness as much as you do. In simple terms, group fitness training is a huge trend right now – and for good reason. Whether it's with friends or in a "stranger" group, there are plenty of compelling reasons for group workouts. Haven't tried training in a group yet? You should definitely give it a shot. Read on to discover how group training can propel you forward.
Motivation
Research from various studies has already shown that even Facebook friends from afar can motivate us to exercise more and perform better. Training together with other people not only pushes us but also makes the entire process more enjoyable. After all, humans are social beings.
If you're not the kind of person who jumps out of bed at 5 a.m. and heads straight to the gym, it's likely that you sometimes struggle to motivate yourself and, most importantly, to stay motivated. You're definitely not alone in this! However, this is where the greatest advantage of group training lies. Many people who participate in a group class are initially exhausted from their daily routines. Yet, as soon as they join the group and start training, they suddenly gain a fresh surge of energy. Even the best fitness trainer who constantly challenges you can't motivate you better than a group can. Training with others not only provides mutual support but also encourages healthy competition.
Another advantage? When you train with people who are quicker, stronger, or more fit than you, you're automatically compelled to push yourself even harder, effectively boosting your fitness level. Often, the group is what you need to keep going. When you feel like you can't go on, the group will show you that you can. The group will provide you with the necessary motivation to keep pushing forward.
Commitment
The hardest part of getting fit isn't the exercise itself but starting in the first place. Making a commitment to stick to your training plan is different from actually doing it. This is why it's crucial to commit, and doing so is much easier within a group. Reliable training partners help you stay consistent with your training, and you motivate each other to achieve your goals faster.
Moreover, the "fear" of group comments due to arriving late or canceling is significant. Some trainers even record tardiness or assign penalty burpees, extra laps, and so on. Naturally, you wouldn't want to be late. If you miss a few weeks, others will notice and ask where you've been. Creating a sense of obligation can tremendously help establish a training routine. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to join a training group.
Sense of Community
It's in our nature to be around other people and spend time with them. People are social beings. While there are some recluses, the majority of us love to laugh, joke, and have fun with others. And nothing brings us closer than shared experiences, whether it's shared challenges or collective success. This is also one of the biggest benefits of group training. When you join a training group, you're not only getting into shape but also connecting with people who are going through the same journey. They face the same challenges and understand the feeling when you achieve a personal best. Sharing these collective experiences makes training even more enjoyable.
Group training sessions are one of the best ways to meet like-minded individuals and form bonds while working toward your fitness goals. In a world where we heavily rely on emails and smartphones, group training provides the human interaction that is becoming increasingly scarce in other aspects of life. Nowadays, we can practically do everything without speaking to another person. This contrasts greatly with the group fitness mindset. Engaging is a must during group training.
