Why group fitness training works

No one wants to be left behind – especially not by your friends or peers! Even if you’re not the competitive type, it’s nice to know that you have people around you who are going through the same thing as you are, and they are there to give you a supportive push if you need it. On the other hand, there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of healthy competition…

Top 5 reasons why group training works:

A mixture of support, commitment, and competition… It’s amazing what friends can achieve when they work together!

Friends push you further 

You respect and care for your friends – therefore what better group of people to get together with on a regular basis to achieve your fitness and health goals?  Generally, when an individual trains by themselves they can fall into the habit of losing motivation, forgetting to push themselves to the next level or quite simply “skipping corners” and only doing half as much as they thought they would. When people start working out as a group, their stamina increases and the group itself encourages and pushes individual members to achieve their goals. Additionally, group exercising under the guidance of a trainer can be very beneficial for both the individual and the group, primarily because you receive constant encouragement and motivation.

It’s fun!

I know that I often struggle to find the time to see my friends enough.  By training with a group of friends, you get to hang out with your friends AND get fit. Training with others is non-intimidating, supportive and fun. I must say that group training is the greatest source of entertainment- you can laugh with each other as you push your body to the next level of fitness.

Keeps you in line.

Often people join a group exercise class as it helps them commit to an exercise routine. When you train by yourself, nobody has to know if you skip a session. You feel more committed because there are others who are expecting to see you each week. You commit to paying in advance, can lock it in the diary and are accountable to show up. Plus you will often get a call if you don’t turn up to find out why.

Saves you CASH

There is a strength (and savings) in numbers! Group training is less expensive than training one-on-one with a personal trainer and is often comparable in price to a gym membership. You can find group exercise classes to suit all types of budgets.

Physical and mental health.

Group training can also assist with your physical and mental wellbeing. Having the support of your friends and peers who are also trying to reach their fitness and health goals can be very beneficial to your emotional stability.  Kirsten Todd, Co-Founder of Hooked on Health, sums it up nicely when talking about group exercise training. “Our runners train in a unique and supportive environment and always find the experience invigorating. It is one thing to have a goal; it is another thing to challenge the mind so you can achieve it!”

We all know that we need to get at least 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise, five times per week, but the thought of going for a walk or a jog or even attending the gym by yourself can be daunting.  Why not increase the enjoyment and get the benefits of exercise by training with others.

So what are you waiting for? Give group exercise training a go. You will not only increase your fitness, but you will find companionship by making new friends and laughing along the way.

Written by Georgie Drury.

The Arena District Athletic Club is more than just a gym; it’s a premier fitness facility located in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus. We provide convenience and quality, featuring top-of-the-line equipment, top-notch personal trainers, spa-like locker rooms and a wide variety of free group fitness classes daily including Cardio, Spinning, Barre Fusion, Yoga, Boot Camp and more. We offer free 2-hour parking and convenient contract-free memberships, to fit your healthy lifestyle needs. Don’t just join, belong.