Strength in Numbers: Working Out in a Crowd is Beneficial

Group exercise classes are all of the rage these days. On every corner, you see a new cycle studio, Crossfit gym, dance class, or kickboxing gym pop up due to the high demand for these types of workouts. But what is it about these classes that makes them so popular? Why are masses of people flocking to dark studios with loud, pumping music to get their sweat on? Both young and old, fit and working-on-fit alike have found value in working out with others for a multitude of reasons, mainly motivation, encouragement, accountability, and maybe even a little psychological and physiological boost.

Motivational Boost

It’s no secret that the New Year’s resolutions that you made 2 months ago might be waning, which is the perfect reason to give your motivation a jump start by signing up for a group workout class. Participating in classes like this can give you the opportunity to be encouraged by your classmates, as well as your instructors who know how to push you to your limits when they see you fatiguing out or not hitting correct form. You’re also more likely to work harder if you see everyone around you pushing for the same goal. Call it a competitive edge, but this positive, competitive desire to want to keep up with the people who are working hard around you can lead you to push yourself harder than you would when working out by yourself. Working out at a high intensity produces endorphins, endorphins make you happy, happy people stay motivated and stick to their workout routines!

Team Mindset

This might not be a scientifically proven fact, but it seems to us that it would be a lot harder to miss a 6am boot camp when you have a few friends in the group who are relying on you to be there, texting you the night before or the morning of asking if you’re ready for the workout. Accountability to people other than yourself can be encouragement enough to get to that workout you’ve been planning on, and the camaraderie that is built in these classes will keep you coming back. The social aspect of these communities can also be a huge benefit as an excellent place to meet new people who have the same interests and fitness goals as you do.

All in all, if you are feeling the need for a new, renewed feeling of motivation and accountability that comes with a community feel and mindset, these group workouts could be just what you’re looking for. Use Google to find local classes and workouts that fit your schedule, and don’t be afraid to mix it up between different types of classes to keep things feeling new and fresh!