No, not English class.

I’m talking about

a get your motor runnin’, heart thumpin’, muscle stretchin’ group

exercise class – kickboxing, yoga, spinning, pilates, zumba, or

whatever suits your fancy!

Sometimes it’s just simply more fun and invigorating to be in a workout

situation when there is a group of individuals all striving toward the

same goal – to finish the class!  In talking with some women about

group classes,  one apprehension is that they feel as though they

are being watched by their "classmates."  The truth of the matter

is, however, that when the class is in session everyone in the room is

more likely concerned about themselves and their own progress than

anyone else!

If you’re not

convinced yet, check out some of the benefits of group exercise below:

• Excuse me, Teacher. 

The instructor can help you work on the proper form for the particular

exercises that you’re engaging in.  It’s their job – you don’t

have to feel bad about asking…they want to help you!

• I think I can, I think I

can.  Like I was getting at earlier, a certain degree of

motivation comes with exercising in a group setting.  Pushing

yourself to keep up with the class can help you in setting goals for

yourself.  Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to others –

just try to push yourself to be the best version of you!  Be proud

of the progress that YOU make.

• Play nice with others.  Interacting

with the other individuals in the class can be a great way to make

friends, particularly if you’re new to the gym or even new to the area.

• Let me pencil that in…Attending

a class that is scheduled at the same time every week may make it

easier for you to carve time out of your schedule.  Some people

work best with routine!

TIP:  Try a group class out this week!  It might be just what

your exercise life needs!

"Working out in a group provides support, accountability, and

structure," says Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation Officer of the

national YMCA. "People don't want to let their buddy or group down,

which is terrific in terms of adherence to an exercise routine."

Exercising with a partner or group is more likely to keep you on track.

A group usually encourages you to involve family members, friends, and

sometimes even pets - yes, dogs need exercise too.

More benefits: You're more likely to complete a balanced

exercise routine and get a potentially tougher workout. In a class, the

instructor can evaluate individuals as well as the group and call

on them to 'pick up the pace a little. "A class can help you

move past a plateau — if you want to push yourself a little bit and

improve." says Lynne Vaughn.

And Vaughan notes that working out in a group can be flat-out fun. "Groups,

especially when they include children, give a sense of play to exercise."

In particular, you may want to seek out an organized team for a

sport you played as a kid, like softball or soccer.

Another great group exercise - and especially good for you and your

kids, is karate, as it not only involves physical workout

exercise but has the added benefit of teaching you valuable

self defense and mental preparedness skills.

Related is Tae-Bo®. which is a high-impact exercise class that

combines elements of Tae-Kwan-Do with aerobics and boxing. Tae-Bo

classes are comprised of punching and kicking movements that work

both the upper and lower portions of your body.

The Challenges

"There are some downsides to working out in a group, however," says

Jeff Halevy, a New York City-based National Academy of Sports

Medicine-certified fitness trainer. "If a group is too big, it can make

you feel anonymous", he notes. "You may not get the

direction you need to learn proper form for exercises like push-ups or

squats, and that can result in an injury. And if you're in the back of

a big class, it can be easy to slack off."

Source:  "The

Benefits of Group Exercise", Connect Fitness via PRLOG