Group exercise classes have been a key player for decades in the health and fitness industry, and for good reason. There are so many benefits of training in a group and with more to choose from than ever before, there’s no better time to try a class.

The most common reason that people choose to partake in group fitness (or any exercise for that matter) is weight loss. Group fitness sessions, along with a healthy approach to nutrition and lifestyle can definitely aid with getting you to hit your body goals. Due to the varied nature of the classes, you will often be performing many different styles of exercise, each one providing its own benefit towards fat loss and building lean muscle.

This is then compounded by the fact you will work SO much harder during a class when compared to training alone. You’ll have an instructor and your peers pushing you that little bit harder and you get maximum ‘bang for your buck’ for that hour.

As well as weight loss, here’s 5 other key benefits of group exercise.

1- Accountability.

Having to exercise at specific times and often having to book an exercise class in advance will hold you accountable to going into the gym when you said you would. No more procrastination and dragging your heels into the gym late to do your individual work out, or worse- not at all! It’s all too easy to get complacent when we only have ourselves to answer to. When the instructor and fellow class goers are expecting you, you’ll be far less likely to duck out of training.

Having the set times and days of classes will also help you get into a routine much more easily, which again, will make you far less likely to skip the gym or ‘fall off the wagon’.

2- Education/ Learning New Skills.

You will have a highly skilled instructor at your disposal who will keep a close eye on your form and correct any faults in your technique, thus preventing injuries and making your workout more effective. As well as this, you will likely learn lots of new movements, exercises and training methods that you may have never tried before. This makes your sessions not only more fun, but also gives you plenty of ideas when training outside of a class.

3- They are Fun, and they are for EVERYONE!

When you think of group exercise classes, what springs to mind?

Gone are the days of 80’s Aerobics in a lycra leotard! The common misconceptions about classes are that they are mainly for women or that they are for people who are already exercising. However this couldn’t be more wrong! Whether you are completely new to exercise or an avid fitness fanatic, there’s such a variety of classes available now that there is something for everyone.

In fact, joining an exercise class is the perfect place to start out. The instructor is there to to adjust things if needed, to make sure everyone gets a good workout suitable to their fitness levels. And, you’ll have the support and encouragement from the group.

4-Mental Health Benefits.

This is one of the big ones. A lot of people are now aware of the benefits of exercise on mental health. Many people who are struggling with mental health issues turn to fitness rather than traditional medicine, often claiming the positive effects are more potent than anything a doctor could prescribe them.

These amazing benefits are only increased when you exercise with a group. You’ll be training with like minded people and friendships can be forged. You’ll feel supported and you won’t feel alone.

When you are having fun and smiling, the music is playing and everyone is working hard, the endorphin rush is immense. These ‘happy hormones’ will help massively to reduce stress levels and anxiety by giving you a natural ‘high’.

5- Motivation.

We all have those days where everything feels like an effort or a challenge. And these are the days we tend not to push ourselves through a workout or choose to take the easier options. But in your class, surrounded by your peers and an energetic instructor leading the way. You’ll soon find once you get moving, your motivation will quickly be on the up and you’ll be so glad you went. Nobody ever regrets a workout!

As mentioned before, the sense of accountability will also help to keep you motivated. Not wanting to let anyone down and fear of missing out should boost your drive to turn up, work hard and be consistent.

So there we have it - just some benefits of group exercise. If you haven’t already - go try a class and see for yourself!

Visit https://www.u7gym.co.uk/classes to find out more about the classes we offer at U7.