If you've never stepped foot in a group fitness class, you're missing out.
Not only are group classes energetic and motivating, but they're also extremely effective. Signing up for a class can shake up a monotonous workout routine and help you build different muscle groups. Plus, the certified instructors can even provide personalized coaching to improve your form.
Ready to give it a try? Sign up for a group fitness class today. Or, if in-person classes aren't your thing, consider purchasing one of these stationary bikes to add to your home gym setup.
Accountability
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First things first: half the battle of building a fitness routine is actually getting your butt to the gym to begin with. With group classes, you'll be more motivated than ever.
Most classes ask that you book a spot ahead of time, so skipping out means you've not only lost your chance to workout, but also took away someone else's. Plus, there's a good chance you'll also be wasting money, too. Unlike going for a run on your own, most group exercise classes aren't free, since they usually require a gym or studio membership. Since you paid good money to join a gym or studio, you'll be eager to make the most of it.
Motivation
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It's easy to slack off on a treadmill in the far corner of the gym, but in a group exercise class, your heart rate will be up the entire time. From the mood lights and loud music, to the yelling of your instructor and sweat pouring off everyone around you, you'll feel motivated to push yourself more than if you were alone.
Consider making friends in the class, too—it will give you yet another motivating factor to make it to your weekly sweat session.
Personalized Coaching
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If you're new to working out, there's no better place to start than a group fitness class. Because your class will have a certified instructor, you and your classmates will receive step-by-step instruction on the exercises and personalized feedback on your form. Even if you already consider yourself a gym rat, instructors can point out which areas or muscle groups you need to work on.
The instructors will also make sure that you have a safe workout, no matter what your current fitness level may be.
Structure
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Once you find a class you really love, you'll have a weekly (or even daily) workout date with yourself. Since there's a set date and time you have to make—as opposed to just working out a few times a week after work—you're more likely to make it happen.
Also, the class will already be structured to include everything you need, including the warm-up, workout and cool down. You won't have to think as much (working out is hard enough); you just have to show up.
Join a Community
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Joining a community that is also committed to fitness and self-improvement can make a huge difference in your overall progress. It's motivating to find yourself in a class with different people who are all striving towards the same goal.
This community can help you stay on the right track with your healthy living plan, even if your coworkers, friends or family are less than ideal motivators.
Variety
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Nothing will kill your fitness mojo like doing the same workout over and over, week after week. Before you know it, your boredom might become the number one reason you don't make it to the gym.
Most gyms offer a diverse range of classes you can try, with everything from yoga and Pilates, to Zumba, hip-hop dance and indoor cycling. Whenever you feel tired of one, try another—plus, get the added benefit of switching up your routine and seeing your muscles respond.
Fun
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Fitness should be fun. If it's not fun, you'll eventually choose something more fun to do instead (happy hour, anyone?). Classes are meant to be a social, interactive and exciting experience. That's why most are decked out with special features like a great speaker system and enthusiastic instructors who want you to have a good time.
Find a class that feels fun to you and you'll rarely skip it.
About the Author
Jackie Veling is a past Senior Editor at ACTIVE.com. She’s passionate about overall wellness and body positivity, and her favorite way to stay active is through running. You can follow her on Twitter.
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