KAWARTHA LAKES-There are so many reasons to love exercise, yet so many people don’t. Whether you don’t have enough time in your busy schedule, you have bad knees, or you can’t find something that you enjoy, there are always excuses to not work out.
Even if exercise is something you do love and enjoy, there is always that dreaded plateau when your consistency starts to wither and you no longer get the results you are hoping for.
Enter group exercise-something I have loved for years now and I will tell you why it’s proven to get you better results, more consistency, and maybe even get you to love exercise after all!
A Little Friendly Competition
Exercising in a group tunes you in to your competitive side-in a good way! This has been widely studied and is called the “Kohler Effect” by psychologists. Research suggests that the Kohler effect may have at least two causes, one rooted in social comparison and the other in the effects of individual members being indispensable to the group. When you believe that others are out-performing you, it gives you a little push to perform better. Secondly, just knowing you are working as part of a team or a group is highly motivating in itself-you don’t want to be known as the weakest link or fall behind the group, so you try extra hard to keep up.
Accountability
Group exercise is great because if you are tempted to hit snooze and skip your workout, someone is going to miss you. Whether it’s your coach or your classmates, someone will be holding you accountable. I expect that when my clients pre-book for a class and I see them on my list, that they will show up and have a great workout, and if they don’t? I follow up! This relationship is very beneficial when you’re trying to stick with something because you won’t be tempted to make every excuse in the book-instead you’ll be held accountable and show up!
We are Social Creatures
Human beings thrive on social connections. I think I’ve always loved group exercise because it is a very social atmosphere and you are getting together on a regular basis with people who share the same values and goals as you. It’s a great way to meet people and make long lasting friendships. Go and check out a group fitness class and I guarantee you’ll have something in common with at least one other person. All my best friendships have been made through fitness! Then you’ll really be motivated to go to your workouts-because they are fun. Since we live in a digital world where nearly everything can be done on the computer, these social interactions are becoming more and more important. Group fitness? That is something that can never be done virtually-you’ll always have to get your butt to the gym and move, sweat, and connect with others.
Exercise is something that has a plethora of benefits far beyond just looking good. Consider trying a group exercise class today! I offer very small Reformer Pilates classes out of my home and I also teach mat Pilates at other locations throughout the Kawarthas. Check out my class schedule at http://www.sweathappywellness.com
Becky Sheehey is a Holistic Health Coach, and a Pilates and Movement Expert with a background in Kinesiology. She lives in Lindsay.
