Top 8 Benefits of Group Exercise Classes

You've probably passed by a group workout class before and heard the loud music and the encouraging and energetic instructor. You've likely seen class participants smiling, sweating and having a great time getting active. But do you know just how many benefits you can enjoy from joining a group fitness class? Learn more about the many benefits of group exercise and opportunities to get involved with fitness classes in the Greater Philadelphia Area.

You've probably passed by a group workout class before and heard the loud music and the encouraging and energetic instructor. You've likely seen class participants smiling, sweating and having a blast getting active. But do you know there are numerous advantages of group exercise? 

8 Benefits of Exercising in a Group

There are many amazing benefits of exercising in a group — from improved physical fitness to better mental well-being. Group exercise classes can drastically improve your life in the following ways:

1. You Feel Closer to Your Community

One of the best benefits of exercising in a group is interacting with others in your community. Through a group workout class, you can make friends with new people with shared and diverse interests.

If you're shy or more reserved, a group fitness class may initially feel intimidating. You may be surprised how many others feel similarly and how these shared feelings can make it even easier to start a conversation and connect meaningfully. If the thought of a group class causes too much anxiety, start with virtual group fitness classes, then join in-person ones once you're more comfortable with the workout and instructor.

Kids can benefit from social connection too, and the Greater Philadelphia YMCA branches offer child care services during your workout. While you're having fun and building relationships, your kids can also build friendships with other kids in the community. 

2. You Find Motivation and Stay Accountable 

Imagine you've had a long day at work and planned to hit the gym on your way home. During your drive, you realize how tired you are and head home instead. Pushing exercise to the bottom of the priority list can be easy when juggling a busy schedule. However, canceling your gym session one day can lead to missing a few weeks and months, eventually causing you to fall behind on your fitness goals.

Now imagine the same scenario, but instead of hitting the gym alone for a solo session, you are attending a group class. When you build a social circle in group fitness classes, you will have friends and an instructor who expect to see you and will notice when you stop showing up. They may even reach out to remind you how missed you are in class. This support is one of the mental benefits of group exercise and can help motivate you to stay accountable on your path to being fit and healthy.

Also, since group classes are on set schedules, you can build gym time into your routine and create a consistent habit.

3. You Learn Proper Exercise Forms and Techniques

Group fitness instructors have special qualifications and training that let them teach or coach people in certain exercises. They can demonstrate the correct form for different exercises so you can minimize your risk of injury. They're also there to answer questions or guide you through difficulties. This professional instruction allows you to get the maximum benefits of exercise by performing exercises correctly.

Both beginners and experts can benefit from feedback on their form to ensure you keep improving. Instructors are also great because they can help modify certain exercises to meet your needs. If you're a beginner, returning from an injury or need an extra challenge, instructors have the know-how to meet your needs and give you the best — and safest — modifications.

4. You Diversify Your Exercise Routine

Class instructors plan and create a well-rounded, challenging workout. You no longer have to research or create your own exercise regime — you just have to show up and give it your all.

Group instructors keep things fresh by varying the exercises. This variation lets you work different muscles and keeps the class exciting because you never know what new exercise moves you'll try.

If you're looking for more variety, you can take multiple types of group exercise classes. For example, you can try a relaxing yoga class on Monday evening and heart-pumping boxing to wake up on Wednesday morning. You can tailor your classes to your goals and interests.

5. You Push Past Your Limits

When exercising alone, it's easy to take shortcuts, like cutting your session short or rounding up the reps. While some physical activity is certainly better than nothing, you could be doing a disservice to yourself if you take frequent shortcuts.

In a group fitness class setting, you'll see those around you pushing through the session, which can also inspire you to keep going. You'll also have encouragement from the instructor, which makes you even more determined to finish the full set. Pushing yourself and achieving new goals or personal records can help you feel more confident in your abilities.

6. You Can Enjoy Some Friendly Competition

While group fitness classes are welcoming to all, there's often an element of friendly competition that can push you to work even harder. Seeing others give their all can be motivating. You may want to turn up the resistance on your bike, lift heavier weights, or do more burpees.

This positive peer pressure and desire to keep up with the group can lead to better results. Just be sure to listen to your body and don't overdo it — a little friendly competition is fantastic, but your health and safety should come first!

7. Group Classes Can Be More Affordable

Joining a gym and hiring a personal trainer can be expensive. However, group classes may be a more budget-friendly way to get expert guidance and a great workout. Many group fitness classes are included in basic gym memberships or offered at a much lower price than one-on-one training sessions.

Some community centers also offer drop-in rates or class packages that let you try different classes without committing to a long-term membership. Taking advantage of these deals can be an excellent way to mix up your routine and find the types of classes you enjoy most while saving money.

8. You'll Have More Fun and Enjoy Your Workouts

Working out alone can be boring for some, particularly if you must stick to the same routine to get specific results. Group fitness classes are designed to be engaging and enjoyable. With upbeat music, a high-energy instructor and a room of people to share the experience with, you're much more likely to have fun and look forward to your workout.

When exercise feels more like play than a chore, you'll be more consistent and reap greater mental and physical benefits.

Join a Group Exercise Class at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA

If you're ready to enjoy all the physical and mental benefits of group exercise, take advantage of the group fitness classes in the Greater Philadelphia Area by joining your local YMCA. A Y membership gets you unlimited access to our various group classes, so you can enjoy as many classes as you wish. Choose from a wide selection of engaging and fun classes that get you moving, like yoga, barre, and dance classes.

To make things even more convenient for our valued members, we offer child care services so you can enjoy your class knowing your kids are engaging with others with other children their age. Learn more about our membership options to connect to a healthier life today.