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Are Group Fitness Classes Effective?

While all forms of exercise are beneficial, attending a group fitness class has a few extra advantages over solo workouts. Below, we’ll answer the common question, “are group fitness classes effective?” and explain how you can enjoy the perks of group workouts.

How group fitness classes can benefit you

To put it simply, yes – group fitness sessions are effective. Specifically, classes like high-intensity interval training (HIIT), kickboxing, Pilates, and yoga are excellent ways to stay active and reach your health goals. Let’s explore some of the reasons why.

Lowers stress and improves quality of life

Group exercise isn’t just good for your body – it’s good for your mental and emotional health as well. In fact, working out in a group has been scientifically proven to lower your stress levels and improve your quality of life.

According to a study in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, people who took a group exercise class successfully improved their mental, physical, and emotional quality of life at higher levels than those who worked out on their own. They also reduced their stress levels by 26%.

Keeps exercise safe, effective, and fun

If you train by yourself, you may not always follow proper exercise form, which could lead to accidents or injuries. In group fitness classes, your instructor will make sure that you’re working out safely and correctly so you’re more likely to see results and avoid hurting yourself.

Plus, if you get bored easily, working out with a group is a fun way to spice up your routine and keep things interesting in the gym. Instead of coming up with different total body workouts for each visit, you can let your instructor lead you through effective exercises in an exciting and ever-changing atmosphere.

Boosts motivation and accountability

When you plan your own workouts, it can be tempting to skip a day or two – and that can quickly throw off your entire fitness regimen. But with group exercise classes, you’re less likely to miss a session since you have a specific time (and sometimes, a financial commitment) that pushes you to get to the gym. Also, if you attend classes regularly, your fitness instructors and classmates will also expect you to show up.

Similarly, attending a specific class every week will help you meet like-minded people who share your love of fitness. You could form friendships with your classmates, and if you’re a social person, you might even decide to spend time together outside of the gym.

Group fitness classes at CA

If you’re ready to start your group fitness journey but not sure where to begin, come join us at Columbia Association (CA). We have three cutting-edge gyms in Columbia, where we host dozens of group workouts per week, including: 

• Aquatics
• Barre
• Cardio
• Cycling
• Kickboxing
• Pilates
• Les Mills
• Tai Chi
• Yoga
• Zumba

No matter how you like to exercise, CA has a group exercise session to suit your style. When you attend our classes, you’ll learn from knowledgeable fitness instructors, join a wellness-minded community, and take active steps toward reaching your goals.