Five Reasons to Join a Group Exercise Class

These days there are a number of different ways to exercise. You can join a gym, get a personal trainer, exercise at home, take a class, go to a rec center, buy home equipment, and a lot more. One of my favorite options is taking group classes. It might seem silly, but there are benefits to taking a group class that you won't get with most of the other exercise options. Here are the five reasons to sign up for a group class:

1. Accountability: When you know you have a workout scheduled at a certain time, you're more likely to go. Seeing "yoga 7-8pm" or "circuit training 9-10am" on your calender will keep you motivated and accountable. You'll want to go to your class, because if you don't you'll know you've missed something. When you're doing non scheduled workouts on your own it's easy to say, "I'm busy/tired/sick today, I can do this tomorrow." and not feel as if you've actually missed a workout, but with a scheduled class you'll know that you missed your workout rather than "rescheduling" it.
2. Money: You're less likely to skip a workout when you're paying per class or per session. This is another way to keep your exercise going strong.
3. You won't be doing it alone: It's not just going to be you doing humiliating squats or ridiculous Yoga poses; a whole room full of people will be there with you. You'll have the opportunity to see that everyone exercises at a different pace and level, plus you'll have the motivation of wanting to keep up with the more fit people in the class.
4. It's a great way to try and learn something new: Maybe you're sick of your same treadmill and elliptical routine or maybe you've always wanted to try Zumba but didn't know how. A class is a great way to break stale habits and start learning a new kind of exercise. Studies show an individual is more likely to continue exercising if their workout varies rather than those who do the same one or few workouts constantly.
5.  You might even meet a buddy: Like we said before, working out is better when you're not alone. Classes are a great way to meet new people who enjoy the same things as you. You never know, you could end up with a jogging buddy or maybe even a friend to have lunch with on Wednesdays!

If you'd like to try a group class there are a few places you could look: Your local YMCA, a local rec center, your local gym, or look out for privately owned studios that specialize in things like Yoga, Pilates, and Zumba. (Class rates are cheaper at places like the YMCA and local rec centers.)