For anyone looking to stay fit and have fun doing it, group fitness is an excellent way to go. Those who participate not only benefit from the combined energies of everyone working out in the same space, but they also gain the added advantage of mutual support. From bootcamps to Zumba classes, group fitness trends are gaining in popularity and providing valuable community and support in the process.
1. Uniting Communities Through Group Fitness
Group fitness is an incredible way to get people together and unify communities. The list of activities may vary from calm yoga classes to intense HIIT boot camps, but the end result is always the same; our connections are strengthened.
For starters, group fitness brings people together through motivation and support. When getting started on a new exercise program, it can be hard to stay on track. But when in a group atmosphere, it’s easier to persevere, and the feeling of camaraderie creates an atmosphere of support. The motivation that comes from completing a workout together is an incredible feeling, no matter what level of fitness you are at.
Group fitness also presents an opportunity to bond with people who share similar goals or interests. Maybe you have a common fitness goal that you are all working towards – completing a 5K, for example. Or perhaps you share a passion for the same type of exercise – like salsa dancing or aerobics. Certainly, these activities give you a chance to meet and build relationships with others in the group.
In addition, it is also an effective way to have conversations with people outside of your typical social circles. You get to hear other people’s stories and experiences and you may even learn something new. This kind of exchange creates a diverse and enriching community.
In today’s digital age, the internet and social media have taken over many aspects of our lives. Group fitness, however, reminds us of the importance of face-to-face conversations and common ground. It’s amazing the power of uniting people, even if it’s just for an hour or two. It’s no wonder that group fitness is steadily becoming more popular – it’s a great way to stay in shape while also connecting with those around us.
2. Breaking Down Barriers Through Supportive Exercise
Exercising in its Most Supportive Form
Exercise doesn’t have to be overly strenuous, complicated and unattainable for people with physical challenges. In fact, there’s an array of therapeutic exercises which can be used to break down the barriers that prevent them from engaging in physical activity. Supportive exercise can help people with physical challenges to improve strength, flexibility and balance, increasing their activity options and making a big difference to their quality of life.
At its most basic, supportive exercise uses the principles of traditional exercise movements but applies them in a much gentle and straightforward way. For example, if someone with physical challenges has difficulty doing a press up, they can use a wall, countertop or piece of furniture to perform the movement with more support. This doesn’t just allow the person to exercise in a form they can access – the extra support also allows them to achieve more reps, increase their confidence and improve their ability more quickly.
Not all supportive exercise relies on body weight, however. The use of light weights or even just water bottles can be used to increase the difficulty of movements. Similarly, bands, boxes and step risers are all simple pieces of equipment which can be used to introduce variety into an exercise program.
Supportive exercise can also be used to assist with everyday activities. Simple exercises such as gentle shoulder rotations can help meet the demands of sitting in a chair for prolonged periods or taking on extended periods of travel. To this end, supportive exercise doesn’t just provide health benefits – it also provides better access to the world, unlocking new opportunities.
Boiled down, supportive exercise is an essential way of providing people with physical challenges with the skills and confidence to engage in physical activity. With these skills, they can gain access to activities they previously thought were beyond them, increasing physical fitness and their quality of life.
For everyone, physical activity is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For those with physical challenges, supportive exercise offers them opportunity to access physical activity in a way which is safe and effective.
3. The Benefits of Community-Based Exercise
Exercising with other people has a myriad of benefits. Here are three of the best advantages of community-based exercise.
Accountability
When you train with others, there’s an extra level of accountability involved. This can be a huge help for those who usually procrastinate and struggle to motivate themselves when training solo. Knowing your buddies are expecting you to show up keeps you focused and on track.
Increased efficiency
Have you ever found yourself getting bored with the same workout routine? This usually leads to a dip in motivation and performance. Working out in a group helps you think outside the box, adopt new workouts and move through them with greater efficiency.
Supportive environment
Nothing quite beats a group of equally determined individuals getting together to encourage one another. Having a group of like-minded peers can be incredibly motivating. Not only that, but it provides a safe and supportive atmosphere to try new things and achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Fun
Above all else, exercising with a team can be a ton of fun. Instead of focusing on “getting it done”, you can use your time to bond, chat, share jokes and have a great time. This sense of camaraderie can do wonders for your motivation to exercise, as you can look forward to the social interaction each session.
- Accountability
- Increased efficiency
- Supportive environment
- Fun
Exercising in a group provides many benefits, including increased motivation, improved performance, and a social atmosphere. Embrace the advantages of community-based exercise and give it a go. You won’t regret it!
4. Staying Connected Through Group Fitness Trends
The world of group fitness trends is evolving every day. From small classes held at community centers, to online classes like yoga and HIIT, there are a plethora of ways to stay connected with your favorite group fitness trends. Here are some of the top trends to stay in the know about:
- Live streaming classes — More and more gyms, trainers, and yoga instructors are offering online classes through live streaming. This is a great way to stay connected with your favorite fitness trends from the comfort of your own home. Plus, the cost is often much lower than in-person classes.
- Group fitness challenges — Want to get your friends involved and set fitness goals together? Group fitness challenges are the perfect way to do that. These fitness trends give you and your friends a chance to work on your fitness together, and often offer friendly competition as well.
- Fitness communities — Social media has been a great way to stay connected with fitness trends, such as YouTube channels or special Instagram accounts run by people in the fitness industry. Plus, many of these accounts offer not only fitness advice, but they also provide a great community of support from other users.
- New exercise formats — From immersive spin classes to virtual reality workouts, there are many new and innovative ways to stay connected with your fitness trends of choice. New exercise formats aren’t just fun to do, but they also give you a chance to try something different and to stay on your fitness track while experimenting with cutting-edge technology.
Whatever type of group fitness trends you’re into, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with them. Live streaming classes, group fitness challenges, fitness communities and various new exercise formats give you the perfect opportunity to try something new, keep up with changing trends, and stay motivated.
For the ultimate group fitness experience, nothing beats a group workout with your friends or family. Group fitness can provide a social, support-based atmosphere that allows you to push yourself with a partner or group. Setting a personal goal for the group can help to boost motivation, and also provide a sense of achievement when you reach your goals.
Group fitness trends can take many forms. If you’re looking for something low-impact, then stretching with your friends might be a good option. Or, if you’re feeling competitive, try a few rounds of boot camp drills with your crew. No matter what type of group fitness you’re looking for, there’s sure to be a trend to match.
Group fitness offers something for everyone. Whether you want to stay connected with your favorite trend, boost your motivation, or introduce something new to your exercise routine – the world of group fitness has something to offer. So get your friends together and mix it up with a new workout trend!
With a clear focus on the need for fitness trends to encompass both community and support, this is a sign of wonderful progress and shows just what individuals are capable of when presented with the opportunity to come together as a collective. Group fitness can be truly beautiful when it comes to the creation of an incredible space where people can engage in a healthy lifestyle, as a united group.