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Being able to train with others is often the most enjoyable form of training you can participate in, with the potential to achieve more. Whether you’re a complete beginner or pretty advanced, everyone can get something out of group training, whether it be physical, mental, social, emotional progress or improvements. There is often more engagement and more interactivity which can be brought from group training rather than solo training. Often a bit of company is just what you need to keep motivated within a session, bounce off each other’s energy, encourage one another, more scope to learn from and give that extra 1% you couldn’t have individually. They also provide a sense of healthy competition to keep you driven within sessions. Team workouts, mini challenges, small competitions and grouped technique work all allow for more variety and therefore enjoyment.
So let's see what the statistics say about group training, just in case you weren’t already convinced. Group exercise is seen to show significant changes in all 3 key areas of health, mental (12.6%), physical (24.8%) and emotional (26%), as well as a 26.2% decrease in perceived stress levels. In fact, 48% of all gym goers in the UK take part in a fitness class at least once a week.
Friendships is one aspect which is a huge plus to group training, either improving the bond you already have with another, or taking up a healthier hobby with your best friend perhaps, or even making new friendships with others in a class setting. The power of companionship can make a huge difference not only on your day for more interaction but also for mental and social health. Studies show those that seek new friendships and interaction with others on a daily basis are seen to have an increased sense of belonging which helps to then build social and self-confidence. This in turn leads to a reduced rate of anxiety and depression in those that seek friendships and engagement with others.
Friendships and companionships are really important aspects of life to try to build with others to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Creating friendships over shared interests or goals within the gym for example can be a really good way of meeting others and sustaining friendships in a healthy manner. Many friendships these days can revolve around food or drink, going out partying, which at extremes could be seen as rather negative behaviours. So why not meet your friends at the gym, or meet new people in a class?
The support and encouragement you can receive from a group is often a really good driving force for those that are a beginner or just a little nervous. Whether it's your best friend or a newly found friend at the class, added reassurance, belief and being cheered on can be really uplifting and motivating. This could be the case with any new movements, contemplating whether you can add more weight to a compound lift or simply when you are struggling in a class.
The social side and inclusivity of grouped exercise can bring massive benefits to both emotional and mental health/wellbeing. From social health, having interaction with likeminded individuals or with those than you may not have the opportunity to meet or build a friendship in your day to day life. The people in the classes start to form friendships which they take out of the gym scenario.