Group Exercise: An Affordable, Effective Way to Get in Shape

By Bonnie Pfiester

When I think of aerobics classes I can’t help but think of Jazzercise, leotards, and leg warmers. Thank goodness aerobics classes have evolved over the years into so much more than just floor aerobics and bad styles.

Today, health clubs offer a large spectrum of group exercise like Spinning, Kickboxing, Pilates, Step, Zumba, and even seated exercise classes for seniors.

So, why is group exercise growing by leaps and bounds? First and foremost, group exercise offers affordable professional guidance. Since many people can’t afford one-on-one training, group classes are a great alternative. Whether it’s learning proper form or just being motivated, group classes offer the direction, education, and encouragement so many people need.

Another reason why group exercise works is because it’s entertaining. Good instructors lead an exercise routine that keeps you thinking and moving the entire time. Unlike watching the clock count down on a treadmill, fitness classes leave very little time to even notice your watch.

Next, fitness classes work – plain and simple. One of our members, Phyllis, was just reflecting on her experience. At 72, she took her first seated Seniorcise class at our club. She recalled all the simple exercises she was instructed to do, giggling at her own progress. Then she said she “graduated” to low-impact aerobics classes and eventually hired a personal trainer - continuing to smile from ear to ear. Now 86, her doctor raves about her success, which all started with a simple exercise class in a folding chair.

Finally, the most valuable part of aerobics classes is the accountability group exercise offers. Ironically, this same fear is what keeps people from even trying a class to begin with. Once you get past your fears and decide to give a class a try, the same fear of everyone watching you is what drives you to perform better. The group setting helps push you further than you would ever push yourself alone.

If you’ve been thinking about starting an exercise program, you may want to give group exercise a try. With more options than ever before, it’s an affordable, fun and effective way to get in shape.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg | reddit | furl | google | yahoo | technorati