Before the coronavirus pandemic shut down gyms and forced people to be more conscious of their daily interactions, group fitness programs were projected to be one of the biggest trends of 2020. Unfortunately, the trend had to be abandoned for a year, but with 2021 upon us, hope is one the horizon that group workouts will once again regain momentum. With that in mind, let's explore five reasons group fitness programs may have an advantage over solo training.
Working out in a group can provide the motivation to get better and to push through difficult training. Exercising by yourself gives you more opportunity to just "mail it in" or quit early if you're not mentally into your daily workout routine. If you're participating in a fitness program with other athletes with similar goals, you may find that you won't come up with as many excuses to quit early. Your mind will observe those around you and instinctively want to keep up with the pack or try as hard as you can to reach shared athletic goals.
Group training sessions can motivate you beyond the physical gains your group may share. There's a certain camaraderie that exists among athletes that consistently work out together. Not only will you stay motivated to reach your group goals, but you'll look forward to training for the social benefits that come with seeing a regular group of friends or workout partners.
A solo training schedule can be fluid, which to some is a good thing, but to others, a lack of a rigid schedule can lead to missed workout sessions. If your current workout plan involves getting in a training session when you have time, there's a chance you may not form consistent workout habits.
Group fitness schedules usually revolve around a specific time, date, place and routine. There is very little flexibility involved. You know when and where you have to be in order to get your workout in. A sound fitness schedule can become a habit that helps you get the most out of your training. Not only will you work out at regular intervals, group training also targets different exercises during different scheduled times. This regularity will make a habit out of getting consistent and varied exercise.
When choosing a group fitness program, search for one that attracts participants with similar workout goals. If you find a group with similar fitness goals, you'll find that workout routines will be more focused on what the group wants to achieve.
Having similar goals will also create a support structure. If a member of the group finds themselves struggling with the exercise routine, the rest of the group will understand what they are going through since they also have similar expectations. These shared goals will keep the group together in a cohesive unit and motivate participants to stick with the program even when they struggle.
If you're an athlete training for a specific event, training in a group can provide that competitive edge you'll need when it comes time for your event. If you're actively participating in group training for a specific competitive sport such as MMA, marathon running or any team sport, training with a field of athletes in the same sport will help you gauge where you stand when stacked up against potential competitors.
The competitive aspect of group training will force you to put in your best effort every single session as you strive to best the other athletes around you in competition.
Some experts suggest that the attitudes and moods of group fitness classes and training sessions tend to be more positive than in individuals working out alone.
When you work out alone, you can be left with the stress of the day on your mind to distract you, and if you're in a negative mood there may be little chance of gaining a positive attitude on your own. Group workouts tend to be more upbeat and positive, especially if you have a trainer or group leader helping keep the athletes who are training on a positive mental path.
If you're not in the best mood or feeling under stress, seeing positive, happy, motivated athletes training around you can help lift your spirits. As we've already mentioned, group fitness training can be a great support structure when it comes to physical gains, but the potential is there for a mental boost on days when you're not in the best mood for a workout.
TapouT sports performance beverages can make a great addition to your nutrition and hydration routine whether you prefer to train in a group or alone. Only TapouT has 240mg of natural sodium that will help prevent excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes through sweat.
All three flavors of TapouT contain potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium to help your muscles perform during competition and recover after a tough fitness session. They also contain a blend of vitamins specially crafted to keep your mind and body sharp. Each bottle of TapouT sports drink contains:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamins B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12
TapouT Citrus Kick includes 120 energy supplying calories, but if you're looking for a zero-sugar substitute, our Wild Orange and Cherry Lemonade Blast varieties contain the same sodium, vitamins and electrolytes with only 10 calories.