We’ve all been there – you know, when you meant to go on that run after work but you were way too tired, so you opted for sunset drinks on the patio with your mates. No harm, no foul! It’s often all too easy to skip or postpone your workouts when you’ve planned them just for yourself. No one’s going to nag you for skipping out (except maybe your own conscience); nobody has to know!
However, you know that old saying “there’s strength in numbers”? It’s especially true when it comes to keeping your motivation level high for your workouts. It’s a lot more fun when you grab a friend or two for your runs, your bike rides, your swims, or even your dog walks. But even better? Surrounding yourself with old and new friends in a group fitness class at one of our Bayswater gyms.
Participating in these activities can be an incredibly effective way to keep yourself motivated and determined. Plus, having an instructor around to offer encouragement and guidance can help keep you safe and on track with your goals.
Have you always wanted to try that new fitness class with the crazy name but are nervous to do it by yourself? Have a friend sign up with you. Dreading the 6 a.m. wake up time? It’s easier to do it when you know you have someone meeting you next to your yoga mat. If you’re struggling to find motivation to even book the fitness class, it’s helpful to have friends join you in your commitment.
The point here is that having someone else (or multiple people) hold you accountable for your fitness regime is key if you tend to procrastinate or put off your workouts. It’s harder to say no when you know someone else’s time is involved. And, when it’s written down on your calendar and you have a specific time to get there, it helps you get into a routine. Your workout partners, and your health, are counting on you!
It’s time to get excited about going to the gym again. Our facilities at Bayswater Recreation offer an array of different classes for working out with other people, in a safe environment, no matter what your sweat style is. But, if you need more convincing, here are five great reasons to get in on our group fitness classes.
1. Healthy Competition
You’ll activate your competitive side. And not in a negative way! A healthy level of competition is great for encouraging you to push yourself and try new things. Psychologists have noted something called the Kohler Effect, which describes how people tend to work out harder when they’re in groups.
Usually, it’s due to a fear of being left behind or labelled as the weakest link…we’ve probably all felt that in our gym classes at school at some point or another in our lives. But when it comes to group fitness classes, healthy competition can keep you amped up and having fun.
2. Support Network
You’ll have a great support network. When you have friends around you cheering you on as you finish your last round of squats in boot camp, it gets a little easier to push through. That feeling of connection and support is key to completing those hard workouts; life’s more fun with friends around, anyway, and working out is no different!
There was a study published in 2016 in the journal Obesity that examined how overweight people tend to lose more weight if they spend time with their fit friends. The healthy actions of others can definitely influence the way we lead our lives, so surround yourself with people making good choices for their bodies and their minds.
3. Expert Instruction
You’ll get expert instruction on all the different moves that you’re tackling in each class. This is especially useful if you’re new to a certain type of workout, like strength training or yoga. With an instructor on hand to provide you guidance in all aspects of the movements, like how long to hold a pose or how many reps to complete, you’ll get a lot more out of your workout than if you’re just winging it on your own.
You’ll get a feeling for how long to stay in the warm-up, how hard to push it when the class is in full swing, and when to shift into your cool down. Our instructors at Bayswater Recreation are passionate about all aspects of fitness and love helping you realize your potential.
4. Variety
It’s easy to keep up a high level of interest and excitement in your workout routine
when you’re rotating the types of classes that you’re participating in. Kickboxing, boot camp, pilates, swim, yoga, Insanity…the list of options goes on and on. You won’t get bored! Or, if you prefer to pick a certain type of class and stick with it, you’re pretty much spoilt for choice.
Check out the list of classes at The Rise and you’ll find something just right for you and your crew, if they’re joining. Not to mention, changing up your routine keeps your body guessing which in turn can ramp up your metabolism. It’s a win-win.
5. Accountability
Remember, it’s easier to stick with a schedule when other people know the commitment you’ve made. Working out with others can improve your consistency and dedication to your goals, because people notice no-shows! Positive peer pressure can help curtail any urges you might feel to skip a class or simply quit.
While you should, of course, make the decisions that are right for you, it’s also good to have people encouraging you to keep it up. Show up and watch yourself move closer to your goals.
And like we mentioned before, there’s no denying that working out in a group can be just plain fun. You get to socialize and get your daily exercise all at the same time; not to mention, your endorphins will be elevated for the rest of the day. You might notice yourself smiling a little more when you start working out in a group; there’s a sense of conviviality that keeps you going.
Doing twenty burpees on your own is a challenge, but doing twenty burpees next to someone else who is also doing twenty burpees is camaraderie. You’ll find yourself with more energy, and you might even find yourself looking forward to the next class before you’re even done with the first one!
If you’re ready to add a little more pizazz to your life, help yourself stay motivated, and make some new friends, it might be time to join a group fitness class at the gym in Bayswater.