Did you know that small group exercise classes are one of the most effective ways to get fit, lose weight, build a better body and sustain a healthy lifestyle?
There are many benefits of group exercise:
1) You get a qualified fitness expert at your disposal
Possibly the best thing about small group exercise is the very fact it is led by a professional!
2) You can get more bang for your money
What do I mean by this? Well, we think attending a small group exercise class may make you work harder. Studies show that the combination of an instructor shouting (we mean gently encouraging you not screaming in your face) from the front and peoples natural competitiveness, means that small group exercise attendees push harder when working out in a class than if doing so alone. It’s a lot harder to skip those last few reps or go slow when others are there doing the same workout.
3) There is a lower risk of injury
With a trained instructor watching over a small group exercise class, they can correct poor technique – this is especially beneficial in classes where you lift weights or perform very specific postures.
4) It’s super easy
Because someone else is responsible for planning the workout, you don’t have to think about a thing – simply turn up, follow the instructions and leave. Workout done!
5) There’s friendships between participants
Regular attendance at classes allows people to build up friendships with fellow class attendees – they can become like a tribe, and it is great to enjoy the experience with like minded people.
This is not only a nice support network but great for keeping you on the straight and narrow – because just at that time when you’re thinking about cancelling you think A) I don’t want to let them down, and B) I don’t want them to know I’ve cancelled!
6) It adds huge variety to your workout
When left to your own devices in the gym or at home you can find yourself doing the same thing over and over. With classes you can try a variety of different workouts, meaning that one day you could be boxing, attending a kick boxercise class, a bootcamp the next, followed by circuits!
The choice is unlimited and at Spike Fitness, we offer a variety of classes on various days and at various times meaning we have something for everyone!
You can target specific parts of the body or go for full-body workouts and we offer classes for every age, from 0-100 and everyone in between.
There really is a class out there to achieve every possible goal and for everyone!
7) It’s great for everyone – whatever their fitness level
Firstly, small group exercise classes are put on for different levels –
so take indoor cycling as an example, there will be classes on the timetable set for beginners or advance, they will vary in duration and intensity, so that you can pick one to suit – and this is the case with many different types of classes.
Plus, pretty much every class can be adapted for different abilities. Instructors will know who is new in a class or who is more advanced and will demonstrated different moves for everyone, and at the end of the day you are always totally in control of your own workout, so simply stick to what is within your ability, taking the opportunity to challenge yourself and improve class by class.
8) You get a higher endorphin output
The entire experience of a small group exercise class can lead to higher endorphin release than with other exercise. Endorphins are those feel-good hormones and the combined effect of the music, the instructor leading you through a routine, the effort you put in and the fact you are in a group of people doing exercise, helps your body to release more! It’s why you come out of a class really buzzing. Try it if you don’t believe us – it feels great!
9) You don’t have to know what you are doing
Small group exercise classes are design by professionals to get results, so it really doesn’t matter if you don’t know your gluteus maximus from your tricep, or which exercises are best for burning fat or building muscles, simply speak to Team SF, tell us your goals and we can tell you which classes will help you achieve them – then you just rock up and follow the instructor at the front. Easy right?
10) There are hidden incentives to make you go
By booking or paying in advance you have extra reason to attend. Our classes require you to book in advance due to demand – this is a good practice to get in to anyway, as the fact you are booked can help make you go even when you are feeling like quitting. Also paying for a class in advance can also help keep you on the straight and narrow, as not going makes you feel like you are wasting money.
11) It’s fun
This probably should have been number one in the list! Working out alone at home or in the gym can sometimes feel like a drag, but a small group exercise class is always fun and full of laughter, don’t get me wrong there will be a lot of sweat and a lot of hard work but we will make sure we will have a lot of laughs along the way!
How can it not be? You are listening to great music in a group of people while releasing feel good endorphins – I think of it like a little mini party – OK there may not be cake or alcohol, but you will be burning calories almost without realising it while enjoying yourself.