Get a workout partner (or three) and watch your fitness levels soar!
You are ready to reach your fitness goals but exercising can sometimes seem very daunting, especially when the going gets tough and it’s just you and the same ol’ treadmill.
Maybe this time, all you need is to surround yourself with fitness-minded people. You’ll be surprised at how contagious the positivity can be.
Research shows that healthy actions of those we interact with are most likely to rub off on us. A study published in the Santa Clara University’s Journal of Social Sciences found that participants tended to gravitate towards the exercise behaviour of those around them.
We spoke to a few experts on the subject and learned that when it comes to workouts, teamwork is most certainly at the heart of achievement.
Here are some of the reasons why you should team up asap:
1. Accountability
Some gyms require participants to sign up before they can attend specific classes, which is a great way to stay accountable for your workouts. If you’re signed up and it’s on your schedule, there’s a high chance of you not skipping any days.
There’s also accountability among classmates because everyone is constantly encouraging each other to keep it up throughout the workouts.
“You get to meet fitness pals and an instructor who will hold you accountable. If you go missing for a few days, you know these people will notice and worry about you. This pushes you to show up every day,” says Juanita Khumalo, a fitness and wellness content creator. She is also the founder of Trove Wellness, which focuses on a holistic approach to wellness and health.
2. It’s fun
There’s no other way to put it: group fitness classes are fun.
The upbeat music, a great workout, and a group of people motivating each other along the way, combine for an epic way to exercise.
Nkateko “Takkies” Dinwiddy, of Rockingnheels, knows this all too well.
“I always get comments from the ladies I work with, saying that it actually feels more like a day-out than a workout. The music and laughter surrounding our dance sessions make it worthwhile and keep them coming back for more. The classes have become more like a second home,” Dinwiddy says.
Lucas Mthenjane, a Strong by Zumba™ master trainer of more than two decades, agrees.
He says, “Group workouts are fun and bring in a great sense of friendship, community and belonging, especially when music is involved. For example, in Zumba and aerobics classes, it’s easy to forget you’re at the gym.”
3. External motivation
“When someone wants to take five because they feel like something is too hard or they’re too tired, the group always reaches out to them to keep going. This makes group sessions a safe space to fail and try again. It also serves as a confidence boost, knowing that the people around you have your back,” Dinwiddy reckons.
Taking part in a group session can motivate you, especially if you find it hard to commit.
“You can do this” and other accolades from teammates can help keep your energy levels high and encourage you to do better.
A study found that 95 percent of those who started a weight loss programme with friends completed it.
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4. Capitalise on endorphins
A study conducted at the Turku PET Centre at the University of Turku in Finland found out that people who exercised in a group showed a drastic improvement in their mood and stress levels post workout, compared to those who trained in pairs or individually.
It is well known that working out helps release endorphins (feel-good hormones). Another way of achieving this is through smiling, which has also been shown to up endorphin levels. Therefore, when you’re working out with a great bunch of people, that kind of companionship can really make you feel great.
An added benefit of this mood boost is that when you’re pushing yourself hard and struggling through more difficult parts of your workout, you will feel more energised and be able to complete your exercises.
5. Socialise and create fitness networks
Group exercises are a fantastic opportunity for people to meet like-minded people.
“It’s much more daunting to embark on a fitness journey all by yourself, and this can really be demotivating,” Khumalo says.
Mthenjane agrees, and says it’s very rewarding to see results and celebrate with people who have been there from the beginning of your fitness journey, as part of your support system.
“It’s also a great way to make friends and acquaintances who’ll draw you closer to your goals one workout at a time,” Dinwiddy concludes.
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Group workouts that burn calories fast
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Due to its intense nature, it burns calories in a short space of time and is ideal for those looking to lose weight and gain muscle.
Arial yoga
Experts believe that being suspended mid-air could have the additional benefit of helping your brain release even more serotonin, a feel-good hormone that will leave you feeling peaceful and euphoric.
Zumba
It engages almost every muscle group in the body, helping you achieve a toned body in no time.
Kickboxing
Carrying out powerful kicks requires the use of a few core muscle groups. This, in turn, will leave your body feeling totally worked out.
Bootcamp
High-intensity cardio activities are known to burn fat faster, and therefore deserve to be right up there on your list of besties.
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