By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
If your exercise routine has become a “drag” and you find yourself doing the same thing every day, try something new like group fitness! Research has found that increasing the variety of your exercise can not only lead to more exercise, but you will likely have a more enjoyable experience as well.
Engaging in a variety of exercise modalities or different types of group fitness will also help strengthen different muscle groups in your body, leaving you with more well-rounded fitness experience. Group fitness is also a great way to challenge yourself because you might be a little more motivated to try harder when you have peers in the class with you.
In my experience, most people avoid new modes of exercise, like group fitness, for a couple of reasons. First, they are afraid of the unknown and they are unsure of their own abilities to be successful at a new type of exercise. While I completely understand this “phobia,” you should know that most group fitness instructors teach you how to modify an exercise so you can be successful and gradually improve your strength and endurance. Second, they are concerned about what other people may think about them in the class. This is a common misconception, however, most people in an exercise class are typically quite welcoming.
What are different types of group fitness and how would I go about joining a class?
Most exercise facilities have a wide range of group fitness classes for a wide range of abilities and training goals. Joining a class is easy, simply call your exercise facility and ask what group fitness classes they offer and if there are any open spots.
The following is a list of a few unique forms of group fitness:
Dance Classes – Whether the dances are upbeat, cultural, or classical in nature, dance classes are a great way to exercise, laugh, and have fun!
Tai Chi – Slow movements and gradual body transitions encountered in a Tai Chi class will work your muscles and leave you feeling a little less stressed out.
Yoga – Similar to Tai Chi, only yoga will require you to use more upper body strength as you slowly work your abdominal muscles and transition from one body position to the next allowing stress to leave your body.
Ballet – This form of exercise will emphasize balance and flexibility as you work to gracefully move to work your lower body, core, and arms.
Boot Camps – These standard group fitness classes vary from instructor to instructor but, are a great way to strengthen your total body from head to toe. Boot camps often sound more intimidating than they are!
*For more examples of other variations/exercises look under Multimedia-VDF Exercise Tips
**Try this Simple easy yoga
***Consult with a physician and/or medical healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen
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Article’s Resources
Juvancic-Heltzel JA, Glickman EL, Barkley JE. The effect of variety on physical activity: a cross-sectional study. 2013 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 27(1): 244-251.