The Benefits of Group Fitness Classes

Top: Scoop Sports Bra | Bottoms: 3/4 Leggings | Watch: Rose Gold Apple Watch

The old saying, “there’s strength in numbers,” proves to be true when considering the benefits of group fitness classes. For example: yoga is my thing, but when I set out to do it on my own, I often find myself easily distracted or unable to push myself to my fullest potential – I become confined by the limits my mind has set on my body and quick to make excuses about why I am “just not feeling it today”. Aside from that, I miss the sense of comradery and encouragement gained from a community of people working towards a common goal of self wellness. Group fitness is so therapeutic for the mind, body, and soul!

You are totally going to laugh out loud when I use this… but one of my favorite films comes to mind when I think about the positivity, or “happy endorphins,” gained from group fitness classes. In the movie “Legally Blonde, the main character Elle Woods defends her client—a famous group fitness instructor, on trial for murdering her husband—cheerfully explaining, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands. They just don’t.” Now this is a silly analogy, but the point is, it’s scientifically proven that people who work out in group settings are not only healthier, but also happier. These benefits include social opportunities, motivation boosts, accountability support, mental + physical benefits, and so much more.

A study in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association explains that “mustering up the courage to try a group fitness class may actually help alleviate work-related stress and improve overall quality of life.” Brit+Co. Have you gotten so caught up in the grind of work that you have completely ditched aside your own self wellness? I challenge you to get out there, try a group fitness class in your area. It has been a complete game changer for me. Additional research shows that the healthy actions of others rub off on us. An article published in the Journal of Social Sciences states that “participants gravitate towards the exercise behaviors of those around them.” And a 2016 study published in the journal Obesity found that “overweight people tend to lose more weight if they spend time with their fit friends—the more time they spend together, the more weight they lose,” NBC News. That is such a profound statement to me because it is so accurate in my own life. The more I surround myself with like minded friends who are passionate about their overall health and wellness, the more I want try new workouts, go to more of the workouts I love, and even learn about + apply the best ways to fuel my body.

So now you are probably wondering how to get involved in the fitness community? In this day and age, there are so many ways. You can start by going to a local fitness studio or bootcamp that interests you and ask about their class packages and memberships. If you are in the Dallas area, feel free to DM me on Instagram or send an email about studio reviews—I have tried a lot of them! Another great option, that offers a mix of workout classes at a reasonable monthly membership fee, is subscribing to a multi-studio membership service: i.e. Class Pass or Studio Hop.

Thanks @ovdallas for providing us with this awesome yoga swag. You can shop my bra and leggings + other styles on LIKEtoKNOW.it—simply download the app, create an account, and follow my influencer profile. 🙂 I wish you the very best in your health and wellness journey. And remember, “It’s not about the weight you lose, it’s the life you gain.”

Photo Credit: Rachel Heacox Films (featuring @paigeforrest + @thesportsbrat)

XO,

Kristen Faith