Working in a pack has its advantages

There are times when you’re just too exhausted to hold that plank or nail that last set of squats, but when your training partners push you harder, you somehow find the motivation to do it. Research shows that the healthy actions of others affect us. A study published in the Journal of Social Sciences found that participants gravitate to the exercise behaviors of those around them. Another study published in the International Journal of 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” . ”

“GROUP WORKOUTS ENCOURAGE MORE SOCIAL INTERACTION”

After a long period of lockdown restrictions, the appetite for live group fitness experiences is skyrocketing. “Now that restrictions have eased, people are craving in-person workouts with instructors and a sense of community. Group training is a great way to interact with like-minded people “says yoga expert Abhishek Otwal. One of the best reasons to exercise in a group is that individuals of different ages and abilities can connect and support each other. “Group workouts drive a sense of responsibility, are more fun, you can form new friendships and collectively achieve goals. You end up training regularly because you don’t want to disappoint your partner. If you feel unmotivated or lazy on a certain day, your partner can help get you back on track,” Singh adds.

‘GROUP FITNESS CLASSES SEE 120% OCCUPANCY’
While HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and yoga can be popular group workouts, hula hoop, spin bike, Zumba, belly dancing, and kickboxing are also growing in popularity. Group fitness classes are busier than ever, some at 120% of pre-COVID levels. “Team sports and team training allow you to learn to work as a team and to collectively achieve a common goal. While some people, especially athletes, need individual training and prefer to train alone; those for whom fitness is more of a lifestyle or a way to stay healthy, prefer to train in groups. Group classes are the most preferred mode of training in gyms and online platforms,” says Rhea Singh Anand, co-founder of a fitness equipment brand.

BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY WORKOUT

Increased commitment to a fitness routine

More opportunities to meet like-minded people from different backgrounds

You are likely to push yourself harder

With trained professionals or friends watching, the risk of injury is lower

Group settings can lead to positive competitiveness

It can boost your mood and lead to the release of endorphins

You are likely to get creative with your workouts and try new and different exercises.

— Gaurav Pawar, founder of a fitness-based startup