I'll See You In Class

No, not English class.
I'm talking about a get your motor runnin', heart thumpin', muscle stretchin' group exercise class – kickboxing, yoga, spinning, pilates, zumba, or whatever suits your fancy!
Sometimes it's just simply more fun and invigorating to be in a workout situation when there is a group of individuals all striving toward the same goal – to finish the class! In talking with some women about group classes, one apprehension is that they feel as though they are being watched by their "classmates." The truth of the matter is, however, that when the class is in session everyone in the room is more likely conce ed about themselves and their own progress than anyone else!
If you're not convinced yet, check out some of the benefits of group exercise below:

• Excuse me, Teacher. The instructor can help you work on the proper form for the particular exercises that you're engaging in. It's their job – you don't have to feel bad about asking…they want to help you!
• I think I can, I think I can. Like I was getting at earlier, a certain degree of motivation comes with exercising in a group setting. Pushing yourself to keep up with the class can help you in setting goals for yourself. Don't get caught up in comparing yourself to others – just try to push yourself to be the best version of you! Be proud of the progress that YOU make.
• Play nice with others. Interacting with the other individuals in the class can be a great way to make friends, particularly if you're new to the gym or even new to the area.
• Let me pencil that in…Attending a class that is scheduled at the same time every week may make it easier for you to carve time out of your schedule. Some people work best with routine!

TIP: Try a group class out this week! It might be just what your exercise life needs!
"Working out in a group provides support, accountability, and structure," says Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation Officer of the National YMCA. "People don't want to let their buddy or group down, which is terrific in terms of adherence to an exercise routine."
Exercising with a partner or group is more likely to keep you on track. A group usually encourages you to involve family members, friends, and sometimes even pets - yes, dogs need exercise too.
More benefits: You're more likely to complete a balanced exercise routine and get a potentially tougher workout. In a class, the instructor can evaluate individuals as well as the group and call on them to 'pick up the pace a little. "A class can help you move past a plateau — if you want to push yourself a little bit and improve." says Lynne Vaughn.
And Vaughan notes that working out in a group can be flat-out fun. "Groups, especially when they include children, give a sense of play to exercise." In particular, you may want to seek out an organized team for a sport you played as a kid, like softball or soccer.
Another great group exercise - and especially good for you and your kids, is karate, as it not only involves physical workout exercise but has the added benefit of teaching you valuable self defense and mental preparedness skills.
Related is Tae-Bo®. which is a high-impact exercise class that combines elements of Tae-Kwan-Do with aerobics and boxing. Tae-Bo classes are comprised of punching and kicking movements that work both the upper and lower portions of your body.

The Challenges
"There are some downsides to working out in a group, however," says Jeff Halevy, a New York City-based National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified fitness trainer. "If a group is too big, it can make you feel anonymous", he notes. "You may not get the direction you need to learn proper form for exercises like push-ups or squats, and that can result in an injury. And if you're in the back of a big class, it can be easy to slack off."

Source: "The Benefits of Group Exercise", Connect Fitness via PRLOG.