What Are the Benefits of Group Exercise?

It can be challenging to sustain solo workouts when your motivation wanes or things start to feel repetitive. When it comes to exercise, your body and mind thrive on variety, which is why FS8 heroes a hybrid 3-in1 workout concept that keeps fitness fresh in a high-energy group setting. From diversified workouts to social engagement and shared accountability, there are plenty of advantages of group training that can help you maintain a consistent fitness regime. Continue reading as FS8 experts guide you through five key benefits of group classes. 

5 advantages of group exercise 

Sticking to a regular workout schedule can be difficult at the best of times, so we’re always looking for ways to make exercise fun, engaging and sustainable long-term. Our solution is to immerse yourself in group fitness classes. Some of the top benefits of exercising in a group include: 

• You get to experience a diverse range of workouts that keep you coming back. 

• Group classes set the tone for a fun workout experience that feels welcoming. 

• Workouts are guides by expert trainers so you can safely learn and perfect exercises. 

• A group setting helps boost your performance. 

• Fellow members help you stay motivated to work out. 

Follow along as we unpack these group fitness benefits so you can improve your overall health and wellbeing. 

1. A variety of engaging workouts 

One of the most common barriers to maintaining regular physical activity is boredom. Many people start strong, but once their body adapts to easily repeatable training, the lack of variety sees them plateau.1 One of the major benefits of group fitness classes is that you get to experience diverse workouts each time you join a class. Combining pilates, tone and yoga, FS8 is built on this principle of variety. This way, you can keep challenging your body with novel movements that engage different muscle groups, increase strength and improve flexibility.  

2. A fun atmosphere and welcoming community 

Another key benefit of working out in a group is the way classes are set up. Rather than expecting you to create your own exercise regimen from scratch, group sessions are designed to be fun and engaging. Beyond how good your body feels after a group training class, it’s the camaraderie of shared fitness goals that keeps you coming back time and time again. Exercising with others is proven to be more fun that a standard solo workout,2 which usually makes time go much faster. This means you can kick your fitness goals without exercise feeling like a chore. 

3. Trained instructors and a safe workout space

Whether you’re an experienced fitness guru or just starting out on a new health journey, gym-related injuries can happen when you least expect them. While exercise of any kind poses a risk of injury, this is exacerbated during solo workouts.3 When you’re doing a solo gym session, it’s a lot easier to have a lapse in concentration or continue pushing through bad form which can lead to injuries. One of the core advantages of group training is that classes are run by certified, experienced instructors who can modify movements to meet individual needs, abilities and desired intensities. This way, you can continue to level up your workouts and prevent injury. 

4. Opportunities to boost your performance 

By engaging in group classes at the gym vs working out at home, you open yourself up new experiences and a broader understanding of how to make your body perform at its optimal level. With an expert trainer guiding you through the class, you will quickly pick up lots of valuable information and grow your fitness knowledge over time.  

Of course, the benefits of exercising in a group extend beyond qualified trainers and socialisation; friendly competition and shared fitness goals can actually enhance your performance. Most of us can admit that we have a competitive streak, and this can be positively harnessed in a group fitness setting. Self-motivation can be challenging, but when you’re exercising with people more advanced than you, this acts as an external motivator to push yourself outside of your usual capabilities.4 In a similar vein to exercise variety, your fitness can only improve when your workouts get progressively harder or more frequent as the body adapts.5

5. Likeminded people to keep you accountable

Almost everyone has given up on an exercise regimen at one time or another. In many cases, the common denominator is that they exercised solo. But the advantages of group exercise are in the people. Instead of relying on just yourself to spend a pocket of free time exercising, with a group class you can build a network of likeminded individuals who you can rely on when things get hard. Shared fitness experiences can amplify your investment and participation in physical activity,6 so when life gets in the way, you can continue to support and encourage one another. Simply knowing that you won’t be alone in your workout makes a real difference in sustaining momentum for your exercise routine. 

Finding your ideal group fitness class  

At FS8, we are focused on the transformative power of strength – both physical and mental. Our trainers demonstrate how high-intensity, low-impact cardio combines a range of aerobic movement for all-round wellness, total body conditioning and energy building. To take advantage of group fitness class benefits, we’ve compiled a guide to FS8 workouts: 

• FS8 OG: our original full-body workout combines reformer pilates, resistance-based strength training and yoga to help increase your strength over time. 

• FS8 Blast: this workout is the perfect blend of strength and cardio training for full body toning and improved cardiovascular endurance.

• FS8 Remix: this high-energy, fast-paced class is a full-body conditioning workout that balances traditional reformer exercises with mat work and strength training.

• FS8 Restore: this gentle workout helps to strength and lengthen muscle with a mix of static yoga poses and dynamic movements, perfect for active recovery between more intense group classes. 

What to expect from your first group fitness class 

There’s no shame in being anxious about starting a new exercise regimen – everyone feels the same way! By joining a supportive community like FS8 you’ll be welcomed with open arms and guided by experienced trainers every step of the way. Knowing what to expect before your first class can help you overcome anxiety at the gym, so we’ve included a few tips to get you started: 

• Wear form-fitting clothing so it doesn’t obstruct your movements. Going barefoot is usually preferable but you can also wear grip socks. 

• Remember to be patient when learning new movements – progress takes time! 

• Results don’t happen overnight, so just focus on enjoying your new workout routine in the meantime. 

• FS8 trainers are there to guide you and assist with exercise modifications to suit your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! 

• Your muscles are probably going to be sore, so warmups and cool downs help minimise discomfort. 

Ready to see the benefits for yourself? Find your nearest FS8 studio today. 

Now that we’ve unveiled the advantages of group training, discover the finer points on the benefits of exercise for mental health and stress levels.