Fitmum: Why I Love Classes

October 5, 2016 by Dannielle Emery

Why I Love Classes

I love fitness classes. I am a PT and train clients one on one, especially post natal mums, but I have to admit I enjoy classes more. I enjoy attending classes and teaching them. There’s an energy and atmosphere you just don’t get on the gym floor and despite what people think, there are fitness classes out there that are fun and get you results without feeling like your instructor is a drill sargent.

When people first join a gym, they're often unsure what they should do once they step inside the building. Some struggle to determine which exercises to do, others simply don't know how to do them.

Whether you're a beginner at the gym or you just don't have much fitness knowledge, group fitness classes may be your solution. Joining a class can help build a foundation and structure that you can use to fuel your personal health journey for years to come.

But it’s not just gyms. There are great instructors and classes in the local community teaching in schools or church halls where you can go on a PAYG basis.

You can check out my full timetable at www.bookwhen.com/rewardfitness

Here are 6 Benefits Of Group Exercise

1. Motivation
It's inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by dedicated, like-minded individuals. It doesn't get much more empowering than a class with an encouraging instructor and supportive people all working hard together. Group fitness is a great way to help motivate yourself and others to dig deeper and push harder in workouts.

2. Structure
Group fitness is a great way to get a workout in without having to think or plan. Each class is structured with a warm-up, a balanced workout and a cool-down.
The warm-up is designed to help you properly raise your heart rate while loosening your joints and muscles before jumping into strenuous activity. The instructor will coach you through each segment of the workout. The cool-down will help you safely lower your heart rate and stretch all the major muscles worked during class.

3. Proper Form
It's the instructor's job to not only show proper form, but to also make sure that everyone in the class is executing each exercise the right way. Not only is proper form important for your muscles to reap the most out of every exercise, but it also helps eliminate potential injuries

4. Variety
Cardio kickboxing, bootcamp, spin, Pilates, Insanity--the list goes on. There are several types of group classes offered by gyms and instructors in the community.
Having a variety of classes in your weekly workout routine is a great way to create muscle confusion, which keeps your body guessing and ramps up your metabolism. It also helps prevent boredom.

5. Accountability
Some gyms require members to sign up in advance for specific classes. This is a great way to keep yourself accountable for your workouts. If you're signed up and it's on your schedule, there's a good chance you won't skip it. If your gym doesn't require you to sign up, find a few classes that you want to take and invite a friend or pencil it in on your calendar.

6. Fun
There's really no other way to put it: Group fitness classes are fun. Between the upbeat music, a great workout and a group of people motivating each other along the way, it's an enjoyable way to exercise. If you're looking to add a little more pizazz and fun in your fitness life, group classes may be just what you need.

Dannielle Emery #fitmumleigh
www.rewardfitness.co.uk