It can be a frustrating experience. You know you should exercise more, so you try a routine at home. Like many people, you may have trouble sticking to it. Gradually your 30 minutes a day turns to 15 turns to 10 turns to watching TV. Instead of going it alone, consider joining a group fitness class. These classes help you get the physical workout that you need but also provide additional benefits.
Physical Benefits
Regular exercise offers a myriad of benefits. You tone muscle, improve flexibility, and burn calories. Exercise is vital to managing blood pressure and maintaining a healthy heart. Fit people are less likely to suffer from diseases such as diabetes. The list goes on and on. It’s worth joining a program to improve your physical condition, but doing so also brings social benefits.
Social Benefits
If you have moved to a new community or simply want to socialize more, joining a fitness class can help. You will meet like-minded people with some of the same goals. Social interaction is a key to maintaining your mental health. Plus, connecting with others can make you happy.
Group fitness classes can work to keep you motivated. The other members of the group want you to succeed. You can also encourage them, making it easier for everyone to improve and meet their goals A little friendly peer pressure can be beneficial.
Regular exercise will increase your energy level, which you can then invest in your relationships. Chances are you will be sedentary if you come home from work tired and dragging. Getting fit with a group gives you more energy so that you feel like interacting with others. It’s a happy and healthy circle.
Mental Benefit
Your GP, psychologist, and podiatrist will all tell you to get moving to improve your physical and mental health. Exercise produces endorphins that raise your mood and decrease your stress and anxiety. Depression and stress affect your memory, so exercise can improve your ability to remember things.
Medical professionals of all types have long recognized the mental health benefits of exercise. Brain health and body health are completely entwined, so if one is lacking, you will not be at your best. Socializing is an important component of mental health. Exercise links all of these factors. If you want a good quality of life, you need to exercise.
Get Up and Join
The hardest part is committing to a fitness class. You need to find one that works with your schedule and your goals. Some classes are more advanced than others. You may be interested in upping your cardio activity or prefer to work on flexibility. Pilates, yoga, circuit training, cycling, etc.: You have so many choices. Do some research to find a well-reviewed group in your vicinity. See if you can try a class before you commit.
You will find a class that meets your needs. Even small towns usually have multiple class options. You’ll be surprised at how much better you will feel emotionally and physically when you join a group fitness class.
