Strength in Numbers: The Benefits of Group Fitness

When it comes to working out, I am no example to follow. I seem to enjoy sleeping in and sipping my morning coffee a little too much. Some may call me lazy, but I like to say I enjoy the finer things :). I know I can't live a healthy life without exercise, so I decided I needed to take a different approach. For me, that's through group exercise.

I recently found the most amazing deal on Living Social for $20 for 20+ classes at Diva Den Studio, a women's only boutique fitness studio that offers classes ranging from Zumba to yoga and even pole work. At first it was the amazing discount that caught my eye, but my love for dance and recent complaints about not having it in my life made it seem like a match made in heaven.

After my first class, I came to the realization that there is strength in numbers. Working out solo was not nearly as effective as working out with my peers. And below are my reasons why.

1. Diva Den Studio's sign up structure and cancellation policy forces me to make a bigger commitment to my classes, as apposed to hitting the snooze button and putting it off til tomorrow. 
2. You're more likely to push yourself. When you're working out solo, you may be more inclined to end early only when you start to feel tired. Taking a group class will force you to push yourself past tired, because who walks out (quits) in the middle of a class?
3. It's more motivating and empowering. The instructors and other women in the class are energetic and make you want to bust your buns by cheering you on and letting you know when you're killing it on the dance floor. 
4. It's more fun! After my first class I was so excited about how much fun I had had and how good I felt afterward that I immediately went home and signed up for classes for the rest of the week. 

Because I just started my new workout plan, I have yet to SEE results, but I can already feel them. I have taken a complete turn around with my action and view on exercise, all with my realization of what work out plan works for ME. Working out along side other women of all shapes and ages makes you realize that you're not in this fight alone, that they too found this to be the best way for them to get exercise and have fun doing it!

Group exercise may not be everyone's thing, but if you don't jump for joy on the thought of your morning run, or know the best weight lifting techniques, then it is definitely worth a shot! There are always Living Social and Groupon deals out there for different types of workout facilities and exercise programs in your city, so look around and see what fits your budget and excites you! 

Feel free to share your own tips and tricks on how to get motivated to live an active lifestyle.