Group Fitness is on the Rise

Group fitness is on the rise!  Some of you may remember the Jane Fonda era where leotards and tights were the norm and group exercise classes were either aerobics or step classes. Fast forward to today and the term “group exercise” is much more exciting! Getting a group of individuals together and exercising is becoming commonplace, whether it be military styled bootcamps, FUNctional training, yoga, Pilates, aquatic fitness, stroller programmes – you name it - there will be a group of people exercising together in a

variety of settings. Get your fingers walking and search the internet to see what is running in your own backyard. In Parnell we are lucky enough to have the Auckland Domain, providing a superb base to get fit for summer whilst immersing yourself in its truly scenic beauty.

I cannot write enough about the significance and benefits of having a support group to assist in reaching your fitness goals. Usually when setting a goal it is necessary to round up support from your family and friends to help encourage you along the road to reaching it. The appeal of group exercise is that this support is inherent in the group setting! You only need to switch on the TV to see shows like “the biggest loser” to see the comradeship a group offers in facilitating your motivation to realise your own individual aspirations and surpass what you had previously perceived to be your limit. Research has also shown the tendency to stick to your new found exercise group is much stronger – perhaps partly because you become accountable on many levels to your group.
Now the cost - not a worry! Group training offers a cost effective way of getting the expertise of a trainer watching over you, correcting your form and giving you the advice that you will always get as part of a 1:1 session. Note that not all group exercise sessions are the same – make sure you research the class you are thinking about joining to be sure that your fitness needs will be met. There are more and more “bootcamps” and classes popping up around Auckland. There are some classes which have a “one size fits all” approach and others that cater for a variety of fitness and skill levels. Do your homework as you want to be able to have trainers that can cater to all participants.
FUN! Yes, exercise can be fun and many group exercise classes can have this added element. I recently enjoyed my first attempt at “laughter yoga”. These classes are a growing phenomenon over in the states. Why? Laughter is the best medicine! And of course, humans were designed to laugh. Combining laughter and group training opens your lungs and body to a greater amount of oxygen, deep-clears your breathing passages and exercises your lungs. When we laugh, our bodies release a concoction of hormones and chemicals that have startling positive effects on our system. Stress is reduced, blood pressure drops, depression is lifted, your immune system is boosted and more.
Just a few generations ago happy healthy humans spent 20 minutes a day or more in a state of laughter. Now the adult daily “laugh-time” is down to 5 minutes or less in many countries. This is one of the most unfortunate consequences of 'modern life'.
Have I convinced you? Open your eyes and body to a world of possibilities and see what group exercise options are available around the local area. You will be surprised what is on offer.
© 2008 Karina Balle