Most men are trapped in the mindset that the solo gym routine is the way to go. However, group fitness classes for men have some great benefits and are worth considering. Group exercise classes for men add that extra bit of fun and energy, plus help you get fitter.
Benefits of Group Workouts for Men
As mentioned, group exercise classes for men have some great benefits. Best of all, there is a class to suit every fitness level, so whether you are a beginner looking for support or a seasoned gym goer who needs some motivation, group classes can give you everything you need. Here are some benefits of joining group exercise classes for men.
- Motivation—If you’re not feeling motivated and lack discipline, group exercise classes for men can give you the boost you need. Your classmates and your instructor will push you to work out and work hard.
- Learn Proper Form—Figuring out the proper form for various exercises can be challenging on your own, but in group exercise classes for men, having an instructor can help improve your overall form, which in turn will improve your results.
- Add Variety and Fun—Doing the same workout each week can become dull, resulting in a lack of motivation. However, group exercise classes for men can change all that, as there are plenty of different classes to choose from, whether you want to try Pilates, yoga, or CrossFit.
- Get Social—Group exercise classes for men are a great way to meet like-minded individuals and make exercising a more social experience.
- Improved Overall Fitness—Incorporating various exercises like cardio, strength training, and flexibility will result in improved overall fitness. Also, the intensity of these classes may surprise you, as they are designed to push your body and give you that intensity boost you may need.
6. Sweat More, Stress Less—Exercise is a proven stress reliever, and with the added social interaction, those feel-good endorphins are amplified.
Best Group Exercise Classes for Men of all Fitness Levels
There are a variety of group fitness classes to choose from, and they all vary in intensity and training. You can find predesigned workouts from Pilates to strength training in a group setting with Les Mills and Air Locker. If you are not sure where to start, though, these are some great group exercise classes for men:
- Yoga and Pilates are a great starting point to help build strength and flexibility.
- Cycling classes are a fun, low-impact way to improve cardiovascular fitness, and there are various levels to suit everyone.
- HIIT, or High-Intensity Interval Training, offers short bursts of intense training with short recovery periods. Doing these in a class setting will keep you motivated and push your limits.
- Bootcamp is a challenging mix of cardio, agility drills and strength training.
- CrossFit is a high-intensity program that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and more.
- Strong Pilates is an amazing workout session that combines rowing or riding with Pilates inspired movements. These 45 minute classes combine cardio HIIT training with strength Pilates and resistance training.
- Air Locker training is done in a reduced oxygen room to push your body to enhance the ways it uses oxygen to produce energy, which results in an increase efficiency and fitness while assisting in weight loss, strength building and toning and increasing energy levels.
- Les Mills is aimed at building strength, power and Athleticism by mixing multi-joint movements and exercises aimed at increasing muscle tone, build athletic strength and push you to be fitter.
- Dance Fitness, like Zumba, is offered on different levels and is a high-energy, fun exercise that improves conditioning and balance.
Cardio vs. Strength: Choosing the Right Group Class for Men
There is sometimes a choice between cardio and strength when it comes to group exercise classes for men. Both have benefits; the best option depends on your fitness goals.
Cardio classes like cycling, HIIT, dance classes, and boot camps focus on elevating your heart rate and improving cardiovascular fitness. A cardio workout can improve your heart health, increase your stamina and endurance, and boost your metabolism. These classes are perfect for those who want to improve their overall fitness, lose weight, and enjoy high-energy workouts.
On the other hand, strength training classes, like CrossFit, are designed to build muscle mass and strength. The benefits are improved bone density, muscle mass and strength, and an enhanced metabolism. These group exercise classes are ideal for those who want to increase their strength and power and seek a challenging workout.
Often, though, group exercise classes for men combine both of these, offering a well-rounded workout.
However, when choosing, you need to decide what you want to achieve from a class and your current fitness level. It is a good idea to try a few different classes to find what you enjoy the most.
Social and Mental Health Benefits of Group Exercise for Men
Exercise, in general, has been proven to improve mental health, but group classes give an extra boost as they add to the social aspect. These classes combine a range of workouts and exercises and participating not only boosts physical fitness but also gives you a chance to create social connections. Exercising with others who share the same interests and goals can make your fitness journey more enjoyable and foster connections.
Exercise is a natural endorphin high, which boosts moods and fights stress, depression and anxiety. In a group setting, this is further increased and helps to elevate the feelings of loneliness.
How Group Exercise Boosts Motivation and Accountability for Men
One of the biggest challenges when exercising solo is staying motivated and actually doing the work. It can be easy to find excuses not to go to the gym or exercise when it is just you. Group classes, on the other hand, provide that much-needed motivation. It is harder to skip a group class when others, like friends, family, or even the instructor, are expecting you to be there.
This goes hand in hand with accountability, as other participants will hold you accountable. If you skip a class, you are letting down your new classmates. Having this sense of responsibility can help you stay committed to your fitness routine.
In group exercise classes for men, there is certainly the edge of competition. A little healthy competition can go a long way to keeping you motivated. Seeing others push themselves can help you to do the same, and you may just reach new performance levels. Also, fellow participants and the instructor can provide the support you need to stay positive and motivated and to keep coming back to achieve your goals.
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