Sunderland Echo

Eight benefits of group exercise that take you to the next level of fitness

- with fitness trainer Graham Low

At East Coast Fitness, we’re re-starting our outdoor boot camp on Monday, March 29 – and we’re getting ready for a busy summer!

I predict that outdoor group exercise is going to be one of the most popular ways to “get a sweat on” going into the summer of 2021.

The warmer weather, fresh air, and human interactio­n with other like-minded people make outdoor group exercise the perfect way to keep fit post lockdown.

If you’re still not convinced here’s eight more benefits of outdoor group exercise:

Community: If the Covid-19 lockdowns have taught us anything, it’s how important human interactio­n really is. Human beings are social creatures. The majority of us love to be around other people. We love to socialise, laugh, joke and have fun. I feel this is one of the greatest benefits of a group workout setting.

At East Coast Fitness we have a lovely fitness community. Many people start their fitness journey on their own, but along the way become friends with other like-minded members. We really enjoy one another's company. It's truly one of the best ways to meet people like you and develop a common bond while getting into the best shape possible.

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.

Programmin­g: A good group exercise class will consist of a warm-up, a balanced workout and a cool-down to safely and efficientl­y help you achieve your goals. It will also offer a big variety of exercises to stop boredom setting in.

Reduce Risk Of Injury: 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 get the most out of every exercise, but it also helps reduce the risk of injuries.

Vitamin D: When training outdoors, you can also enjoy the benefits of sunshine. The vitamin D helps lift your spirits. The fresh outdoor air and natural light invigorate­s the mind. Sunlight also enhances energy generation in the muscles and oxidation of the tissues.

Variety: Every group fitness class offers something different, so it keeps your training exciting. It stops boredom setting in, which is very common for people who workout on their own at the gym.

Accountabi­lity: Having a set time for a workout holds you more accountabl­e. If you know the class is 6:30-7:15pm you’ll be there on time so you don’t miss it. However, if you workout on your own without a set time, it’s really easy to make excuses and keep putting off.

Support: Both your trainer and other members will support you throughout the workouts. This support group can be just what you need to power through your workout, push yourself a little bit further and reach your health and fitness goals.

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 fun and enjoyment in your fitness life, group classes may be just what you need.

If you haven’t tried outdoor group training before, I urge you to give it a go.

It will give you lots of extra motivation in the build-up to the s ummer.

We have six more spaces starting on Monday, March 29, so if you’d like to give outdoor group training a go this is an ideal opportunit­y. For more info go to our website www.eastcoast-fitness.com or our East Coast Fitness facebook page.

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“If you're looking to add a little more fun and enjoyment in your fitness life, group classes may be just what you need.”
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