by Sarah Kociolek
As health professionals, we see first hand the benefits that group exercise can have on individuals.
Group exercise involves exercising in a group setting, usually led by an instructor. It can include activities such as yoga, strength training, and cardio. While exercising individually can also have its benefits, there are several advantages to working out in a group that make it an excellent choice for many people.
One of the biggest benefits of group exercise is motivation. Working out with others can provide the push that many people need to stay committed to their fitness goals. In a group, individuals can encourage each other, celebrate successes, and hold each other accountable. This can help individuals to stick to their exercise routine, which is essential for achieving long-term benefits. And if you’re the competitive type, it may just give you that push you need to smash those PB’s!
Group exercise can also provide a sense of community. Exercising with others can create a feeling of camaraderie and support, which can be helpful for individuals who may be struggling with feelings of isolation. It can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends. For example, the group at PhysioWest that attend pilates sometimes follow it up with brunch together across the road. What a lovely way to connect with people you wouldn’t usually connect with!
Another benefit of group exercise is the variety. Being in a group setting can allow participants to try different types of workouts and exercises they may not have tried before. This can help people to find a routine and type of exercise that is enjoyable for them, which is essential for maintaining a regular exercise routine. In a group with an instructor, you are also supported through this variety when trying new things.
Group exercise can also be a great way to learn and improve your technique. Experienced and trained instructors, such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and personal trainers, can help guide individuals through exercises and provide feedback and advice. We can help to ensure that participants are exercising safely and effectively, which can reduce
the risk of injury and help people to get the most out of their workout. If you’re ever unsure too, you can always look around the room and check in with your form. Modelling others in the class is a great way to check in with how you’re doing, and inform you about whether you need to get some advice from the instructor.
Most importantly, group exercise can be a lot of fun. Exercising with others can make workouts more enjoyable with a sense of excitement and energy. This can help people look forward to, and feel motivated to exercise. There’s nothing better to break up the usual 45 minutes than some light-hearted chit chat and a few laughs.
Overall, group exercise offers many benefits to improve your health and fitness. From motivation and community to variety and proper technique and support, it can help people achieve their fitness goals in a fun environment. We know first-hand how much easier it is to stick to and reach your goals when surrounded by a group of likeminded and supportive people.
If you are thinking about trying out an exercise class, jump in and give it a go! You may be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
In particular, we LOVE pilates!
At PhysioWest, we have pilates classes in a small group environment led by physiotherapists. We also have pre-class assessments (which are gap free appointments!) to set your goals, slowly introduce you to the equipment and the exercise, and get geared up ready for group exercise. It’s amazing to see the strength, fitness, and friendships that the members build.
To read more about our group exercise/pilates classes, click the link HERE for some info!
Don’t know that much about pilates? Let us explain!
Pilates is extremely versatile – it can be used for rehabilitation, balance, mobility, coordination, strength and flexibility. It is inspired by yoga, calisthenics, barre/ballet, and in some cases strength training. Mat pilates, reformer pilates and pilates aids provide a great targeted and balanced workout. It’s also low impact, so super effective AND super safe.
It can be aerobic, non-aerobic, calm or somewhat intense. It requires concentration to enliven the mind body connection, because of the precise movements and control you need to perform each exercises. Even the smallest of movements can provide an intense burn with concentration and precision form!
Because of it’s versatility, pilates training really does suit every individual. At PhysioWest, we can build mat or reformer pilates programs for any individual, based on their abilities and goals.
Better Health Victoria provides a great list of the benefits of pilates:
- improved flexibility
- increased muscle strength and tone, particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the ‘core muscles’ of your body)
- balanced muscular strength on both sides of your body
- enhanced muscular control of your back and limbs
- improved stabilisation of your spine
- improved posture
- rehabilitation or prevention of injuries related to muscle imbalances
- improved physical coordination and balance
- relaxation of your shoulders, neck and upper back
- safe rehabilitation of joint and spinal injuries
- prevention of musculoskeletal injuries
- increased lung capacity and circulation through deep breathing
- improved concentration
- increased body awareness; and
- stress management and relaxation
As you can see, there are huge benefits to such an unsuspecting practice. You don’t need to do what is most exhausting and high impact to get results.
Physiotherapist’s are among the best people to inform your pilates program, and tailor it to your specific needs. Whether it’s rehabilitation, injury management/prevention, posture, strength, you name it, we can do it. As always, before starting a new exercise program please consult your health care professional. Pilates is low impact and low risk, but if you have an existing medical condition or are pregnant it’s best to check in first.
When you combine the benefits of pilates with the benefits of group exercise, the result is amazing quality exercise and amazing people. It creates a stunning environment to be happy, healthy, and well. We love group exercise and we love pilates.
And also, we practice what we preach! Check out our socials @physiowest to see what our team got up to for our professional development meeting this week… spoiler alert, we got sweaty. See it HERE!
Feeling inspired? Give us a call on 8352 3582 to chat to our client services team about all things group exercise and pilates! We would love to get you booked in for a pre-class assessment with one of our amazing therapists. Or, book online using the link in the top right or below!
We hope to see you in the studio soon! Happy exercising!
