Exercise in Disguise?

We need physical activity to be healthy. It is recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities that train every major muscle group on 2 or more days a week. Exercise can come in many forms, including group exercise. Here are 3 benefits of including group exercise classes in your fitness regimen:

1. Physical

Exercise is more than burning calories and building muscle. There are many other components to fitness. These include muscular strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, proprioception, coordination, muscular endurance, agility, speed, power, reaction time, cardiovascular endurance, and posture. Group exercise classes usually focus on many of these.  

Proper form while performing exercises is necessary to prevent injury and maximize results. Certified group fitness instructors teach and encourage proper form throughout each class. Instructors often have less challenging modifications as well as more challenging options for their exercises, making most classes appropriate for everyone, no matter their level of fitness. 

2. Mental/Emotional

Physical activity is known to alleviate anxiety and depression as well as increase concentration and relieve stress. Group exercise classes often include coordination training and focusing the mind on the movements and exercises being performed. Some of the best classes for improving mind-body connection are Yoga, Pilates, and Barre.

Many classes even seem to make participants forget that they are exercising. Fun-inspiring classes like Zumba and Pound are often described as “exercise in disguise.” 

3. Social

Group exercise offers an opportunity to become part of a group, and to make friends. 

One of the best ways to stay motivated to exercise regularly is to have someone to be accountable to. Group exercise participants often find motivation in spending that time with like-minded people all working toward similar goals. The feeling of being part of a community of people that cares about and encourages each other is inspiring.

We know we need exercise, but for many people, working out seems like a chore. Yet, it doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. Group exercise classes can make fitness fun and motivating.

The Siegel JCC offers 55 different group exercise classes each week. Check out the schedule and learn more at siegeljcc.org/gex.