Group Fitness Training: What Makes it Different from Solo Workouts

Exercise is often viewed as a personal endeavor, but for many, it’s also a communal activity. Whether you prefer sweating it out alone or alongside others, the choice is entirely yours.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of group exercise, shedding light on its positive aspects as well as potential drawbacks. In this blog article, we’ll get down to what differentiates group exercising to solo exercise. 

Group Exercise vs. Solo Workouts

First, we need to clarify the difference between group and personal training. Usually, it’s pretty self explanatory, one is with a group, and the other is by yourself. What makes someone pick what exercise they wish to follow depends on their personal goals. 

Here we’ll give you a visual comparison of these two exercises.

Individual Training:

• Is set by a physician or coach to meet personal goals
• Freedom for schedule and specific exercises to follow during the routine
• Set your rhythm and milestones to reach your workout goals

Group Exercising:

• Set by a coach or instructor to meet a group’s goals
• The group decides on an understanding of the schedule and exercises
• You must follow the group’s rhythm 

Either option for exercising is good since their end goal is to help you reach the goals you want to accomplish. What makes them different is how specific your goals are.

Benefits of Group Exercising

Let’s discuss some of the benefits that come from a group workout. We previously mentioned some perks, like building teamwork or socializing, but we’ll go deeper into what they are and what makes them great. 

Competitive Drive

Some people thrive when they feel a sense of healthy competition. In group fitness, that competitive spirit will cause you to challenge yourself and give you a satisfying feeling of accomplishment than if you were to exercise alone. Also, subsequently, group fitness training has more significant physical fitness improvements than individual exercise. Being surrounded by people with similar outcomes can create a friendly yet motivating environment that drives you to perform at your best when exercising.

More Motivation

Let’s face it, we all need some motivation when we exercise. Though you can get some support from people who know your goals for working out, it doesn’t compare to the motivation you’ll get from a group. Exercising in a group setting fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. People often motivate each other to push harder and stay consistent with their workout routines. The presence of others can create positive peer pressure that keeps individuals accountable for their fitness goals. Your friends/group have the same goals as you, so they understand the importance of staying motivated and consistent. 

Variety and Fun

Doing the same old routine all the time can feel dull after a while. But exercising with a group can become an enjoyable experience. Group fitness classes such as dancing, team sports, or group challenges can add an element of excitement that can lack in individual workouts. As a result, people are more likely to stick to their exercise routines long term. The social aspect of group exercise can make workouts more enjoyable since group fitness classes emphasize variety, providing a fresh level of fun while still getting you in shape. 

Accountability Factor

Let’s be honest. We’ve all skipped a day or two of our exercise routines. Whether we do it on purpose or lose track of time, missing a day at the gym isn’t so rare. However, when you exercise alone, you’re the only one affected. Group exercising holds you accountable if you miss a routine or a group fitness class. Some fitness classes close the door after a specific time, making you responsible for your schedule and organization. At the same time, when you miss a group exercise routine, you affect your friends. That will 100% get you some judging looks while leading to unwanted social shunning. So, be aware if you’ll skip a day at the gym with your friends.

Looking at these benefits, the main perk of group exercising is the social aspect it brings to you. Group training provides an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people with similar health and fitness interests. Regularly engaging in group activities can help combat feelings of isolation, improve social skills, and boost overall happiness. As well, group exercising can have positive effects on mental health. Social interaction, encouragement, and the release of endorphins during exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Another benefit of group exercise is that it helps you be more organized and efficient with your schedule. 

Benefits of Solo Exercising

We talked about some benefits of exercise with a group, now let’s discuss solo exercising. There needs to be a balance between everything when we exercise, and that includes if it’s best to do it by yourself rather than with a group. So, here are some of the perks to working out by yourself.

Beginner Friendly

This might not be the case for everybody, but if you’re new to exercise, you may feel self-conscious about working out in front of others. Exercising alone can help you feel more comfortable and confident in your abilities. This will also allow you to set your own rhythm and pace, which isn’t something that can happen when you exercise with a group. And that can be frustrating. Though everyone has the same fitness goals, it can be frustrating to try to catch up or slowdown for the sake of the group. 

Improved Focus and Concentration

We all have certain limitations when we exercise. Some people go to the gym to go through physical therapy exercises or just to lose some steam. The same goes for group fitness training. Some go just to entertain themselves rather than exercise themselves. And that can be distracting. Without the distractions of others, you can focus on your workout and the proper form of your exercises. This can lead to better results and a more efficient workout.

Efficiency At Its Best

You don’t have to wait for someone else or adjust your workout to their pace. This can be especially beneficial if you’re short on time. Some people have strict work schedules that often affect their general schedule. Relying solely on group classes can be restrictive, especially when scheduling conflicts arise or during holidays when classes get canceled. So, go ahead and workout on your own.

More “Me Time”

We discussed the benefits of solo working out rather than group training from an fitness perspective, but now let’s touch on the mental positive aspects of personal training. Exercise can be a great way to de-stress and relax. Exercising alone gives you some time for yourself to focus on your own thoughts and feelings. Having to follow up with your friends/group’s routine exposes you to overpressuring yourself. From both a physical and mental aspect.   

We stated before that there always needs to be a balance for anything we do in fitness. While group training offers numerous benefits, personal training also brings its own benefits to consider as well. These benefits may not apply to everyone, but they are worth taking considering when deciding on a fitness routine.

At the End of the Day, It Is Your Call

Despite everything we’ve mentioned about exercising with a group, the last decision is entirely up to you and your goals. We could list hundreds of reasons why group workouts aren’t a good fit for you, but it depends on your personality. What we can tell you is to keep these things in mind when you make your decision about taking a group exercise class:

1. Your mood
2. Your desire to try new things
3. Your availability to move to where and when the classes are held

Look deep into what you want to accomplish during an exercise routine and evaluate if a group class is something you want.

Conclusion

Group exercising is a powerful fitness tool that can positively impact many aspects of our lives. The sense of community, motivation, and structured workouts can inspire us toward our fitness aspirations. However, you must weigh these benefits against the idea of personal training and ensure that the chosen approach aligns with your needs and preferences. Whether it’s group workouts, individual workouts, or a combination of both, the key is to find an exercise routine that promotes long-term adherence, overall health, and enjoyment on the journey to a healthier and happier life.

Crunch’s group fitness classes promote a culture of fun with no judgments. It’s an environment for all types of individuals with various goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now. Your goals are made to be crushed. With Crunch, you’ll have the tools, resources, and support to make it happen.

FAQ

Do Fitness Classes Always Have Big Groups?

No, there are a lot of factors that can influence the size of a fitness class. Some can be the schedule and the location.

Will There Be Serious Consequences If I Decide To Drop Out of My Fitness Class?

In regards to your membership, there will be no penalization for stopping to attend a fitness class. In terms of your personal goals, there might be some step backs like losing some rhythm or not knowing which exercises to do.