It is not by chance that group training in the gym gained such popularity. It is much cheaper than training individually with a trainer and many people feel more comfortable when all the trainer’s attention is directed not only at them. Before deciding whether group training is right for you, study all the pros and cons.
Pros of Group Training
1. It enhances discipline
The main advantage of group training is that they help you stay motivated. When you know that you’ll have to wait a few more days for the next workout, you will think twice before deciding to skip it. You also feel double responsibility both to the coach and other members of your group. A good way to stay motivated is to find friends in the gym and plan regular meetings with them at training, encouraging each other.
2. You will try harder
Group exercises often make us show our best qualities. You try to be equal to those who are ahead and not lag behind others. Being engaged in physical activity next to other people, you draw additional energy and vigor from them.
3. Drawing other people’s experience
Group classes mean communication. This is a good opportunity to learn more about other people’s sports experiences. When going to the gym for the first time, we often feel fear that there will be experienced athletes around and we will look miserable against them. If this is a basic level group, you probably will have the same level as others.
After several joint workouts, people become closer, begin to share their impressions and stories about working on their bodies.
4. It is more interesting to train in a group
Being in a group makes any routine more diverse and training is no exception. No matter how strict and disciplined the trainer is, there will always be a place for jokes or communication in the group. Coming to group training, you not only get regular physical activity but also a supportive positive community.
Cons of Group Training
1. Not enough individual approach
The main drawback of any group training is that they aren’t personalized enough. The trainer can not pay attention to all participants and will not always notice whether you are doing the exercises correctly. Group classes are unlikely to suit those who require a special approach, for example, because of health problems or the desire to achieve one specific skill or result.
2. Group exercises are often monotonous
Training in the group can be fun but monotonous. If this is a class with a basic level where newcomers regularly come, the coach is in no hurry to change the training program. Those who visit this training regularly and for a long time may get bored. For the same reason, group classes are often not suitable for people with great sports experience.
3. It’s more difficult to adjust to the group training schedule
Group training can not be rescheduled. On the one hand, this motivates you not to be lazy and attend training. On the other hand, sometimes circumstances turn out to be unavoidable and you can not go to the gym for certain reasons.
4. You can feel anxious while training in the presence of other people
People who are insecure about their bodies or physical abilities may feel stressed and anxious in group training. But this is a great way to deal with your fears. Avoiding people will not help you feel more comfortable in your body but regular group activities will be liberated, they will show that around you are the same imperfect people who work to lose weight and become better.
