Working out as a group, or at least with multiple people, has many benefits. Whether you’re looking for accountability, a set of people to make working out more fun or even wanting to change up the way you workout, group workouts are great for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the best group workouts you can try today!
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- Basketball. A game of basketball is always a good group workout! You can easily round up a group of friends, coworkers or even neighbors to play a game or two of basketball at the closest court. One of your neighbors might even have a hoop right in their driveway! As a group workout, basketball will give you the chance to work on your cardio, your stamina and even your core! It can even be a way to strengthen friendships — you get the chance to practice communication and trust with your team! This can be a great couples workout too — just trade out your wedding bands for a pair of matching silicone rings to avoid buildup of sweat and bacteria.
- Pilates. Pilates is an intense group workout class that has gained popularity since its creation in the 1920s. Pilates was originally started as an exercise meant to restore muscle function. Over time, the workout was modified to meet individual needs of class participants — today, it’s a common workout class that focuses on toning inner muscles in a way that other types of workouts don’t capture. If you’re new to group exercise, and you don’t want a high-intensity workout, Pilates might be a good option for you! While it’s not an easy exercise class, it doesn’t have as much pressure on your joints as other workouts.
- Step aerobics. Step aerobics is a great group workout! It features a step-board, which can be anywhere between 4 to 12 inches in height. You’ll do a series of steps and moves to music to get your cardio rate up. The step helps to activate your calves! If you’re someone that wants to take an aerobics class to the next level, then step aerobics is a good group workout choice. If you’re a little less coordinated than others, a step aerobics class might seem like a big challenge. But that’s part of the fun! You won’t ever get better at your coordination if you don’t practice, and a step aerobics class is the perfect way to do so. Make sure you’ve got all the proper workout accessories prior to starting a step aerobics class!
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- Spin class. Spin class is a classic group workout. A cardio-heavy exercise, spin classes focus on ways you can challenge yourself while riding a stationary bike. These days, technology has allowed for individuals to participate in group spin classes without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes. Many stationary bikes now come with a screen and Bluetooth/computer system that allows you to stream into a class. An instructor might be leading a group class, or they might be individually somewhere else, but you’ll still be in a class with other people. That instructor usually gives feedback and encouragement in real time, making it perfect for those who want a group class experience without the pressure of working out in front of others. But, if you’re the kind of person who likes to work out with others, or you feel that’s what might be missing from your exercise routine, then you can always take an in-person spin class at your local gym or spin studio.
- Swim aerobics. Not everyone can handle the gravity-pulling regular aerobics class. Whether you’re older, lacking in the balance department or simply prefer water workouts to land ones, swim aerobics is a great group exercise! You can easily join a water aerobics class at your local gym that has a pool. Some community centers have pools as well, which means the courses might be free or reduced rates for locals. Swim aerobics tends to be easier on your joints, and the added pressure of the water makes the workout more intense. But, because water aerobics is so much fun, you won’t even realize how much exercising you’re doing!
- Crossfit. For anyone who’s a seasoned pro at group workouts, Crossfit might be just what you need to take your workouts to the next level. Incorporating strength training, cardio and a variety of other techniques, Crossfit is a more moderate-to-advanced workout class. It’s best known for the many different uses of the kettlebell, which is a weight that features a ball-shaped weight and a rounded handle. Rather than using dumbbells or bars, Crossfit tends to use the kettlebell — you can use it for squats, lunges, Russian twists and a variety of other exercises. Crossfit is more than just an exercise, though — nutritional intake and high-protein diets are key factors in a Crossfit lifestyle. Give yourself a chance to upgrade your group workouts and give Crossfit a try!
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Tips for Group Workouts
When you participate in a group workout, here are some things that will help you enjoy the experience!
- Don’t stress if you aren’t a pro the first time. Not every group exercise is easy — some workouts take longer to learn than others. That’s okay! Everyone has to start somewhere, and everyone in the class with you has been in your shoes.
- Avoid injuries. There are some things you can do to avoid injuries, such as wearing proper footwear, checking a ring size chart to ensure your jewelry won’t slip off during your workout and taking some beginner courses instead of jumping straight to the advanced ones for each of the group workouts you try.
- Have fun. Above all, it’s important to have fun! Group workouts can seem like a challenge at first, but there’s something unique and special about completing a workout with others that pushes you to do more and makes you feel better at the end.