There is truth to the phrase “there is strength in numbers.” Studies show that working out in a group can improve quality of life and reduce stress even more than individual workouts, so it makes sense that nearly 40 percent of regular exercisers choose to participate in group exercise classes.
“There is something different and special about working out in a group fitness setting,” says Ashley Pitt, ELI studio performer and coach at Life Time in Charlotte, N.C. “The music, the movement, the people, and the routine — it all can help you feel like part of a broader community while also improving your health and fitness. There’s a reason why so many Life Time members choose group classes as their primary way of working out each week.”
Marcus Fitts, group fitness instructor and coach at Life Time in Atlanta, Ga., has personally experienced the benefits of community-based exercise. “Taking and teaching group fitness classes at Life Time has definitely helped my emotional and mental health, especially when it comes to feeling part of a community and staying consistent with my workouts.”
While the physical benefits of exercise are widely known, the mental and emotional perks of taking a workout class or exercising in a group are also worth lauding. Here, Pitt and Fitts share some of the benefits they observe as class performers, as well as what they hear from Life Time members.
1. “A sense of community.”
Both Pitt and Fitts appreciate the community they find within their individual classes.
“I love when people show up early to class and stay late to have conversations with their fellow members,” says Pitt. “These connections keep people coming back. For many, especially those who work remotely, the group fitness setting is their time to socialize, smile, make eye contact, and feel like they are part of something special. This absolutely gives people a boost they can take with them the rest of the day.”
Fitts emphasizes how classes are an opportunity for social connection, especially for those who may be experiencing loneliness and isolation. “As an extrovert, it’s important for me to have a community that motivates me to live a healthier life not just on the outside but also on the inside,” says Fitts. “Life Time is that community. I make sure to acknowledge everyone and encourage them throughout class to let them know we are in this together.”
2. “Movement without the mental load.”
Group fitness classes can help take the guesswork out of designing your own workout routine or having to choose your workout of the day.
“During a class, the instructor designs the workout and leads the movements,” says Pitt. “All you have to do is show up and follow along. Having someone tell you what to do takes a lot of the stress and decision-making out of the process. This is freeing, especially for those who make a lot of day-to-day decisions and have stress in their careers or personal lives.”
3. “An opportunity to check in with yourself.”
Life Time class instructors often guide participants to tune into their body and mind — whether they’re pushing through a tough movement or enjoying a quiet moment of meditation.
“In my MB360 class, we challenge the mind through meditation and breathwork, as well as intentional movements,” says Pitt. “Members walk out feeling more centered and like they’ve truly taken care of their body and mind.
“I also often ask my class members to check in with how they feel at both the beginning and the end of the class,” she adds. “I can see the energy and positivity increase on their faces! Challenging your body with difficult movements or patterns can help you feel victorious, and this type of achievement isn’t always something we experience elsewhere in our daily lives. It’s powerful to do something good for yourself and then pass along that positivity to others who need it.”
4. “A safe space to jam out to music.”
Music alone has the power to improve mood and reduce stress. Pair that with the benefits of movement, and you’ve got 45 to 60 minutes of feel-good vibes.
“Music is a universal language and one of my favorite ways to boost my mood,” says Fitts. “When you hear your favorite song in class, it can make you want to keep going, push harder, or go faster! It’s the ultimate mood booster and I can see members’ faces light up as they work through their movements to the music. I always strive to provide the best soundtrack for my classes.”
Pitt agrees there’s something magical about moving to the beat of music. “I hear from members that as soon as the music starts, they’re so happy they made the decision to be in class that day,” adds Pitt. “When I teach LIFT Barbell Strength and LIFE BARRE Fusion, I choreograph all the exercises to the beat. There’s arguably nothing like the feeling when everyone in class is moving in unison — the lights are flashing, the music is pumping, and the room is full of energy.”
5. “Encouragement and consistency deliver results.”
Unlike individual workouts, group classes typically require some type of reservation or scheduling, which creates accountability and can lead to more consistent workouts.
“With consistency comes results,” says Fitts. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced exerciser, group fitness classes can improve consistency and dedication to the programmed workouts each week in class. When the members of my class see their results, it’s the ultimate self-confidence booster. Another bonus is that consistently showing up for class adds structure and discipline to our daily lives, which in turn can help improve our mental health as each day feels like an accomplishment.”
