Fitness Classes - The Social Network Live and in 3D

I have been a group exercise instructor for over 27 years and it still excites me when new people discover the benefits of fitness classes (or group exercise as it is now called). I've always believed in their benefits, and even more so now as we enter 2011.

Group exercises classes typically last an hour, involve a group exercise instructor leading a number of people together in a room at the same time through a series of exercises, in a specific order to obtain fitness and wellness benefits.  Classes usually are taught with music helping to set a mood, tone, and pace for the class.  

Recently group exercise classes have had a resurgence in attendance. Of course there are the obvious physiological benefits: improved cardiovascular health, improved muscular strength and endurance as well as flexibility. However, based on what I have witnessed, one of the most important benefits is the social connectedness participants have with each other by attending a class.

By nature, human beings are social creatures and often search out those places where other people gather just to be part of a group and feel a sense of belonging.
Social interaction is a huge benefit of group exercise and often underestimated for the impact it has on helping people maintain a commitment to their fitness or wellness program. These social benefits are often what keep people coming back...friendships and shared experiences are what many long for in today's society. The popularity of Facebook, Twitter and blogs (like this one) are examples of how connected we as a society want to be. Face to face interaction is becoming more desired as we blog and tweet our way through life...we want to be with people, real people and share experiences...

Group exercise can be and is that experience for many people.

What I have noticed in my many years as a group exercise instructor is how important those few minutes before class begins and after class has ended are to many participants. This is where they get to chat it up and find out how eveyone's day, week or weekend has been. (Even though often times they may have just chatted about it less than 24 hours ago at yesterday's class!) It is fun for them to chat, laugh and connect.
I make every effort to keep this fun going throughout my classes and encourage people to interact and share the group exercise experience fully. That one hour is when participants have permission to have fun, laugh, share stories, sing along to the music, and of course workout together. When participants are in the moment and mindful of their group experience, they often leave saying "that was the best class ever'' (of course until the next class which often has the same effect!)

Many friendships have blossomed by attending group exercise classes. (And dare I say, even a few romances!) The social network group exercise participants develop and become privy to rivals any online experiences. Health and wellness benefits are not to be ignored as they are certainly part of the entire package when you attend group exercise classes. And, for most people attending their first class, achieving health benefits might well have been the driving force to get to them there...but, no doubt, it is the social interaction that is tangible and real and keeps them coming back. For some, this becomes their true social network - LIVE and in 3D!

Submitted by Janice Forand
Co-owner Locker Room Health & Fitness Club, Ltd.
Group Exercise Junkie since 1983

canfitpro PRO Trainer for Fitness Professionals in Group Exercise, Personal Training, Nutrition and Wellness, Pre/Post Natal and older Adult Fitness Programming
Resist-A-Ball Master Trainer

Zumba, Zumba Gold and ZumbaAtomic Instructor
Gymstick Instructor; STEP Instructor; Bender Ball Instructor, etc., etc.

Rehabiliative Exercise Therapist

And, an Elementary School Physical Education Teacher, too!