A Guide to Group Exercise

This article has been written by Personal Trainer Gareth France. For more information, Gareth's contact details can be found at the end of this article.


If it’s been a good while since you last exercised then check first with your GP before embarking on any fitness regime to make sure it’s safe to do so.

What constitutes group exercise?

A number of like minded people (4 or more) engaged in doing exercise at the same time but not as a team or event.

What should you wear?


Wear the right clothing, ensure that it fits, is comfortable and doesn’t rub. You don’t need to buy designer clothing, there are cheaper products out there that you can get a sweat up in!
Always have plenty of water available.

Where are they carried out?

  • Council Leisure Centres
  • Village and Church Halls
  • School Halls
  • Swimming Pools
  • Independent Health Clubs
  • Local Parks
  • Personally owned Studios

 

What’s the benefits of Group Exercise?

  • You can go with your friends and make new friends in the process.
  • All classes are timetabled so it helps to can keep you going on a regular basis.
  • They’re all carried out by a qualified instructor who will lead you through it.
  • A people within the group encourage each other to go, so provides motivation, accountability (don’t want to let anyone down) and adherence.
  • They’re fun and there are different styles/types (see below) depending on what you’re looking for/wanting to achieve.
  • Most have music which helps with the movements or motivation.

 

What are the negatives of Group Exercise?

 

  • You may not like the instructor’s style (or even the other people in it)
  • You may not like the type of class – too dancey, aerobic, weighty, hard etc
  • You’re new and everyone knows the routine making you self conscious
  • Your body image is different from those in the class
  • You can’t complete it because it’s too difficult – intensity or technically
  • The class you want to do is not at a convenient time
  • It’s popular so it’s difficult to get a regular spot
  • The class was not what you expected
  • You don’t necessarily get an feedback on what your individually doing (either right or wrong)

 

What types of Group Exercise are there?


The non aerobic are:- Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates etc These can help with posture, core strength and balance and can also be calming.
 

There are considerably more energetic ones. Please note that some of these will have different levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. If unsure about what these classes are then contact the instructor to find out.

  1. Dance – Salsa etc
  2. Aerobics – Step Aerobics, Aerobics, Zumba, Aqua Aerobics etc
  3. Body Pump, Circuit Training, Body Conditioning, Boot Camp, Spinning, Boxercise, etc


If you’re looking to lose weight then the general guidelines are that you should exercise at a moderate intensity (still being able to hold a broken conversation) for 30 minutes (can be made up of two 15 minutes or three 10 minute blocks) 5 – 7 days per week. If your looking to increase your fitness levels then it’s 30 minutes to 1hr of higher intensity exercise 3 – 5 days per week
 

A note from Catherine

Gareth France runs a number of group exercise classes within the local area. So if you'd like to find out more please contact Gareth on:

Email: gareth.france@sky.com, Tel: 07853 381449

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