Group Workout or Going Solo: Which Prevails?

By Brandi Swieter

Many people opt for solo workouts because they want to go at their own pace. They can go to the gym when they want and only exercise for a short amount of time if they desire. Group workouts are another option, but they often require people to meet at a particular time on a specific day of the week. It might be a little harder for people to fit it into their schedule. But which option is better, or are both equally beneficial?

Benefits of a Solo Workout

Working out in any way has its advantages. Individuals get to improve their strength, stamina, and flexibility by exercising whether they’re doing it alone or with others. Those looking to lose weight often start out by eating right and adding exercise to their daily routine. Some may try to exercise for just 30 minutes each day, while others attempt a longer timeframe to make sure they’re losing fat and gaining muscle. Doing the activity alone ensures people can go at their own pace and follow their own schedule, which often makes it easier for them to fit into their plans.

Benefits of a Group Workout

A group workout brings all the same benefits of a solo one. People can use the sessions to lose weight, build muscle, increase stamina, improve strength, and gain flexibility. Both options promote a healthier lifestyle, but group options, such as fitness classes, often help people stay motivated better. Individuals see how hard the others around them are working and the weight they’re losing, so they want to continue trying as well. It also helps lower stress levels moreso than working out alone. This is because people are not sitting in a gym focusing on their own tasks. They are instead together in a group with others, benefiting from a social setting. Many people even make friends or at least acquaintances with the people in their classes, leading to more social time and even less stress.

The Overall Consensus

Group workouts may be more time consuming, and they can be difficult to fit into a schedule, but the overall health benefits far outweigh exercising solo. Solo exercising helps people lose weight and gain muscle, but it doesn’t reduce stress and provide motivation quite as well as a group workout does. Both group and solo workout sessions bring many benefits to the body. Overall, however, group workouts seem to win out, lessening stress and improving the overall quality of life for many people. Find a fitness class or group workout available at a local gym to gain these benefits.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pinole, Calif.

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