Group Exercise Programs

Everyone knows that losing weight isn't easy. Though it's never simple, group exercise may ease the process. Why do some people find more success in group exercise programs? For one, you have a group of supporters sharing in your experience and encouraging you along the way. Learn about the pros and cons of various group exercise programs, everything from Curves^® for Women to exercise boot camp options.

Group Exercise Program Benefits

Many local community centers offer group exercise programs; contact your local gym or community fitness center for more details. These programs offer a whole host of benefits for participants, including:

• Accountability: Having to show up every week to exercise with a group can be enough pressure to make you think twice about skipping a workout or eating junk food. Being accountable to others can be a powerful driving force in your journey to weight loss.
• Competition: We tend to think of competition as a bad thing, but when it comes to weight loss, it can be just what you need. Seeing someone else lose weight may be precisely the motivation you need to not just do the same, but to do better.
• Encouragement: Whether it's your trainer or your spotter, nothing helps you stay motivated like another person's encouragement, especially in those difficult moments when you feel like giving up. Staying encouraged by staying connected can lead to substantial weight loss.

Curves^® for Women

Curves^® for Women is designed to provide an optimum workout experience. As you participate in targeted cardio and strength-training group exercises with other females, you can burn up to 500 calories per session.

If you're a woman looking to lose weight, tone up or just improve your flexibility, Curves^® for Women can help you meet any of these goals. All clients are provided with a circuit coach to teach them which exercises to perform and to motivate them throughout the entire process.

Exercise Boot Camp

If you enjoy group exercise programs at an increased level of intensity, an exercise boot camp may be perfect for you. These camps, which typically last between four and eight weeks, emphasize traditional exercises with strength training and interval training.

An exercise boot camp is usually quite affordable, but it's not a good option for the faint of heart or for beginners. Expect to be challenged in all ways at exercise boot camp--physically, mentally and emotionally.

Choosing Group Exercise Programs

While group exercise programs have their benefits, they also have a downside. Not everyone is suited to working out in groups, particularly newcomers who have never really tried to lose weight before.

Group exercise programs may also not be ideal for anyone who feels self-conscious about working out in front of others or who doesn't like to be weighed in public. Talk to your doctor about possible health-related outcomes that may result from joining such a program.

Resources

Curves. (n.d.) The workout. Retrieved September 26, 2010 from http://www.curves.com/the-workout/overview.php

Jidoun, G. (n.d.). How to work out together. Retrieved September 26, 2010 from http://ideas.thenest.com/so-random/diet-fitness-exercise/Articles/how-to-work-out-together.aspx?MsdVisit=1