With a plethora of workout DVDs and at-home workout machinery, in addition the advent of streaming online workout videos, there really is no need to ever leave home to get your daily quota of exercise, right? Wrong. For many people, there are plenty of reasons to get out of the house to workout. It is extremely easy to just click the stop button on the workout video when the going gets tough, or put that expensive exercise equipment right back under the bed where it came from when no one is watching, but in a room with 20 or 30 classmates, most will power right through whatever fitness routine the teacher has them performing.
This leads us to reason number one: there is definitely an element of motivation inherent in participation based group class, even if that motivation is simply to make it to the finish line rather than be a quitter. When you attend a bootcamp class in Toronto — a city that is becoming notorious for it’s bootcamp enthusiasm — you will reap the benefits of a fitness coach and quickly see a stark contrast in the way you look and feel.
Working out in a group is fun; you make friends within the group and before long the gym is not only your fitness destination, but also your social circle. The best gyms also offer child care, which is huge since the hassle of finding a sitter so you can go to the gym can be another reason you won’t get in a workout. This is essential for stay-at-home moms who may go for days without adult conversation and struggle to find the inspiration to work out at home. Being a mom is a great job, but it can be isolating and sometimes depressing when you are cut off from a supportive community and a source of endorphins.
Reason number two: working out releases chemicals that make you feel good about yourself, and working out with friends adds fun and laughter to your life — all of which make you feel better and ultimately can benefits of a fitness coach! In fact, a 2008 Taiwanese survey of new moms reported fewer instances of postpartum depression among women in a group exercise situation.
Reason number three: stems from the process of finding your ideal benefits of a fitness coach within the class. When you know someone is waiting for you to show up, the idea of not letting your buddy down drives you to get there and work. When you have one specific person cheering you on and challenging you to keep up, you push harder. Every little thing you do helps you to move forward, for example, a buddy encouraging you to do just one more set will challenge you to go harder — sometimes the voice in your head telling you to press on just isn’t enough. Most people are surprised at how much can be gained by executing just one more set or a few more reps every time they workout.
Reason number four: is that a personal trainer can be expensive; bootcamp classes involve a similar level of external motivation at a reasonable price. You get the benefit of a trained instructor to push you through the workout, and, like a personal trainer, the instructor or fitness coach knows what exercises move you towards your fitness goals. You, like many people, are setting goals to get in shape: why not give yourself the best possible chance to succeed?
