SHAPING UP: Eight benefits of group exercise

I predict that outdoor group exercise is going to be one of the most popular ways to ‘get a sweat on’ going into the Summer of 2021.

The warmer weather, fresh air, and human interaction with other like-minded people make outdoor group exercise the perfect way to keep fit post lockdown.

If you’re still not convinced here’s 8 more benefits of outdoor group exercise:

Community

If the Covid-19 lockdowns have taught us anything, it’s how important human interaction really is. Human beings are social creatures. The majority of us love to be around other people. We love to socialise, laugh, joke and have fun. I feel this is one of the greatest benefits of a group workout setting.

At East Coast Fitness we have lovely fitness community. Many people start their fitness journey on their own, but along the way become friends with other like-minded members. We really enjoy one another's company. It's truly one of the best ways to meet people like you and develop a common bond while getting into the best shape possible.

Motivation

It's inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by dedicated, like-minded individuals. It doesn't get much more empowering than a class with an encouraging instructor and supportive people all working hard together. Group fitness is a great way to help motivate yourself and others to dig deeper and push harder in workouts.

Programming

A good group exercise class will consist of a warm-up, a balanced workout and a cool-down to safely and efficiently help you achieve your goals. It will also offer a big variety of exercises to stop boredom setting in.

Reduce Risk Of Injury

It's the instructor's job to not only show proper form, but to also make sure that everyone in the class is executing each exercise the right way. Not only is proper form important for your muscles to get the most out of every exercise, but it also helps reduce the risk of injuries.

Vitamin D

When training outdoors, you can also enjoy the benefits of sunshine. The vitamin D helps lift your spirits. The fresh outdoor air and natural light invigorates the mind. Sunlight also enhances energy generation in the muscles and oxidation of the tissues.

Variety

Every group fitness class offers something different, so it keeps your training exciting. It stops boredom setting in, which is very common for people who workout on their own at the gym.

Accountability

Having a set time for a workout holds you more accountable. If you know the class is 6:30-7:15pm you’ll be there on time so you don’t miss it. However, if you workout on your own without a set time, it’s really easy to make excuses and keep putting off.

Support

Both your trainer and other members will support you throughout the workouts. This support group can be just what you need to power through your workout, push yourself a little bit further and reach your health and fitness goals.

Fun

There's really no other way to put it: group fitness classes are fun. Between the upbeat music, a great workout and a group of people motivating each other along the way, it's an enjoyable way to exercise. If you're looking to add a little more fun and enjoyment in your fitness life, group classes may be just what you need.

If you haven’t tried outdoor group training before, I urge you to give it a go. It will give you lots of extra motivation in the build-up to the Summer.

We have 6 more spaces starting on Monday 29th March, so if you’d like to give outdoor group training a go this is an ideal opportunity. For more info go to our website www.eastcoast-fitness.com or our East Coast Fitness facebook page.

10-MINUTE UPPER BODY DUMBBELL SUPER SET WORKOUT

This workout is great for toning and strengthening your upper body muscles. It consists of 4 supersets (a super-set is a pair of exercises performed back-to-back working the same body part).

30 seconds TRICEP EXTENSION

30 seconds TRICEP DIPS

15 seconds rest

30 seconds CHEST FLYES

30 seconds PRESS UPS

15 seconds rest

30 seconds SUPERMANS

30 seconds BENT OVER ROW

15 seconds rest

30 seconds LATERAL RAISE

30 seconds SHOULDER PRESS

15 seconds rest

X2

Salt & Pepper Chicken

SERVES: 2

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

CALORIES PER PORTION: 390

INGREDIENTS

35g plain flour

2 tsp sea salt flakes

2 tsp Chinese five spice

1 tsp black pepper

2 x 200g chicken breasts, sliced into strips 3 tbsp vegetable oil

3 cloves garlic, diced

2 sprigs spring onion, diced

2 long red chilli, diced

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the flour, sea salt flakes, Chinese five spice and black pepper to a large bowl and toss to combine.

Submerge the chicken slices in the flour mix and ensure all pieces are well coated.

Next, add the oil to a large frying pan. Bring the pan to high heat and once the oil is sizzling, add the chicken and cook, flipping regularly for about 7 minutes.

Add the garlic, spring onion and chillies. Cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and golden.

Once cooked, place chicken on some paper towel to absorb the excess juice, then serve hot.

Optional: serve with white rice.