Group Exercise

The Benefits of Group Exercise: Get Fit With Friends

Working out in a class or with a buddy can lead to better results.

By Anne L. Fritz

Medically reviewed by Ed Zimney, MD

Sabrina Scott appreciates the benefit of working out in a group. The 48-year-old New Yorker lost about 40 pounds in a year by attending Francesca Meccariello's fitness classes at Equinox gym. "I like the camaraderie and support of a class," says Scott. "Working out at home doesn't work for me." Scott's classmates not only encourage her to come to class, they compliment her on her new figure and tell her she is an inspiration to them. "I can't tell you how good that makes me feel, especially when I've been working so hard at it."

Experts agree that group exercise can be beneficial. "Working out in a group provides support, accountability, and structure," says Lynne Vaughan, Chief Innovation Officer of the national YMCA. "People don't want to let their buddy or group down, which is terrific in terms of adherence to an exercise routine."

Patient information published in 2005 in the Journal of American Academy of Physician Assistants also recommends that people exercise with a partner or group because they "are more likely to stay on track." The group encourages exercisers to involve family members, friends, and even pets, as "dogs need exercise too."

Other benefits of group fitness: You're more likely to complete a well-rounded exercise routine and get a potentially tougher workout. "In a class, the instructor can say, 'let's pick up the pace,'" says Vaughan. "A class can help you move past a plateau — if you want to push yourself a little bit and improve."

And Vaughan notes that working out in a group can be flat-out fun. "Groups, especially when they include children, give a sense of play to exercise." In particular, you may want to seek out an organized team for a sport you played as a kid, like softball or soccer.

The Challenges of Group Exercise

There are some downsides to working out in a group, however, says Jeff Halevy, a New York City-based National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified fitness trainer. If a group is too big, it can make you feel anonymous, he notes. You may not get the direction you need to learn proper form for exercises like push-ups or squats, and that can result in an injury. And if you're in the back of a big class, it can be easy to slack off.

To avoid the potential negatives, Vaughan encourages new exercisers to introduce themselves to the instructor or team captain when they join a group. "Tell him or her that you're new and declare your goals, and say that you want to stick with the program," she says. In response, a good instructor should introduce you to people in the class and offer exercises for your skill level.

Finding a Buddy or Group for Exercise

If there's no one in your family or circle of friends available to join you for exercise, finding a buddy or a fitness group can be as easy as going online and doing a search. Many health, diet, and exercise Web sites have community boards or forums where you can find an exercise partner, group, or class. A few options include EverydayHealth.com and Jillian Michaels.com. To find a sports team, check out Meetup.com, which has groups in different cities around the world for everything from walking and hiking to sea kayaking to volleyball. You may also find groups on craigslist.org, or, as Sabrina Scott would be happy to let you know, there's always the YMCA or your local gym.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Diet and Nutrition Center.