What’s your support group?

Do you remember group projects in school? Some people loved them because it gave you an excuse to hang out with your friends, and others hated them because they ended up having to do all the work by themselves. As you grew up, you either learned to love working in a group setting, or cherished solo projects.

But when it comes to fitness, is working in a group better or worse for you? There is a stigma of going to exercise groups. Insecurities can rear their ugly heads, and soon you will be thinking “I will be the worst person in this group and will end up embarrassing myself.”

This is a problem that needs to be addressed in those of you interested in signing up the boot camp. I am very aware of this belief, and have created a boot camp based on different levels of skill. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes which are suited for all levels of workout intensity. Still scared? You have to remind yourself of the benefits of going to an exercise class.

Benefits of working with other people

-Chance to be more social. One of my biggest problems with exercising is that it can be very boring and monotonous. If I have a workout buddy, my workouts feel like they are going faster because I am having fun with my friend, and we motivate each other to do better. Going with a friend also reduces stigma, because you have someone who knows your abilities, and will not judge you.

-Build camaraderie . Losing weight and getting in shape can be tough when you are alone. Going to a class will pair you up with other people going through the same exact thing you are. When you are having difficulty keeping up, and you see other people having difficulty as well, you will feel reassured that you are not alone in your struggle. It will make you feel better that other people are having the same exact problems as you are, and will create a good support system to motivate you to do better. You can be competitive and aspire to be the best in the class, or you can be more laid back and want to perform just as well as the person next to you. Either way, it creates standards for you, and can increase the amount of work you do.

-We follow the behaviors of our friends. You have friends because you share common interests with them, and you can count on them to be there when you need it. Going out to a class can foster a relationship with other people with likeminded behaviors. You are both there because you want to live a more healthy lifestyle, and this can result in a friendship where you are both accountable for these lifestyle changes. It is no mystery that your behaviors are influenced by your friends, and friends from boot camp will keep you motivated to stay fit outside the boot camp.

Michael Glatter is a a boot camp instructor and in-home personal trainer based out of Richmond, VA. You can read more about him at http://www.glatterfitness.com.

About the Author

Michael Glatter is a a boot camp instructor and in-home personal trainer based out of Richmond, VA. You can read more about him at http://www.glatterfitness.com.

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