Fall isn’t just around the corner, it’s here now! New Year's resolutions were forgotten way back in February, but with “The Holidays” bearing down on us again you might be thinking about that gym membership that’s still burning a hole in your bank account.
Gyms can be perfect — for some people. But, working out is already a challenge, and when the enormity of a large-scale gym is added to the equation it can be downright intimidating. For those who don’t know where to turn in the maze of equipment and muscle heads, another option is a fitness studio. These small-scale businesses take the guesswork out of losing weight and are centered around group training sessions. You’re not paying an extra fee for a personal trainer like at a typical gym because here all your classes are already led by highly skilled instructors.
And while gyms have extra spaces and more equipment for you to use, those areas can easily get crowded and sweaty. On the flip side, fitness studios are smaller, but the equipment is generally well-maintained and you work out in a group. At a studio, everyone is working towards a similar goal and building a community along the way. So instead of sweating it out on the treadmill next to a spandex-clad stranger, you’re stretching with your new best friend Shannon.
Many studio customers find that group programs are fun because they’re able to meet people who enjoy the same type of workouts. It’s much easier to stay on track with your weight-loss plan when you have encouraging people next to you with similar goals.
Group classes also create accountability. Shannon is going to notice if you’re not coming to training sessions, and so will your instructor! You don’t want to skip out on your friends so you’re going to keep showing up to classes and losing those pounds.
And sometimes after a particularly exhausting session you’ll just feel like giving up. But when you have friends at your studio they can help pick you up. They’ve probably had the same feeling at one point or another and can give you some tips and advice to get you out of your rut.
A little friendly competition can also be an awesome motivator. We’ve all got a bit of a competitive streak in us, and a group setting can really bring that out! So when Shannon challenges you to another round of burpees, it is a surefire way to get you off your butt!
As you start reaching your goals, your studio friends will be right there alongside you to help you celebrate. They know how hard you’ve been working so there’s no need to feel like you’re gloating — you deserve some recognition!
So if you’ve been worrying about weight loss, try trading your time on the treadmill for a group fitness program at a nearby studio!
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