What do you prefer? To workout alone, or in a group setting? 
How much effort do you put in to a workout when you workout alone? Is it easier to push yourself, when no one is around? Is it easier to slack off when no one is ‘watching’?
I know for me, that I put a whole lot more effort in, when I am working out in a group as the instructor. I can remember times when I used to go to other classes and it would depend on the day and how I felt as to how much work I put in. Did being in the group setting matter, not on some days!
I know people who really prefer to work out on their own? Are you one who prefers that? Why is that?
Over the years I have had people who work really hard and others not so much. I added equipment to classes to see if people would put in more effort. ( it is so much more work — without pushing to do a Bosu cardio class than a regular cardio class…)
In the long run, the participants who keep coming back, are those who ultimately find that they need that extra push of a group with an instructor to get the workout they want. Whether it be the instructor encouraging and challenging from the front or just knowing there are others sweating it out with them– that group setting is much more motivating.
And I can’t say it is just the instructor, as if that was the case they would hire a personal trainer… ( well maybe not as there is a bigger cost involved!)
So what is your preference? Do you like to work out alone or in a class setting with others? Maybe you prefer to workout with a Personal Trainer?
What does the choice of setting( working out alone or in a group) do for you? Does it allow you the freedom to push yourself to the level you want or individualize your workouts? Does it allow you to put in more or less effort? Does it allow you to blend in or give you the opportunity to workout more intensely?
Leave a comment below and share what you do for your workouts. Group workout, or individual workout, or maybe you enjoy both. Which one do you get a better workout of?
Setting makes a big difference to me when I work out. I don’t like the places that are all mirrors, and I don’t like a lot of people around me. Sure, I know that people at a class or gym are so focused on what they are doing to look at other people, but my mind tells me otherwise!
I am looking at getting a personal trainer, but then I really will have someone watching me when I work out!
Sarah Arrow recently posted..Content Lockers: What are they and do they work?
Hi Sarah,
Good points! The setting can be intimidating. And, yes most likely the people working out aren’t looking around at others, although I’m sure some people look around for tips on how to do things. They are more worried about them selves than others.
Getting a personal trainer could be a great way to get the best exercises for you and make sure you are doing the correctly. They would definitely be watching you!!
Keep working out!
Thank you for this information Holly. In the past I have been more successful with my exercise program when I have had at least one other person to exercise with. It was helpful to have an accountability partner. Someone who would help push me and I would push them.
Lydia Brown recently posted..10 Steps to Syndicating Your Articles Part 1
HI Lydia!
Yes for some that partner to be accountable to is very helpful!! I sometimes am surprised at those who have the motivation to workout always on their own and do what they do! Are you still involved with an exercise program?
Hi,
I feel like when your working out in a group that I push myself harder where as when I’m alone I seem to find an excuse to stop…. which I have to stop doing lol.
Regards, Jessica.
Jessica van Zyl recently posted..Four Ideas for Gifts To Your Prospects
Totally get that Jessica!! I too do that when on my own. Many of the ladies who take my classes find the seem thing. If they work out at home or on their own at the gym it just isn’t the same. As they day,someone to push them to work a little harder!!
Hey Holly, great question. I have to say for me it depends on how crowded the class is. I like working out in a group, but I’ve been to some classes where the room is so crowded people bump into each other – not good.
marquita herald recently posted..The Risky Business of Living Life to the Fullest
Too crowded of classes isn’t fun!! That is for sure!! I like my space! Are you still working out?
Hi Holly
I much prefer to work out alone. I don’t feel so self conscious and I push myself a lot more than in a class. I set myself a target and do it.
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Great to hear Anne!! I am not like that, I need that extra group of people to energize me!
Holly,
As a former Professor of Health and Physical Education, I am one of those rare people who enjoys working out and I enjoy it alone. When I get to my health club, I have my own routine that I follow – bicycle for 30-40 minutes, when I feel strong and when I have enough hours available, I add the elliptical and the treadmill to the aerobics part of my workout. Then I got down one flight to the weight room and go through a full series of weights – each time I attempt to increase either the amount of weight or the number of reps. I don’t like when too many others are around because they slow down my process by using machines I plan to use next.
This is where I notice a big difference between men and women. If a man is on the machine, I might as well forget about it for the next half hour. They do so many reps at very high weight with long breaks – but they keep control of the machine until they finish. Women, on the other hand, even if they do a few reps, they don’t strain with as much weight and don’t take such long breaks.
Then I finish off my workouts by doing yoga in the jacuzzi, pilates in the sauna and just relaxing in the steam room – and I chat with some of the women during this process. Afterwards I feel totally relaxed and ready for the rest of my day or evening.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..Create Your Own Healing Green Tea
Sounds like a fantastic routine, Dr. Erica!! I too find that sometimes in the gym it is hard to keep going as so many people do use the weights that I might need…
Hi Holly, I think there is a lot of accountability in a group. Years ago i trained for a marathon and found the group support critical. We ran as a group every Saturday…and were on our own for the workouts during the week. I eventually dropped out due to an injury but would never have made it as long as I did w/o the group. It kept me on track and was also a lot of fun.
Celeste Smucker recently posted..To Live Younger Longer, Cultivate Patience
That support of a group can be what keeps us on track!! Totally agree, Celeste!!
Aloha Holly!
I like a workout partner who will keep me accountable to “get started”, otherwise, I tend to make good excuses why I shouldn’t work out (as you know LOL!) Once I get started, I am good alone or with a DVD telling me what to do.
I don’t like gyms and classes too much cause it’s crowded and I get distracted with all the people. Once I start a workout, I do my best and give it my all. Since I started, I might as well get the most out of it, is the way I see it.
Thank you for asking and for always sharing,
Kellie
Kellie Hosaka recently posted..A New World Is Emerging – People Working Together
I also find that once started I am good, although I don’t work out as hard, but I do it! What are you doing these days for exercise, Kellie??
Hi Holly,
Your post will get people to thinking, and hopefully to exercise! For me, most definitely, a group exercise class is the way to go. I love my Zumba class. Or when I have a walking partner, I am more apt to get out there and get it done. Zumba class has been on break for 2 weeks and I am looking forward to it resuming next week.
I love exercise that is fun!
Lynn
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So are you back at Zumba, Lynn? I love Zumba too!! Glad to hear you have found what works for you. Keep on movin!!
well holly, i definitely swing both ways! as a former spin instructor, i believe the classes are like the party at the gym–always more fun and motivating, and i really appreciate the music in a class to get me pumped up. but, there is something said about the “alone” time when i’m working out solo. i like to think, meditate, pray, or just relax when i’m by myself, and it’s more difficult to do that when the LMFAO is blaring. these days i’m usually out jogging with my daughter in her stroller more than i’m at the gym, and since she is a poor conversationalist (she only knows a few words!) you could say i’m pretty much working out alone more than not.
Classes are the party at the gum!! we have people who often tell us that… but they don’t think they can handle the class so they continue to work out on their own!!
So interesting how each person finds what works best for them! Thanks for sharing, Melissa!
Hello Holly,
I went to college for sport and have enjoyed both training alone and as part of a team training and in various classes. These days shamefully I do zero! Thankfully so far have retained a small frame but of course doing nothing does not benefits one’s health!
Sadie-Michaela Harris recently posted..The way we do business
Get movin there, Sadie-Michaela!! That sedentary life will catch up with you!! You are right nothing nothing does not benefit one’s health! Thanks for stopping by!
Excellent post. I agree. Working out alone, at home or outside, with a few basic pieces of equipment is the way to go. I had a personal trainer for nearly a year, who came to my house twice a week and coached me in how to do strength and other exercises anywhere – from the kitchen floor to the back yard. But, most of my friends and colleagues do not have the motivation to do this, and neither, were they willing to invest the money in personal trainers.
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You are right, Santosh. Many people aren’t willing to get the assistance to find a personal trainer or the professional help they need and therefore end up causing injuries and then quitting, or not getting enough results so they get frustrated. Good for you to have taken the step to do what it takes to make it work for you!
I prefer to work out alone. But in truth my workouts are a lot more cardio machines then anything else these days. Having a gym buddy does have its positives for me as well though. For one thing, if I know there is someone else going with me I am less likely to skip out on the workout. And its nice to have someone there to encourage me when I am lifting a lot of weight.
Clint Butler recently posted..Lindt Chocolate R.S.V.P. Review – How Fat Will It Make You?
There are benefits to having a workout partner.. especially when it comes to lifting weights… The cardio is much easier to do alone, I agree. Make sure you get some strength training it, Clint!! Whatever it takes!
The fitness class in my dojo was nice to go to as there were a few gals that I could talk with, but I did not do much talking as I was busy working out. I tend to like to workout on my own, except in a busy setting. It is strange, but I find more motivation that way.
Nile recently posted..Graphic: Blogging Is Not A Glamorous Job
Sometimes just having those other people there to workout with is the motivation we need.. whether we talk or not the camaraderie is there! Thanks for sharing, Nile.
Hi Holly,
I don’t work out much (hangs head in shame). I do run 5k every week though to make up for my laziness. I prefer solitude really when it comes to exercise. So running suits me down to the ground and my trainers.
But generally I like working on projects as a team. I like bouncing ideas of each other. I like listening. I love solving problems and do a lot of project management.
So like Sarah said above, I guess it depends on the setting and what I am doing.
Thanks for making me think,
Beth
Beth Hewitt recently posted..Is Your Community Coolio or Coldio (new made-up word)?
Running is great cardio.. Hopefully I have put a bug in your ear, so to speak, and once planted there one day you will feel the urge to work on those muscles!! Thanks for sharing Beth!
I used to love working alone, but after a while it gets, well lonely. That’s why I enjoy at least striking up a conversation on Facebook, or doing a hangout. And I find I am actually more productive and motivated after talking with other people.
So does that mean you workout after you are motivated after talking with other people, Clint? LOL
Socializing is certainly a huge part of many people’s workouts! For some their social life is at the gym with those who are there on a regular basis!!
I never liked workouts in groups. I try to work out 6 days a week (and I always do when I am on a 30-60-90 day program).
For me it is not only distracting but adds time to the mix. I like to get my work outs done effectively in a short period of time..in fact about 30-45 mins max.
I don’t really have the time to drive to a gym, meet with others, stand in line to use equipment etc.
I like to just put in the DVD and follow along, just me myself and I. I also thik I am pretty self conscious about the whole idea of having other watch me work out.
Jacqueline Waters recently posted..Home
Good choice Jacqueline! Whatever it takes to get the workout in! And 30-45 minutes is a good amount of time! I think it’s crazy when people have to work out 75 to 90 minutes!! Although a great yoga class can run 90 minutes to get a great relax stretch in!!
Hi Holly,
thank you for shining a light on this.
A few years ago I went to the gym for a while and I found the noise of the music and the type of the music did not harmonize with me.
Now I exercise at home first thing in the morning which works for me.
I can see the advantages of working out in the group and the support it supplies.
Thank you for sharing this.
Love and Light
Yorinda
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I understand totally about the music thing!! So good for you to have found what works for you! And every morning!! Way to go, Yorinda!