Pack Mentality
April 30, 2024
Writer: Reilly French
Editor: Chava Makman
Whether you are lifting weights, doing cardio, or engaging in any other form of exercise, working out is a challenge. Each type of exercise, from spin class to pilates to solo gym sessions, requires its own skill set and level of motivation. But is there a fundamental difference between working out in a group setting and working out alone? Does one or the other have a greater impact on physical and health improvements? Group workout classes are growing in popularity and constantly evolving to cater to clients, but without focus on individuals from the teacher, do they have as much of an impact as they advertise to have? Let's compare these two modes of exercise to help you decide which workout style aligns best with your goals and preferences.
Many studies have been conducted as the popularity of group fitness has grown, and people have wondered what the rage is all about. Dian Griesel, Ph.D., found that workouts with other individuals help to maintain consistency in one another, helping to support fitness goals and promises that one may make to themselves and others; “‘No shows’ and cancellations get noticed by others, and positive peer pressure can help curtail the urges to skip a workout … or quit (Steinhilber).” Accountability can be a huge issue, especially when having to keep oneself accountable every day, so having others make sure you are feeling supported and give you the extra boost can help maintain the consistency of your workout. A pack mentality can even be considered appropriate here; you do not want to let others down just like you don’t want them to let you down, and you maintain your dedication to the workout promise one may make with an individual.
In addition to the inclination to work in packs, humans also have a competitive nature. Studies have also shown that having others around you working out can help you push yourself harder than you might when you are alone, helping you to improve and grow your strengths (Steinhilber). There is also a sense of ease when going to a workout class: the plan is made for you, and you just have to show up and do your best. Often, though, because of this kind of perk, expenses can be an issue as most workout classes are not often easily accessible or affordable. Following all the pros of group fitness, the cons seemed to be balanced by the pros that solo exercise can provide
Though working out on your own requires more self-accountability and internal motivation, it has many benefits that group fitness often cannot match. Solo workouts allow you to workout anywhere at any time. You can make your schedule and choose what you want to do; this kind of independence comes with responsibility. Not only is this responsibility to help keep yourself accountable, but it is also necessary to keep yourself safe by learning about the workouts beforehand to make sure you are doing them correctly (Crunch Fitness Blog). However, this in itself is majorly beneficial as oftentimes, in classes, there is no time for the instructor to correct your positioning. Solo work can also remove any social pressure or intimidation, allowing you to work at your own pace and in a way that allows you to self-improve. Solo exercise can keep you in tune with your mind and body. Dr. Jonathan Bae, Sports Clinic’s Physiotherapist and sports trainer, says, “Working out alone can help clear your mind, relieving stress through reflection and physical activity (Exercising alone: Benefits go beyond fitness gains).”
So, there are differences between working out individually and in a group, but is one better? No. The decision is up to you, depending on your physical fitness goals and what kind of person you are, both motivationally and socially. In the end, it comes down to preference and which environment you feel best performing in.
Work Cited:
American Osteopathic Association. "Group exercise improves quality of life, reduces stress far more than individual work outs." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 October 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171030092917.htm>.
Crunch. “Individual vs. Personal vs. Group Fitness.” Crunch, 28 Dec. 2023, www.crunch.com/thehub/group-fitness/.
“Exercising Alone: Benefits Go beyond Fitness Gains.” The House of Wellness, 27 Dec. 2021, www.houseofwellness.com.au/health/fitness/solo-exercise-benefits#:~:text=%E2%80%9CWorking%20out%20alone%20can%20help,prefer%20to%20exercise%20with%20others.
Steinhilber, Brianna. “The Health Benefits of Working out with a Crowd.” NBCNews.Com, NBCUniversal News Group, 25 Sept. 2017, www.nbcnews.com/better/health/why-you-should-work-out-crowd-ncna798936.
Selby, Laura. “Researchers Find Group Exercise Improves Quality of Life and Reduces Stress Far More than Individual Exercise.” American Osteopathic Association, 30 May 2018, osteopathic.org/2017/10/30/10-30-researchers-find-group-exercise-improves-quality-of-life-and-reduces-stress-far-more-than-individual-exercise/.
