Dreaming of a perfect beach body but not sure how to get there? Get honed and toned at your local health club with advice from newly converted gym bunny and Natural Health columnist Dr Nicola Davies
Dreaming of a perfect beach body but not sure how to get there? Get honed and toned at your local health club with advice from newly converted gym bunny and Natural Health columnist Dr Nicola Davies
Tired of your current workout ? Me too! That is why I decided to bite the bullet and join my local health club. My exercise routine for the past few years has been moaning and groaning in front of the X-Box and the cobwebs were starting to show. So, armed with the gym timetable, I decided to mix up my workout by trying them all: legs, bums and tums; body combat; zumba; spinning; body attack; body pump; pilates; and, yes, even pole dancing!
The energy of many
So, what is the reason behind why fitness classes such as these are so successful? This can be put down to the ‘group effect.’ The group effect is scientifically proven to help you maintain your motivation through support and inspiration. On your own, it is easier to stop your exercise regime before you achieve your goals. However, the group effect uses ‘the energy of many,’ according to Les Mills, distributor of trademarked exercise progammes that harness the group effect. The energy of many makes exercise fun, motivational, and inspirational.
Working out in a group can give us the confidence and support we need to unleash our true physical potential, which can also help us start to enjoy exercise rather than see it is a chore. “We are also socially motivated when we are in a setting that fosters camaraderie,” explains Dr Amanda Adams, nutritionist and personal trainer. Indeed, working out with others can also act as encouragement to push ourselves that little bit more.
Which class is for you?
The class you choose depends on what you are looking for. In all honesty, I didn’t loathe any of them. The group effect was clearly present in all classes. Although I was a little uncomfortable in the dance classes such as zumba and pole dancing, there really was no need to be as the emphasis was on fun rather than achieving perfect moves. My favourite classes by far were and still are body combat and body attack. These, in my opinion, are truly addictive classes that help you let off steam while toning all parts of the body. The high intensity also means that you feel a true sense of achievement afterwards. There is a definite lift in my mood after these classes, supporting the evidence that suggests such classes release endorphins, our happy hormones.
The best class for…
A motivating and interactional atmosphere: Body Attack
Letting off steam and getting that endorphin high: Body Combat
Building muscle: Body Pump
Toning those hard to reach areas: Legs, Bums and Tums
Targeting the mind and body: Pilates
Building self-confidence while exercising: Pole Dancing
Fast results: Spinning
Having fun while exercising: Zumba
Article by
Dr Nicola Davies
Psychologist
Psychology Consultant and Freelance Writer with an interest in psychology, health, and well-being.
Discover more
Article by
Dr Nicola Davies
Psychologist
Psychology Consultant and Freelance Writer with an interest in psychology, health, and well-being.
Discover more
By Dr Nicola Davies
By Dr Nicola Davies 
