Why group exercise is better

There are plenty of studies referenced online which support the hypothesis that group exercise is far more effective than individual approaches.

• Researchers from the University of Oxford did a couple in depth research studies which were discussed in their 2015 paper

• The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association discusses the results of their study in a 2017 paper

• The list goes on...

Or if you prefer look at the huge growth in the group fitness class space with companies like Orange Theory, F45, and CrossFit. The capital market tells the story.

Of course in the joy that has been 2020 much of that seems to have changed. Few if any studies have been released this year about the benefits of group fitness and the capital market sure hasn’t been kind to some of the above mentioned companies. We know that exercising in a group works, but... what about exercising in a group during covid?

Let’s take a step back and look at why exercising in a group made so much since prior to the melt down of everything with the pandemic.

What makes group exercise better?

• Accountability - As humans we have a natural desire to not let our groups down. Whether it is family, work, friends, or the local softball team, we feel accountable to these people and want to bring our best. If you are part of a team or a group in the area of fitness the same holds true. You made a commitment to this group and that is stronger than the commitment you might make to yourself.

• Group Camaraderie - We are social creatures. We enjoy being able to compare and discuss what we are doing. We love to laugh, joke and have a good time but we also like to have others to turn to for consultation and support.

• Motivation - Let’ face it… life can at times wear you down, but your friends, your team, they are a source of restoration.

But, when we can’t get together and sweat on or near each other, can we still achieve those core pieces that make group exercise better? Here at Competition Dojo, we believe you can if you sprinkle just a little healthy competition on top.

Accountability?? Whether it is as an individual, as part of a team or as part of a corporate team your involvement in Competition Dojo leads to accountability. You are committing to compete in an event every month. If you are bold and take on some of the extra events your accountability goes up. If you don’t submit your results, people will know. If you are part of one of our online teams, the accountability factor increases because while you are competing against your teammates you are also competing with them against other teams. If you post a “no results” you are bringing down your teams ranking. Given the capabilities with social media and messaging it is hard to imagine much difference between your level of accountability in the old world versus our new found land of pandemica.

Group Camaraderie?? Just like with accountability, all the aspects of social interchange, trash talk, poking fun, laughing, and support that come through in person groups are still available and sometimes enhanced in a virtual world. Consider that your group no longer has geographic boundaries. You aren’t forced to generate camaraderie with the group of sweaty fools that inhabit your local gym. You can reach out to remote friends, family, or even your online gaming groups to bring together groups from very widespread areas.

Motivation?? This is the area where we like to sprinkle in a bit of competition. It is often an underlying component in the old school (perish the thought) gather in person exercise classes, but it is there. Orange theory has their board at the front of the class showing where people rank. CrossFiters are constantly comparing their WOD performance, etc. In the world of virtual fitness it shouldn’t be any different and that is why Competition Dojo celebrates the joy of competition. We don’t hide from the fact that a big part of the reason we get off the couch is because we really want to see if we still have it. We want to know where we rank. Motivated? You bet.

So, when we do the math, it looks like once again our evil uncle Covid has taught us a little more about who we are and why we do what we do. Group exercise is better and the virtual world doesn’t prevent that reality; it can actually enhance it. Join the competitive revolution and let us help you find the benefits of group fitness, exercise and fun at Competition Dojo.