When I started working out and running on a regular basis I was all about the solo time. I looked forward to that hour or so a day when I could get away by myself. It wasn’t until I joined groups like the Badgerland Striders and Dailymile that I started branching out and meeting people who had the same interests as me – running like a fool. Of course, because of logistics and scheduling I still log most of my workouts alone but I’m always looking forward to the next group run. Not only does the time seem to fly by when you have buddies to chat with but it’s easier to push yourself to the next level when you have a friend pushing with you. For example, this past weekend I was pushed by a friend to a much faster pace on the final mile of a long distance run- something I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have done on my own at that point. Sometimes you forget what your body is capable of until you’re actually called upon to do it. Let’s face it, there was no way I wanted to be left behind while everyone else finished. I was going to dig deep and find a way to get it done.
In a way the same idea is behind group exercise classes. You may not know everyone in the room- or anyone at all for that matter- but something about being a room full of people makes you want to perform your best. I like to practice yoga and Pilates at home but I make sure to check in at class every couple of weeks because it always kicks my butt to do so. There are no rests or breaks and I certainly don’t want to look like I’m not working my hardest. It’s not even like it’s a competition either- at least not with anyone other than yourself. I figure if you’re going to take the time out of your day to go, you might as well give it everything you’ve got. Plus, who wants to waste money on a class if you’re not going to get the most possible out of it?
What about you? Does exercising in a group push you to work harder?
*Photo by Mike Baird.
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