32 Comments
Aug 31, 2023Liked by Mikala Jamison

Its always great to workout with a bigger group of people due to everyone keeping each-other accountable and encouraging each-other. I was a rowing coach over the summer, some days I had a large group where I couldn't exactly have my eyes on everyone and other days I had a smaller group where I was able to focus on everyone. But some days girls would come to me one on one and ask for help, which was nice because I could give them all my attention. Having a bigger group it is harder to motivate everyone, but it makes it easier for the girls to try and hype each other up and keep each-other accountable, like I said before.

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I agree with you, and think the accountability factor is huge for the group exercise, as well as increased social interaction which can be beneficial. Although, individual exercise does need self-accountability which is also important likewise.

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Aug 31, 2023Liked by Mikala Jamison

I used to have a personal trainer in high school and it was really fun and exciting. My trainer was very helpful and was able to meet my needs and encourage me to do more. I was actually happy I wasn't in a group class or anything since I would get distracted easier.

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Aug 31, 2023Liked by Mikala Jamison

People in group classes do tend to get more distracted. A lot of the time they start having side conversations instead of doing the workout.

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Hi Xolisa, that is true being in a group and be intimidating a bit of a distraction. Not everyone can say that they enjoyed their personal trainer and met their goals but I'm glad that you were able to

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Aug 31, 2023Liked by Mikala Jamison

This summer, I was a group exercise instructor and personal trainer. My classes were a good size to where I could pay attention to form on all of my participants. When classes are bigger, it is up to the client to keep themselves accountable and I often see people in the group encouraging others and helping with their form. When I do privates, my sole focus is on my one client and it is easier to motivate them with their personal goals and recognize what corrections they need.

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Aug 31, 2023Liked by Mikala Jamison

I can agree to this from being a rowing coach over the summer!

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Aug 31, 2023Liked by Mikala Jamison

I agree with you when I did a solo personal trainer she was able to motivate and help me improve on my corrections. I hope that I can hope someone achieve their goals in the future

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As a cheerleading coach, I agree with this statement. I personally go for a medium size class.

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I loved this article. It incorporated experience, knowledge, opinions, and various viewpoints. I think sometimes people wanting to exercise think things are completely black and white. Like, you have to either be a Peloton user or a powerlifter. You can't be both. But exercise is about balance. And doing what you enjoy. So I think this article was great in conveying to do what you love but also mix it up and try new things.

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I did cross country during all of high school. Getting up for practice at 6 a.m and running 10 miles before school started was very hard sometimes. But, when I had all my friends and team mates, it was hard but made me more motivated.

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I really liked this article and how it highlighted how both solo and group workouts have positive and negative aspects. I know for a fact though that I personally prefer exercise in a group setting. Group motivation is so real to me and is often what gets me through the whole workout. I also like how training with a partner can increase intensity because I know sometimes I go to the gym on my own and sort of chill out and do sub par weights but when I have a gym partner its so hard to not be pushing yourself because they push you even when you don't want it. I really feel like group workouts are where its at for me personally but I've been training for long enough that I shouldn't get severely injured from a technique related standpoint, I definitely feel like beginners should hire a personal trainer though, a lot of the benefits of a group workout without many of the negatives.

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I agree, I prefer group exercise to encourage one another and feel the energy of one another while exercising. I find myself pushing myself more when I'm in a group or with a partner too. I think the author made a great point about emphasizing the importance of having correct technique and knowledge of movements before engaging in exercise groups, where you could potentially injure yourself.

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I learned about the advantages and disadvantages of working out alone and working out in a group. Me personally, I like going to the gym with someone but I like to do my own thing. I do like to take yoga classes, etc. with people however. But when it comes to getting a workout in I have always been the kind of person who likes to workout by myself with my music. I do see the benefits of both sides however. Maybe I will give working out with my friends and groups a try more often! It seems as if it could be super rewarding.

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I am a soccer player on the JU women's soccer team and we have 40 players on our team. We do have a big group of girls so it is harder for everyone to get the amount of reps on the field, but when we work together and communicate it helps things run a little smoother than others. At times we do work in smaller groups which is much easier, but having everyone around you makes the sport much more fun than usual in my opinion.

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I totally agree with this, I felt the same way about playing lax in high school

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I enjoyed this article, as it highlights both positive and negative connotations that come with working out in groups, as well as working out individually. Individual workouts need a greater level of discipline, and group workouts can provide upside with social interaction and motivation. Personally, I like a mixture of both and think each can have benefits depending on the goal of the individual.

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I think this article does a great job of highlighting the pros and cons of both group fitness classes and solo workouts. Being a dancer, taking class with others is a non-negotiable, but I love that about dance. I find that the people around me feed my motivation and challenge me to be my best self. I do also enjoy cross-training and will often do this on my own in the form of Pilates or sometimes a walk or run. I know there are certain movements I do while cross-training that I know I could perform with better form, but I always try to listen to my body and acknowledge how I am feeling that day. Sometimes this hyper self-awareness that I feel when working out alone can get lost when I am with others. Overall, I think it is nice to incorporate both group and solo workouts into an exercise routine.

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I really relate with you on what you said about hyper awareness, when I workout alone I feel so self aware but when I have a workout partner or group I stop worrying about myself and focus on whether my partner needs a spot or if they're doing the reps right or if they need motivation, etc

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I am grateful that you mentioned benefits and downsides of each workout setting. After reading this article, I understand that if one's schedule permits, it would probably be best to have a balance of both. Being in a group setting permits social interaction and accountability from those in your class. However, without a personalized or specific workout for one person, it can be tough for beginners in classes with difficult techniques/heavy workouts. This is where a small group or individual workouts would shine. Learning the best workouts for oneself and becoming better at the necessary techniques.

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I often times notice when I lift weights with a partner I often times workout a lot harder and feel more energized, but when I workout by myself I feel a lot weaker and alot more tired. I believe it is because of the motivation and keeping each other accountable, but I do believe it created a bad habit where I don't push myself as hard.

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Yes, I do agree that when you workout with someone else it pushes you to the best of your ability and it will motivate you to become better!

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After reading and reflecting on this article it open my perspective and understanding that there are always going to be pros and cons of working solo and with groups. With my experience i enjoy a bit of mixture, as sometimes being around friends it give you that motivation where each and everyone is encouraging one another to the best of their limits to go above and beyond which it great for the body and mental health but sometimes working on your own is quite better too as there are days where you just want your alone time to do your own thing which is completely normal.

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I agree, I think it is nice to have a balance of both group and solo workouts. It is nice to be surrounded by others while working out to feel a greater sense of community and motivation, but sometimes working out alone can allow you to focus on more personal goals.

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After reviewing the article, I have learned that there are pros and cons to both group and solo exercise work. Both having its benefits, for me personally it would depend on the day. However, I feel if I had a group workout, I would be more reliable to show up because someone could be depending on me to show up. Overall, both have its benefits.

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Agreed! I also mentioned that having both pros and cons of each workouts made it much easier to decipher which workout setting would best fit an individual. Personally, a group would also be best for me because when I work out alone my consistency tends to die off after about 2 weeks without an accountability partner.

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I enjoyed the weight of each of these options. I can too agree that I need other people to keep me accountable, and motivate me to the next level. I'm not sure if it's the competition of "if she can do it, I can do it too." Although I can agree that yoga classes with a group in comparison to one my own is a night and day difference. With a group setting, I am much more focused and tuned in. When it's just me I tend to finish my workout earlier and don't find as much joy in it.

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I definitely find myself enjoying the workout when I'm with another person.

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Having read this article, I have a better understanding of the pros and cons of doing exercise in a group than on your own. Me personally, I like a mixture of both as sometimes I do not always feel to be interactive especially after a long day. I think it's really about one's preference and the goals they have for themselves. Overall, I personally would say that...... one on one is better if you are a beginner.

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I absolutely agree! It depends on the day and how I am feeling because like you said I do not always feel like being social. Sometimes working out by yourself can be therapeutic and other times working out with a group can be a lot of fun and even more rewarding.

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I agree Joanna, like those who are beginner they should for sure do a one on one session before doing it on their own, having someone to show you the ropes is better than being clueless which i wish i did that worked out with someone who knows their ropes around the gym but i got the hang of it after a while.

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Yes, I agree that a mixture of both is good. Being about to work comfortably by yourself is an important step for success. Making sure you are properly exercising is key as well.

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