Why Group Fitness Outshines Solo Workouts
After a weeklong hiatus in our Arctic Freeze Sauna 😜 we’re excited to be back to our regularly scheduled programming! This week’s guest bloggers are Trenton Sweet and Kaitlyn Sweet of Energy Fitness Studios!
Authors | Gym Owners (Energy Fitness) | Athletes | Coaches | Podcasters 🎙️ 💪 📖
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🙋♀️ 🙋♂️ Have you ever wondered what the missing piece of your wellness routine is? Why you keep falling back into the same routines? Well, you’re on Sanctuary’s blog so you probably have your bio-hacking and recovery game ON-POINT – But, since you’re here…. Maybe that missing piece is group fitness!?
Engaging in regular physical activity is a proven way to enhance mental well-being and as we are all aware, mental health issues are a real concern in our country today. What if we told you that just 45-60 minutes a day – 3-5x a week could alleviate many of those concerns including anxiety and depression?
While any form of movement can improve health, group fitness offers unique advantages that go beyond solo workouts. Any team athlete can attest to the profound benefits of training within a group. This blog explores the benefits of exercise on mental health and explains how specific group fitness modalities—such as yoga, hot yoga, barre, kettlebell, and dumbbell workouts—positively influence hormonal balance, the lymphatic system, immune function, cognition, fertility, mood, and digestion.
💪 The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Regular physical activity has been shown to:
• Reduce Stress and Anxiety – Exercise lowers cortisol and adrenaline levels, promoting relaxation. (Harvard Health)
• Alleviate Depression – Physical activity stimulates endorphin production, acting as a natural mood booster. (Harvard Health)
• Enhance Cognitive Function – Exercise improves brain function, memory, and learning. (NIH Study)
• Boost Self-Esteem – Reaching fitness goals fosters confidence and a positive self-image.
Why Group Fitness is More Effective Than Solo Workouts
While exercising alone has benefits, group fitness provides additional advantages:
• Social Support – Being part of a group creates a sense of community, reducing loneliness and depression. To be clear and blunt here… loneliness and depression are big issues in our world today. (NIH Study)
• Increased Motivation – The group setting encourages accountability, healthy competition, and consistency. Most people don’t struggle with “not-knowing exercise is good for them” they struggle with accountability and motivation, you know the lost important part – showing up.
That’s where group fitness way outshines solo workouts. Imagine not having to worry if your gym partner is gonna make it today and leave you stuck working out alone – imagine not having that excuse of not having a spotter, or not knowing what to do, or not being competitive with yourself to improve. Group fitness solves all of the above.
• Structured Guidance – Classes ensure proper technique, reducing injury risk, insuring progress, and one-on-one coaching and form management by a coach. Our educated and dedicated coaches design the entire workout, you just have to show up and do it
A study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that individuals in group fitness classes experienced a 26% reduction in stress and significant improvements in mental and emotional well-being compared to those who exercised alone. (Read the study)
How Different Group Fitness Modalities Enhance Mental and Physical Health
🧘♀️ Yoga, Hot Yoga & yoga varieties
• Reduces Anxiety & Depression – Regular yoga practice improves mental well-being. (Harvard Health)
• Balances Hormones – Regulates the HPA axis, leading to healthier cortisol levels. (NIH Study)
• Strengthens Immunity – Lowers inflammation and enhances immune function.
• Boosts Cognition – Improves focus, memory, and neural flexibility.
• Aids Digestion – Certain poses support gut health and digestion.
🩰 💪 Barre Workouts
• Improves Mental Clarity – Mind-body connection reduces stress. (Everyday Health)
• Enhances Lymphatic Flow & Immunity – Promotes circulation and detoxification.
• Boosts Mood – Upbeat energy and music elevate overall well-being.
💪 🏋️ Kettlebell & Dumbbell Workouts
• Reduces Anxiety & Depression – Strength training is linked to lower stress. (NIH Study)
• Supports Hormonal Health – Improves balance between anabolic and catabolic hormones whilst decreasing overall cortisol levels and increasing HGH and Testosterone (fantastic for men and women). (NIH Study)
• Enhances Cognition – Functional movement patterns boost coordination and mental focus.
• Improves Mood & Self-Esteem – Gaining strength fosters confidence, mood enhances through the secretion of seratonin and other positive feedback loop hormones.
• Aids Digestion – Regular movement promotes gut motility and promotes healthy digestive tracts.
💪 Experience the Benefits at Energy Fitness Studio
Looking to optimize your mental and physical health? Energy Fitness Studio is the place to do it. We offer yoga, barre, kettlebell, dumbbell, and strength-based classes designed to help you feel and perform at your best.
📍 Location: 100 Adios Drive, Suite 1060, Washington, PA 15301 (just five minutes from Sanctuary off Racetrack road in the same plaza as Primanti Brothers)
📅 Check out our schedule and book a class today: Energy Fitness Studio Class Schedule
First class is always free 😉
📧 EnergyFitnessStudio33@gmail.com
The Ultimate Combination of Fitness & Recovery
⭐️ For the best results, combine exercise with recovery. Sanctuary offers infrared saunas, PEMF, Halo Therapy, and more, which work perfectly alongside your training to:
✔ Optimize circulation
✔ Enhance muscle recovery
✔ Reduce stress
✔️ Improve look good naked-ness 👍
Continue Your Health & Fitness Journey
🎙 Listen to The Energy Fitness Podcast on Spotify, Apple, and more for deep dives into fitness, nutrition, and holistic health.
📚 Read Our Books:
• Awakening the Tranquil Warrior – A guide to resilience, self-discipline, and personal mastery.
• Rewilding the Modern Man – Reclaim strength, purpose, and connection to nature.
Thank you for reading—keep up the good work!
