Solo or Group Exercise?

The Fumbling Generalist
5 min readJan 20, 2023

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There is a right answer!

Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are a few different options when it comes to how to exercise, including solo and group exercises.

Each type of exercise has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider both when deciding which type of exercise is right for you.

One advantage of solo exercise is that it allows you to exercise at your own pace. When you’re working out on your own, you can go as fast or as slow as you want, and you can take breaks whenever you need to. This can be especially helpful for people who are new to exercise, or for those who are recovering from an injury. Solo exercise also allows you to focus on your own goals, rather than trying to keep up with a group or an instructor.

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Another advantage of solo exercise is that it allows you to choose your own workout routine. When you’re working out on your own, you can choose the types of exercises that you enjoy the most, and you can mix and match them to create a workout that’s tailored to your needs and preferences.

However, solo exercise does have some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that it can be more difficult to stay motivated when you’re working out on your own. Without the encouragement and support of others, it can be easy to skip workouts or cut them short. Solo exercise can also be less fun than group exercise, as it lacks the social aspect of working out with others.

Group exercise, on the other hand, has several advantages. One of the biggest advantages is that it can be more motivating than solo exercise. When you’re working out with others, you’re more likely to push yourself harder and to stay on track with your fitness goals. Group exercise can also be more fun than solo exercise, as you have the opportunity to socialize and make new friends while you’re working out.

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Another advantage of group exercise is that it provides the opportunity to learn from others. Whether you’re taking a class with an instructor or working out with a group of friends, you have the chance to learn new exercises and techniques, and to get feedback on your form. This can be especially helpful for those who are new to exercise, or for those who are looking to improve their skills.

However, group exercise does have some disadvantages. One disadvantage is that it may not be as flexible as a solo exercise. Group workouts are typically scheduled in advance, so you may have to fit your workouts around the class times. Group exercise can also be more expensive than solo exercise, as many group classes come with a fee.

So solo or group exercise, what’s the right answer?

It depends on the individual.

SOLO ROUTE

There are a few different individuals or situations that may be better suited for solo exercise. Some of these include:

  • People who are new to exercise: Solo exercise can be a good starting point for people who are new to exercise, as it allows them to get comfortable with workouts at their own pace.
  • People who prefer to exercise alone: Some people simply prefer to exercise on their own and may find group exercise to be less enjoyable.
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  • People who have busy or unpredictable schedules: Solo exercise allows for more flexibility with scheduling, so it may be a better option for people who have busy or unpredictable schedules.
  • People who are recovering from an injury: Solo exercise can allow for more control over the intensity and duration of workouts, making it a good option for people who are recovering from an injury.
  • People who have specific fitness goals: Solo exercise allows for more focus on individual goals, rather than trying to keep up with a group or instructor.

Overall, solo exercise may be a good option for people who prefer to exercise alone, who have busy or unpredictable schedules, or who are new to exercise or recovering from an injury. It can also be a good choice for those who have specific fitness goals that they want to focus on.

GROUP ROUTE

There are a few different individuals or situations that may be better suited for group exercise. Some of these include:

  • People who are motivated by social support and accountability: Group exercise can provide a sense of community and support, which can be very motivating for some people.
  • People who enjoy the social aspect of exercise: Some people find that exercising with others is more fun and enjoyable than exercising alone.
Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash
  • People who are looking to try new exercises or workouts: Group exercise, especially classes led by instructors, can provide the opportunity to try new exercises and workouts that you might not have access to on your own.
  • People who are looking for a more diverse workout experience: Group exercise can offer a greater variety of workouts and exercises, as well as the opportunity to try different instructors and styles.

Overall, group exercise may be a good option for people who are motivated by social support and accountability, who enjoy the social aspect of exercise, or who are looking to try new workouts and exercises. It can also be a good choice for those who are looking for a more diverse workout experience.

Both solo and group exercise have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Solo exercise allows you to exercise at your own pace and to choose your own workout routine, but it can be more difficult to stay motivated and less fun than group exercise.

Group exercise is more motivating and can be more fun, but it may not be as flexible and can be more expensive. Ultimately, the best type of exercise for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

And here’s the thing: Nobody said, you should go solo, all the way or go with your group all the time. You can mix and match depending on your mood or the relevant situation.

The more important thing is to stay active whatever the situation.

Good luck!

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The Fumbling Generalist
The Fumbling Generalist

Written by The Fumbling Generalist

I write about random things that I feel suddenly passionate about. And I’m man with many passions. (About 204,753 of them…and counting!)

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