Depending on your personal physical needs and fitness goals, you may want to enroll in an exercise class, or simply engage in individual exercise. However, exercise classes are not for some, just as individual exercise may not be for others. The easiest way to evaluate your situation and decide which exercise method you should take on is to look at your discipline level, motivation level, and fitness needs. This evaluation will tell you which method of exercising will best fit your fitness goals and encourage you to continue exercising.
Discipline Level. Exercise is an activity that can be a difficult discipline for many people. After school, work, and other daily obligations, it is easy to keep putting exercise off until you eventually never come around to it. If this sounds like you, exercise classes are most likely the route you should take for numerous reasons. One reason is that you have to pay for most exercise classes. You are more likely to attend these classes after you have paid for them, even if you would rather go. Another reason is that after you attend a few of these scheduled classes, exercise becomes a part of your daily routine. You begin to gain exercise discipline. On the other hand, if you are disciplined enough to work out individually, and would rather do so, then deal with others, individual exercise might work for you. Individual exercise is also great for those who are embarrassed to exercise in front of others. A full work out at home is much more effective then a half work out at the gym.
Motivation Level. If you can’t motivate yourself to exercise, why not surround yourself with others who also want to get in great physical shape. Exercise classes should motivate you to exercise as much as possible to stay on track with others in the class. Even simple feedback from others can boost your confidence and encourage you to stick with you exercise plan. Some already have their own person motivation instilled within them from the time they planned their fitness goals. Again, these people would be great candidates for individual exercise. However, in case your motivation level could be boosted, it is always better to exercise with others for support.
Fitness Goals. Lastly, your fitness goals can determine if exercise classes or individual work out would be more appropriate for you. Sometimes a less tense fitness goal could allow for a relaxed environment such as the home. These goals can include things such getting back into shape and re-toning the body, especially after pregnancy. However for larger fitness goals such as targeted weight loss, exercise classes would be a more beneficial decision. The best way to determine your best place of exercise is to try both and see how they work for you.