YMCA Healthy Living Magazine, powered by n4 food and health Spring 2017 | Page 15

HARLEY MAKIN
Harley has worked in the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer, exercise scientist and
recently completed his Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology. Harley believes exercise is
essential for everyone to live a life of health and wellness. He is passionate about spreading the
message that at least 30minutes of daily physical activity will improve one’s quality of life and
longevity. You can connect with Harley via LinkedIn.
STRENGTH
IN NUMBERS
While there are certain things in life that should definitely be done alone,
some activities are better with company. Exercise physiologist Harley Makin
explains why exercise is one such activity.
es! Exercising by yourself can
be fantastic – because you
can do it whenever your
schedule permits, you can choose the
activities that you know you enjoy, and
you can control the duration of the
workout or activity. However, there are
also many benefits to exercising with
others; here are five of them.
Y
1 You’re more likely to stick
to your exercise regime
When you start taking part in group
fitness classes or group training
sessions, you’ll tend to maintain a more
consistent exercise schedule, which
can make sticking to an exercise
regime easier. Additionally, because
class durations can vary and they’re
held at all times of the day and night,
even when you have time constraints
you can usually find a class that suits
your schedule.
2 You’ll feel more
accountable
When you workout with a buddy or as
part of a group, you’re more likely to
stick to your training routine or
sporting activity. This is because when
you’ve arranged to meet someone at
6am (for example), then it’s usually
less likely you’ll bail on the activity,
because you know you’ll be letting
someone down if you do.
3 You’ll enhance your
motivation
5 You’ll avoid getting bored
When you’re sharing your health
journey with another person or as part
of a group, you’re spending time with
like-minded people who you can
usually relate to, and who can typically
relate to you. This situation can often
prove to be highly encouraging and
motivating because your successes
become their successes, and vice
versa. Also, when you’re surrounded by
people who are all undertaking the
same activity, there is usually a natural
element of competition present. The
benefit of this can be that you feel
inspired to perform better or not be left
behind, which can generate even better
overall results.
4 All fitness levels are
catered for
Group exercise classes cater to all
levels of fitness and experience. So
whether you’re a beginner or an
advanced exerciser, you can join a
class and know that you’re going to
experience a safe but effective
workout. This can be especially
comforting, particularly for those who
are new to exercise. Group fitness
classes and group training sessions
can also enable you to try things you
may not feel comfortable or confident
enough to try on your own.
Often, people quit an exercise program
because they get bored. But thanks to
a group fitness timetable that boasts a
variety of classes, you can always find
a class type that fits in with your
interests and abilities. The outcome of
this is that you’ll avoid boredom,
maintain your interest, and keep the
results coming! Many people also find
that time passes a lot more quickly
when they’re doing a group fitness
class, which makes it an even more
appealing way to exercise.
Marietta Mehanni has been a group
fitness instructor with the YMCA since
1990. Recently, she received her 25-year
Achievement Award in recognition of her
loyal service, so if anyone understands
the benefits of group training, it’s
Marietta! She said, ‘most people have to
develop the habit of exercising, and
when you share the experience with a
group of people, it can make it much
more enjoyable, making it an easier
habit to form.’ She added, ‘often “gym”
friendships and relationships are
developed, which for a lot of people
then becomes a regular connection with
other like-minded people.’
So now you know the benefits of
exercising with others, get in there,
have a go, and have some fun!
SPRING 2017 YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE
15