Birthdays are better spent with loved ones than by yourself. The same holds true for exercise – specifically, walking with a group.
In a recent study conducted by the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Norwich Medical School, researchers determined that regular walks conducted with a group helped reduce blood pressure, resting heart rates and body fat levels.
Group walks also helped prevent strokes, heart disease, depression and even the recurrence of cancer in participants, the study indicated.
Benefits Of A Group
Being a member of an exercise group has many benefits for the individual. Exercise groups provide much-needed support and encouragement. As an individual, you do not have to worry about planning each workout session; the group has already done that for you. All you have to do is show up.
According to the study, those individuals who participated in group walks traveled further and faster than they normally would have on their own, displayed a more positive attitude towards exercising and felt less isolated and alone in their daily lives.
Physical Benefits Of Group Walking
In a separate study conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, they looked specifically at walkers with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well as a group of walkers with no negative health issues.
Their findings showed that participants in walking groups registered significant drops in blood pressure, weight, body fat and resting heart rate. Many participants also said they were less depressed than when they first started the walking program.
What This Means For You
As the research shows, joining an exercise group may have significant physical and mental benefits for your overall well-being. The trick is to find a group of like-minded people who are willing to commit to good health. You may already have a group of family and friends who are ready to take the next step on the road to optimal health.
If not, you are still in good shape (so to speak) as there are many exercise classes around the country; scan local bulletin boards (physical and digital) to find a group in your area. Another option is to check out your local gym and see if they offer group workout sessions.
In the Amarillo area, the Downtown Athletic Club offers over a dozen different group exercise classes for every fitness level. You’re sure to find a group activity to get you on the road to optimal fitness.
In a recent study conducted by the University of East Anglia’s (UEA) Norwich Medical School, researchers determined that regular walks conducted with a group helped reduce blood pressure, resting heart rates and body fat levels.
Group walks also helped prevent strokes, heart disease, depression and even the recurrence of cancer in participants, the study indicated.
Benefits Of A Group
Being a member of an exercise group has many benefits for the individual. Exercise groups provide much-needed support and encouragement. As an individual, you do not have to worry about planning each workout session; the group has already done that for you. All you have to do is show up.
According to the study, those individuals who participated in group walks traveled further and faster than they normally would have on their own, displayed a more positive attitude towards exercising and felt less isolated and alone in their daily lives.
Physical Benefits Of Group Walking
In a separate study conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, they looked specifically at walkers with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease as well as a group of walkers with no negative health issues.
Their findings showed that participants in walking groups registered significant drops in blood pressure, weight, body fat and resting heart rate. Many participants also said they were less depressed than when they first started the walking program.
What This Means For You
As the research shows, joining an exercise group may have significant physical and mental benefits for your overall well-being. The trick is to find a group of like-minded people who are willing to commit to good health. You may already have a group of family and friends who are ready to take the next step on the road to optimal health.
If not, you are still in good shape (so to speak) as there are many exercise classes around the country; scan local bulletin boards (physical and digital) to find a group in your area. Another option is to check out your local gym and see if they offer group workout sessions.
In the Amarillo area, the Downtown Athletic Club offers over a dozen different group exercise classes for every fitness level. You’re sure to find a group activity to get you on the road to optimal fitness.
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