Why it pays to raise the bar together

Strength training is undoubtedly one of the most potent ways to improve people’s health, and its popularity continues to grow. It builds muscle, improves metabolism, increases bone density, enhances everyday functionality, and unlocks a surprising range of additional benefits. These days, if your members aren’t lifting, they’re definitely missing out.

Yet for many, stepping onto the gym floor and loading up the squat rack can feel intimidating. Navigating a space dominated by confident lifters and complex equipment can be overwhelming. Feelings of gymtimidation are common, and members often question what they’re doing: Which exercises are most effective? How do you use the weight machines? How much weight should you lift?

This is where Instructors make all the difference. Without guidance, solo strength training sessions can fall flat – leaving members uninspired, under-trained, and unchanged. But a skilled Instructor can transform that experience, providing structure, motivation, and confidence.

The power of group strength classes

Geena Pannett, Personal Trainer and National Group Fitness Manager for Les Mills New Zealand, explains: “Strength classes in the group fitness studio are a great place for members to learn basic lifting technique without the intimidation of heading out to the gym floor or the cost of a personal trainer.”

And they’re not just for beginners. “Even the most seasoned lifters appreciate being able to walk into a class and know they’ll get a full-body challenge – without needing to plan their workout,” adds Geena. “The Instructor guides them through the progression, so they can focus on lifting and pushing their limits.”

There’s also an energizing, addictive quality to the experience: “There’s this addictive element, where members come back to challenge themselves to lift more in the same movement patterns next time.”

Strength in numbers: What the science says

Research consistently shows that group strength training delivers powerful results – and Instructors are at the heart of that success.

Way back in 2011, Dr. Jinger Gottschall and a team at Penn State University set out to explore how group training could get people stronger and fitter, while nurturing a long-term love of exercise.

The study engaged 25 people in a 30-week group fitness program following the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for physical activity (a combination of cardio, strength and flexibility exercise). BODYPUMP™ was the primary source of strength training.

The results were striking: when people trained in a group with an Instructor, they achieved significantly more than they would alone.

• Engagement: 20 of 25 participants never missed a workout, with a compliance rate of 98.8%. The Instructor’s presence created a sense of community, encouraging commitment and habit formation.
  
  
• Health outcomes: Without altering their diets, participants increased HDL cholesterol, decreased LDL cholesterol, reduced body fat by 7% for men and 4% for women, and gained muscle mass – 6 kg on average for men and 1.1 kg for women.
  
  
• Fitness improvements: Participants with initially ‘poor’ fitness moved to ‘above average’ levels and increased aerobic capacity by almost 60%.
  

These findings are backed up by a 2019 study highlighting how those who built core strength in group classes felt increased levels of individual enjoyment, exertion and satisfaction.

Why group training works

Bryce Hastings, Les Mills Head of Research, says group strength training programs like BODYPUMP, BODYPUMP HEAVY and STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT™ are so effective due to the combination of scientifically-backed movement patterns, inspirational Instructors and great music. However he stresses that it’s more than just good programming.

“When you work out in a group, you harness the energy of many. This creates motivation and challenge. It’s a totally addictive experience that keeps people coming back for more.”

And that’s when the real transformation begins.