Albert K. Park

                                     When a group comes together to achieve a common goal, each individual increases their chances at getting closer to achieving their ambitions. In fitness this couldn’t be truer. Group training stretches far and wide including: military forces, professional sports teams, and even chemotherapy patients all train together. The group dynamic offers such key elements to becoming successful in obtaining your goal; I can’t believe that people still train alone. It’s like seeing somebody with a box Nokia cell phone playing snake, (I loved that game by the way) it’s just outdated.

                        I remember in college my friends and I headed down to Mexico for spring break. (Don’t judge me) As we walked the streets in search of any kind of cheap alcohol, it seemed as if every single business was promoting this club called Iggy’s. Being the 19-year-old testosterone raging college males, we instantly got excited. That night we walked into a giant club, only to see 15 people. The place was deserted and we were heartbroken and vowed to never return.

                        The next night we sifted through a huge crowd on our way to the beach in search of, yes you guessed it, alcohol. The line was so huge that we had to ask what the hell was going on, it turned out that the line was for none other than club Iggy’s. We were confused but immediately got into the line deserting our plans for the beach. With some 2000 people packed into the club we found out that Young Buck from G unit (again, please don’t judge me) would be performing. The night was epic.

                        The level of fun, performance, and effort you put into an activity or workout can depend on the atmosphere. Training in a group that shares the same fitness passion that you have can provide an environment ideal for intensity and obtaining results. The difference can be as drastic as Iggy’s with 15 people in it and Iggy’s with 2000 people + Young Buck.

                        Are you competitive? If not, maybe it’s time to try it out. I see athletes hit performance levels they never could have ever dreamed about when they are competing. It’s inevitable to not compete a little when you are training in a group setting. Don’t think of it as who is the best but how can I push myself and others in my group.

                        The easiest person to convince is you! Imagine coming home after a long day at work after your boss just chewed your ass out and all you want to do is grab a beer or glass of wine and sit. You know you need to go to the gym but you want to sit on your ass. Finally, you tell yourself that working out can wait until tomorrow. Pattern repeats throughout the week.

                        Not going wouldn’t even be a choice if you had a training partner or group you were suppose to meet at the gym. Accountability is something that we all need in many areas of our lives and finding people who keep us chasing our goals is vital to our success.

                        Safety is first. A lot of trainers and gyms will share this rule, rule #1 don’t get hurt. When your hurt not only does it suck but it means that you can’t train anymore. By training in a group you have the valuable asset of a spotter if not multiple eyes watching you all the time. I don’t know about you but the more people making sure I don’t get hurt, the better.

                        Numbers 1-4 are all great but number 5 is what it all boils down to. If there are no results then there is no reason to even be in the gym. Training in a group straight up produces results. You push harder, stay consistent, and see results. Get in a mother freaking group.