Personal fitness coach Lucy-Wyndham-Read looks at the motivational, fitness and social benefits of training in groups, and offers tips to help get you started...

Often, when we exercise on our own, it's all too easy to give up when we feel a little challenged. One of the key benefits of exercising in a group or class is that it motivates us to train regularly and workout harder.

To see results from exercise, you have to be working out at the right intensity. On your own, it can be tempting to slow down after a while, whereas in an organised group or class the intensity of your workout remains at the effective level.

The energy and the buzz of your classmates helps keep you exercising longer, while training with others also encourages positive competition.

Having committed yourself to a session, you're much more likely to keep pushing yourself than if you were training alone. Plus there's a teacher or trainer on hand to encourage you and push you that little bit harder.

An additional advantage of classes and group training sessions is that they take place at set times, so will quickly become part of your weekly routine. And there's the bonus that group training costs a lot less than one-to-one fitness sessions.

Joining an exercise class or group training session is also a great way to make new friends, as you'll have a shared interest in exercising and a desire to feel fit and get health.

It's a good way to reduce stress too, as when you exercise you release feel-good hormones that help lift your mood.

Tips for exercising in groups

• Agree a regular training time with like-minded friends. Training with one or more friends is another great way of committing yourself to fitness. On your own, it's too easy to put a fitness session off until another day, but once you've agreed a training session with friends, you won't want to let them down or cancel at the last minute.
• Set up your own fitness sessions. If you can't find a convenient exercise class or group to join, why not set up your own session? For example, you could organise brisk walks several times a week with a group of neighbours and friends. Alternatively, get your work colleagues to commit to a 20-minute lunchtime power walk. Do this three times a week and within a couple of weeks you'll not only start to feel fitter but find you have increased energy levels in the afternoon.
• Join a British Military Fitness class. If you like to be pushed hard, then seek out British Military Fitness classes in your area. The classes are held nationwide in local parks and offer a group military-style fitness session that will work you up a sweat. It's also a great way of building your confidence and team skills. For more details, visit http://www.britmilfit.com.
• Join a walking group. If you prefer a more sedate training session, then think about joining a walking group. It's a great way to meet other keen walkers, and walking alongside each other is good for increased motivation and pushing yourself to walk that little bit further. See http://www.ramblers.org.uk/info/localgroups.
• Organise regular workout sessions with family and friends. You could choose one activity you all enjoy to do regularly, or take turns to choose different exercises - eg a swimming session one week, a group walk the next, a ball game of some kind the week after. The variety and fun factor will help keep you all motivated and looking forward to it.