Peer pressure can be a problem in classes because some students tease each other, or try to push others to go beyond their limits. I've seen this happen on more than one occasion and I've stepped in to remind everyone to train at their own pace. While it's good to have support and positive encouragement, we have to remember to listen to our own body.
More often than not however, peer pressure has a positive effect.
For instance, some of my clients who are approximately 65-70 years young are in excellent physical condition. They are flexible, have great endurance and balance. Often when a new person joins the group, who is younger (55-60 years old), they suddenly see that they have a lot of work to do to achieve the same health. In this case, being around others motivates them to work hard and never miss class. Even when they share the same age as the majority of the class, new students see how fit they should be in comparison to their peers.
If you normally train alone, I highly recommend that you try a group fitness class and see how you measure up around people your own age. Working out alone sometimes gives us a false sense of security. We can become complacent and stop trying to improve ourselves physically and mentally.
Get to the gym!
See you soon,
Beth
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