Do Mental Health Professionals Recommend Group Fitness Classes for Mental Health?
Therapists often talk with clients about how movement supports emotional health. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about working up a sweat. What really seems to make a difference, especially for folks dealing with low mood, burnout, or anxious overthinking, is moving alongside others. There’s something quietly powerful about showing up to a shared space — yoga mat, spin bike, or community centre gym — and just being in motion together.
Even when no words are exchanged, group fitness can offer a sense of belonging and community. It’s a low-barrier way to feel connected, grounded in your body, and gently pulled out of the mental fog that so often accompanies depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I experienced this recently, myself. For years, I swore off classes (just somewhere else to rush to!). I prided myself on sticking to a workout routine on my own, which consisted of running, virtual Pilates, and lifting weights in my basement. Except that when life got busy, overwhelming, or my energy levels tanked, my workout slid off my radar.
On a whim, I joined an outdoor boot-camp style fitness class in my neighbourhood. It was full of women who looked about as tired as I felt, but had somehow arrived at a similar conclusion to me: we wanted to feel strong and healthy so that we could show up with more sturdiness and resilience to all the stressors in our lives.
Whether it’s showing up for a yoga class or sweating it out in spin, there’s something powerful about moving alongside others. Even when you’re not talking, the shared energy can lift your mood, ease loneliness, and help you feel more grounded in your body.
The Top Mental & Physical Benefits of Group Exercise
Moving your body is good for you. But doing it with others? That can be a real game-changer for your mood and mindset.
1. Behavioural Activation in Action
If you’ve ever worked with a therapist for depression, chances are you’ve heard of behavioural activation — a therapeutic strategy that encourages people to engage in meaningful or pleasurable activities, even (and especially) when they don’t feel like it.
When we’re feeling low or overwhelmed, we tend to withdraw — skip the gym, cancel plans, stay home. That withdrawal can reinforce depressive symptoms and deepen disconnection. Committing to a group workout can flip that pattern by creating structured, socially-supported routines that invite you back into life. The idea that you need to feel motivated in order to do something is just not true. You don’t have to “feel motivated” — just show up, and the benefits often follow.
This is especially helpful for those living with:
- Depression, where inertia and self-doubt can be debilitating
- Anxiety, where structured, predictable environments reduce overwhelm
- ADHD, where external structure and body-based regulation support focus and follow-through
In this way, movement becomes more than just exercise — it becomes part of your neurobiological treatment plan.
2. Accountability Without Pressure
Let’s be honest: the mental load is real, especially for women juggling careers, caregiving, and the never-ending to-do list. Add in low energy, perimenopause, and fluctuating executive functioning, and even the best of intentions around exercise can fall flat. Personal confession: it is wayyy easier for me to skip a workout when I’m the only one who knows.
Accountability can offset our natural tendency to succumb to inertia. When others expect to see you, or even just notice your absence, it’s easier to commit. Not in a shame-based way — in a supportive, “we’re in this together” kind of way.
Whether it’s a friend saving you a spot or a familiar instructor who greets you by name, that tiny bit of social scaffolding makes it more likely you’ll stick with it — and start to feel the benefits.
3. Lifting your mood together
We know exercise releases feel-good chemicals like endorphins. But when you share that energy with others, it often has a stronger impact. It’s not unusual for clients to tell me that group workouts help ease their anxiety or shift their low mood, sometimes even more than they expected.
How Group Fitness Encourages Sustainable Self-Care
Taking care of your body shouldn’t feel like a punishment. I always encourage clients to focus on movement that feels good and fits their life, not what influencers say they “should” be doing.
Find what fits you
There’s no perfect workout. If you love music and dancing, maybe Zumba is your thing. Prefer quiet and calm? Yoga could feel right. Want to get out into nature more, but don’t want to be by yourself? Everything from group kayaking, hiking groups, and cross country ski clinics. Love games? Pickleball is all the rage. The best choice is the one you’ll want to come back to.
All levels welcome
I remind people all the time: you don’t have to be fit to get started. Many classes are beginner-friendly, and instructors will give you options so you can move at your own pace.
Confidence grows over time
One of the best parts of group fitness is the sense of accomplishment. Every time you show up, you’re reinforcing the idea that you’re capable. That builds trust in yourself, which can ripple into other parts of your life too.
Choosing the Right Group Exercise Classes for You
Starting something new can feel intimidating, and I get that. Here’s what I usually recommend when someone’s looking for a class that’s a good fit:
Think about the group vibe
Some people thrive in high-energy classes. Others prefer quieter, slower-paced environments. For some, swanky equipment feels intimidating and off-putting, whereas for others, it feels like great self-care. Finding a space and group of people that reflect your personality or needs makes you want to go more often. Even the neighbourhood in which you take a class can offer up different vibes and demographics.
Look for supportive instructors
If you’re nervous, a welcoming instructor can make all the difference. I suggest starting with beginner-level classes where instructors are used to guiding newcomers gently.
Local Group Fitness Opportunities in Vancouver
If you’re local to Vancouver, here are a few great options to explore:
- Vancouver Park Board offers beginner-friendly fitness classes across the city
- YWCA Vancouver has classes for all levels in a supportive environment
- ClassPass Vancouver helps you explore different studios and exercise programs to try something new
If you’re looking for something more community-oriented, try a walking group, a bootcamp in the park, or a class that’s designed with mental wellness in mind, like trauma-informed yoga. These tend to be more body-aware and emotionally supportive.
Wherever you start, remember that the best class is the one you’ll want to come back to.
Group Fitness as a Complement to Therapy
While group fitness isn’t a replacement for therapy, I often recommend it as part of a broader mental health care plan. It fits well with behavioural activation, a strategy we use that encourages people to engage in activities that bring meaning or joy, especially on harder days.
Joining a class can help regulate your nervous system, add structure to your week, and create opportunities for connection, even if they’re small or quiet.
Curious about how movement might support your mental health? Our team member Andy Park is a fitness enthusiast and always happy to help you explore what feels motivating and manageable. We’re here to support the whole you: body and mind.
Moving Forward Together
At Open Space Counselling, we believe health and healing go beyond the therapy room. It’s also about how you care for your body, build community, and create rituals that support your emotional health.
You don’t have to dive in all at once. Start with something small like a short walk, a gentle stretch, or trying one class. Movement, connection, and healing can all grow from that first step. Still not sure where to start? Our team can help you shore up your commitment to take care of yourself and clarify what makes sense for you.