Ever wondered why there are only women in a group training session at gym - stretching, kicking, spinning, jumping and sweating together, while men prefer to exercise on their own? 

Ladies’ cheerful approach to the serious business of getting fit is evident in their laughter and congratulations when goals are reached. Even the colourful array of weights, ropes and mats in a ladies’ session seems quite the opposite to the serious black and silver equipment that men use. But women have nothing to prove, nothing to conquer (except love handles) and a lot of friends to gain!  

Here are seven reasons women love to exercise together:

It's all about a number

Many women are motivated by a number. It could represent the kilo’s they want to lose, or the dress size they prefer to wear. 

Keeping things interesting

Women often like the variety of exercises in a group training session. According to Genevieve van der Vyver of Adventure Boot Camp a male-dominated exercise routine tends to be more repetitive.

Exercising the tongue

There's nothing like a bit of distraction when the pain of a certain exercise starts setting in. Women like chatting while exercising.  If they have friends, they are more likely to carry on with their training.

Women are team players

Women like to be encouraged and supported by teammates.  Some feel more comfortable when they’re surrounded by others.

Women are better listeners

Most men would disagree, but research shows that women take instruction better. They are also more likely to seek advice and get pleasure from the personal attention of a trainer during group training sessions.

It's bums, tummies and thighs!

The focus of a woman’s training session also differs. At Adventure Boot Camp they focus on areas that are more important to women, such as bums and thighs and tummies and triceps, Van der Vyver says. They enjoy dance-based exercises which were designed for toning and flexibility.

No one to impress

A female-only environment feels “safer” from the perspective that you don’t have to dress-up to impress the men or try to keep up with them physically.  It’s in a woman’s nature to be self-conscious.  She imagines everyone staring at her and may be afraid to get into a gym outfit with the cellulite showing.

Most women soon manage to conquer their initial reluctance and soon develop a balanced approach to fitness when they are surrounded by other women.

For more information on group training sessions for women, visit www.adventurebootcamp.co.za