As I sat in my sport and exercise psychology class at UTT my mind was focused on the topic being discussed.

The topic of heavy discusion was that of Group and Team Dynamics particularly Social Support.

As the conversation progressed I could not help but give ’attribution’ to my training partner in the gym, Rhonda.

Rhonda is a member of the informal group Mall Crawlers of which I belong.

This jogging/running group, has helped me maintain my fitness for the last decade.

Though it is quite achievable to gain fitness individually, I can attest to group/partner training as being more than just a ’route’ to fitness. It can potentially create a holistic and all round environment: a by-product of physical education.

’A group can be defined as two or more people who interract with, and exert mutual influence on each other’. They play the role of social psychologists. While some groups may have negative consequences I believe that the pros can significantly outweigh the cons, especially in an informal setting.

A prime example being the Mall Crawlers. The mere fact that the Mall Crawlers have been in existence for at least 10 years and have increased in ’group membership without ’chaos’ shows that the ’group climate’ is almost ideal when it comes to exercise. Factors contributing to this are ’relaxed personalities’, informal roles done exceptionally well, such as ’the coach’, ’the scientist’, ’female Bolt’, ’the disciplinarian’, ’the driver’, ’the photographer’ ’EHS’, ’in-house trainer’, ’uncle and gramps’ and many other un-said contributors.

In other instances, groups can be found in other physical activities such as in aerobics classes, hiking groups, fun-competitive groups (any sport), spinning class, boot camp and circuit classes to name a few. It is advisable to seek out the right group suited to your needs.

As a group leader myself in aerobic classes, persons attending are motivated by others to perform better. Groups can also fill the safety element that is so much needed, especially in outdoor activities. Some of us need the motivation of others. So if you can’t get a personal trainer give group training a try.

Simone and Lisa (S & L) do hope that you’ve started working out in some form or the other, as this is our main motivational factor for the S & L Programme. The photos displayed are of both Lisa and some of my clients in different physical activity groups ensuring that there is variety and that boredom does not set in!

Congratulations to Lisa (L), the Mall Crawlers and all other participants for completing the UWI half marathon last weekend!

See you all next week as S & L resumes with ’Michelle Obama’ arms or should I say ’Simone’ arms. (smile)