Can group training create dependence?

Yes, group training can create dependence. According to Sal Di Stefano and Justin Andrews from the Mind Pump Podcast, while group training can help make the challenging process of exercising easier by sharing the experience with others, it can also lead to reliance on the motivation and fun provided by the group setting. This dependence on external motivation can lead to a cycle of starting and stopping, as participants often need new and different classes to stay engaged. Hence, this stop-start pattern negatively impacts long-term consistency and results 1 2.

Additionally, the novelty factor that attracts people to group classes can wear off, causing a high dropout rate when the classes no longer seem fun. Many individuals who prefer group classes might shy away from lifting weights on their own, leading them to rely on the group environment for continuous motivation, which might not be sustainable long-term 2.