If you’re anything like me, you’re much busier than you’d like and don’t have nearly enough time in the day to make it to the yoga studio. So instead, you practice yoga at home on your own, amidst all the distractions that tend to pop up in modern households. Don’t get me wrong; practicing on your own at home is a wonderful, enlightening experience that can help you to find focus because and in spite of all the distractions. However, there’s just something wonderful about practicing yoga in a group.

Here are five benefits of practicing yoga in a group that might just motivate you to head to your next studio class.

1. Group energy

There’s absolutely nothing like the energy in a group yoga class. The energy shared between everyone in class, whether you’re all working on a new pose together or meditating as a group, there’s a certain feeling you get in a group class that you can’t get anywhere else.

Plus, you can use that group energy to help fuel your own practice and push yourself further! Which leads us to our second point…

2. More consistency

Whatever kind of exercise I’m doing, I’m always more consistent in my practice and training if I’m part of a group. Being part of a group is incredibly motivating, and can make it easier to show up to class (even when you don’t feel like it) if other people are expecting you there.

Just a few weeks of consistent practice can bring you further than you might think, so why not try going to a group class and seeing where it takes you?

3. Help each other

Practicing yoga in a group is an excellent way to help others with their practice and push yourself in yours! If your goal has been to make it into headstand, and there’s another person in your class who has the same goal, then that’s the perfect chance to work together.

Group classes provide the perfect opportunity to work together towards a common goal.

4. Time away

I love my house… a whole lot. It’s always wonderful to come home after a long day and practice yoga in my own home. But sometimes, especially on weekends, I need a chance to get out of the house and enjoy some time for myself.

Practicing at home, while wonderful and rewarding, can be full of distractions (and sometimes other people) that make it difficult to really get into the practice. Which is why at least once a week, I try to find an hour to attend a class and “be alone in a group.” I’m always pleasantly surprised at how rejuvenated I feel afterwards!

5. Community

Last, but most certainly not least, is the community you form when attending group yoga classes. Whether you are friends with a lot of people in your class or don’t know anyone at all, there will always be someone there to support and encourage you in class. Encouragement is one of the best things in a practice, and is sure to help keep you motivated when the going gets tough.