The power of the “whoop whoop” - Sound, energy, and shared experience in group fitness

Quite often, particularly in aerobic classes such as AsSASSin, Rockbox and Clubbercise, I will encourage you, the participants to whoop, shout or singalong! I also actively encourage class discussions in all my classes - sometimes about the most random and strange subjects.

Obviously shouting and whooping and sharing experiences isn’t for everyone, and sometimes you may feel self-conscious and that's fine. It's certainly not compulsory to join in if you don't want to.

There are a number of psychological benefits why you should consider trying to be more vocal in class.

1. It amplifies feel-good hormones

When people whoop, cheer or sing together, it’s more than just noise—it’s a physiological boost and releases feel good hormones.

• Endorphins increase which reduces pain perception and increase enjoyment

• Dopamine increases, and we experience a 'little win' and this reinforces our motivation and habit-building for exercise.

• Oxytocin is released. This is our “bonding hormone” and helps to create trust and connection

This is why a tough class can still feel uplifting—and why you walk out in a better mood than when you walked in.

2. It strengthens social bonding

Shared energy creates that powerful feeling of togetherness. This helps to reduce self-consciousness and increases feelings of psychological safety.  Those little moments, the cheers, the claps and the shared laughter create a sense of belonging which in turn creates a sense on community. Community and the 'fitness family' are as much the reason for attending as the workout itself.

3. It boosts performance (without you realising)

Energy is contagious. When the room lifts, so does your effort. You may unconsciously increase the intensity of your workout without realising because you are feeling less fatigue. This in turn will increase confidence particularly when you feel supported and seen by your instructor and fellow participants.

4. It creates emotional release

Whooping, singing along or even shouting to amazing music is empowering and provides a safe release of built-up stress which helps to regulate mood and resets the nervous system.

5. It fuels your instructor too

Your energy feeds straight back to your instructor. It boosts instructor motivation and delivery and creates a strong connection between instructor and class.  When a class gives energy, the instructor naturally raises theirs—and everyone benefits. It becomes a beautiful circle: you lift them, they lift you.

6. It builds confidence and identity

Over time people feel empowered and shift from holding back to fully joining in.  Being able to self-express helps build confidence and reinforces the sense of community.

I encourage the whoops and shouts. You don’t need to wait for permission - don’t suppress it: Celebrate and be loud - your energy matters

X Laura

Enjoy the video below! The incredible Freddie Mercury creating a shared experience with 72,000 people. 1.5 billion worldwide