Gyms like Lifetime Fitness and Max Fitness offer a diverse range of group exercise classes. With so many options available, it’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Here are the most popular ones available:
Yoga
Yoga is undoubtedly the most requested group fitness class, and its popularity comes as no surprise. You can take yoga classes in a regular gym or a studio like CorePower Yoga. There’s Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, and Gentle Yoga, to name a few. Breathing techniques are often incorporated, providing a calming experience that complements the physical practice.
A typical yoga class concludes with the meditative pose known as “Savasana,” allowing participants to unwind and find serenity while building strength and flexibility.
Pilates
Often compared to yoga, Pilates shares similarities but places a greater emphasis on core strength. Through repetitive and precise movements, both isolated and full-body muscle groups are targeted.
Planks, side planks, and core exercises are commonly included, toning the entire body and promoting endurance. Pilates combines physical exertion with integrated breathing techniques, ensuring a workout that promotes relaxation alongside strength-building.
Circuit Training
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, calorie-burning, and strength-building workout, circuit training might be your ideal choice. This interval-style class involves a series of exercises completed in a circuit. Participants typically spend 30 seconds to a minute at each station before moving on to the next one. A short break is usually provided once a full circuit is completed. With an average of 5-6 different exercises or stations, circuits are repeated 3-5 times. Get ready for an intense and efficient routine!
HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) alternates between short bursts of intense movements and active recovery periods. These classes are perfect for those who want to torch calories through high-intensity cardio movements and work up a good sweat.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics offers a fun and low-impact way to engage your muscles and build endurance. These classes usually involve light dumbbells and movements designed to elevate your heart rate steadily. Due to the lower intensity, water aerobics classes are typically an hour long. Expect a warm-up, a period of cardio, strength-training exercises using smaller weights, and a cool-down session. Dive into this exciting and unconventional routine if you’re seeking a longer, steady, and joint-friendly workout.
Cycling
These classes provide an excellent cardio workout using stationary bikes in a dedicated fitness room. Accompanied by fast-paced, upbeat tracks, these classes elevate your heart rate through intervals of sitting and standing, as well as adjustments in intensity or bike grade. Classes usually last around 45 minutes, so don’t forget to bring a towel and a water bottle.
Bootcamp
Bootcamp classes are designed to push you beyond your limits through a combination of high-intensity cardio and strength-training exercises. Expect a challenging workout that incorporates a variety of movements, including push-ups, burpees, sprints, sit-ups, pull-ups, and weightlifting.
The ever-changing routines keep your body guessing, ensuring maximum progress and long-term development. Despite the initial intimidation, bootcamp classes are perfect for those seeking an intense and rewarding exercise experience.
Zumba
Zumba takes a refreshing approach to traditional exercise by transforming it into a lively and upbeat dance fitness party. These energetic classes feature a series of dance routines that incorporate both low and high-intensity moves for a calorie-burning interval-style workout. Don’t worry about your dance skills; everyone is in the same boat! If you love to dance and want a fun alternative to monotonous workouts, Zumba is the perfect group fitness class for you.
Kickboxing
This high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that provides an excellent cardiovascular challenge while simultaneously building endurance, coordination, and muscle tone. These classes also improve balance, flexibility, agility, and self-defense skills.
Typically held in a small group setting or through individual stations with weighted bags, kickboxing classes involve intervals of punching and kicking.
If you’re looking to relieve stress, burn calories, and experience a more interactive form of cardio, kickboxing is an exceptional choice.
Strength Training
These classes focus on building muscle and enhancing overall strength with the use of free weights, bodyweight exercises and resistance machines. Class participants can target specific muscle groups or work on their whole body.
Here’s an example HIIT group fitness class: