It may seem intimidating to start your fitness journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining a group class can certainly make things a lot easier and more fun. Here are the top 10 group fitness classes you can try. Many of these are available in gyms like Equinox and Fitness 19.
Yoga
There are a dozen yoga variations available but most classes offer Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga and Gentle Yoga. Yoga consists of deliberate, concentrated postures and movements designed to enhance flexibility, strengthen and tone muscles, as well as align the body. You’ll also learn breathing techniques which are integrated into the movements, allowing you a relaxing and calming experience after each session. The class typically ends in a meditative pose called Savasana. This is a wonderful group class if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing routine to destress while building and toning muscle at the same time.
Pilates
Pilates may be somewhat similar to Yoga as it also consists of breathing techniques and controlled movements. But while Yoga focuses on flexibility and strength through swift-moving but long held postures and “grounding” positions, Pilates puts the core into focus, with small but repetitive movements of muscle groups. Moreover, Pilates promotes endurance and tones the full body all while paving way to relaxation with integrated breathing.
Circuit Training
These classes are a series of interval-style, fast paced routines that complete a circuit. You’ll complete one exercise within 30 seconds to 1 minute, and then move on to the one, typically with a brief break after completing a full circuit (which has about 5-6 exercises on average). If you are looking for a fast-paced, calorie-burning, strength-training workout circuit training may be for you.
HIIT
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) alternates short periods of intense movements, followed by less intense “recovery” periods. Its goal is to reach a sustained target heart rate for exercise, enabling you to as much fat as possible within a short period of time. If you want to join a class that gives you an intense cardio workout, try HIIT.
Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics allows you to boost muscle endurance and strength in a fun, low impact exercise. The class is of course set in a pool and usually involves the use of light dumbbells. You’ll be doing movements designed to get your heart pumping at a consistent pace. The classes are usually 60 minutes and includes a warm-up, a period of cardio, strength-training and followed by a cool-down period. Water aerobics is ideal for anyone who prefer a low-impact workout that is fun and unconventional.
Cycling
Also known as spin class, cycling is a great cardio workout that uses the cycling machine. The class usually features fast-paced upbeat tracks to keep the heart rate up at different intervals with alternating periods of standing and sitting, as well as adjusting the intensity. Classes are usually 45 minutes. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and towel because you’ll definitely be sweating all throughout.
Zumba
If you love dancing, Zumba would be great for you. It takes a spin on conventional ideas of exercise and turn it into a fun aerobic workout! The class will have a series of energetic dance routines that mix low intensity and high intensity moves. Anyone who is looking for a fun routine that ditches traditional, boring workouts for music-inspired movements will definitely have fun in a Zumba group class.
Kickboxing
This martial-arts fitness class provides excellent cardiovascular workout and helps build coordination and endurance, tones the muscles and core, while burning a lot of calories. Classes includes intervals of kicking and punching in a small class-style setting, or in individual stations. If you want to get rid of stress, sleep better at night or simply want to burn more calories in a high-intensity cardio routine, kickboxing may be for you!