Top Group Fitness Classes Everyone’s Talking About
We all want to look and feel our best—but this can be easier said than done! If solo workouts are becoming more routine than revitalizing, consider taking a group workout class. Aside from the obvious benefits, like weight loss and a positive mood, group exercise can amplify motivation, build confidence, and support social connections. With so many perks, try shaking up your routine with these popular group fitness classes and explore the benefits of group workouts.
What Are Group Fitness Classes?
Group fitness encompasses any exercise that takes place in a group setting. Examples of group fitness include aerobics, yoga, cycling, and dance.
Top Group Fitness Classes to Try
Check out some of the most popular group workouts.
Yoga Classes
Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements to improve mind and body health. While there are multiple styles of yoga, the idea is to focus on deep breathing and body positioning to create a sense of balance and drive physical awareness. During a group yoga class, the instructor encourages participants to mindfully hold different poses that bolster flexibility, mobility, and endurance. Because there’s often a meditation component infused into these group fitness classes, yoga also has countless mental health benefits.
Yoga Benefits
- Enhances flexibility and strength
- Regulates breathing and blood pressure
- Reduces stress and anxiety levels
- Refines focus and energy
- Suitable for all fitness levels
Related: Cupping, Stretching, Reflexology: What Are They & How Do They Work?
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Classes
High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, is a fun group fitness class that involves brief bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest. The blend of aerobic movements and strength training raises your heart rate and burns an impressive amount of calories in a relatively short time. HIIT group workouts have been, well, a hit with fitness enthusiasts for the last decade due to their efficiency and effectiveness. You can lose weight, achieve better cardiovascular health, and burn calories for up to two hours after the regimen. Talk about a bang for your workout buck!
HIIT Benefits
- Maximizes calorie and fat burn
- Enhances metabolic rates
- Develops strength and endurance
- Balances blood pressure and diabetes
- Pushes you out of your comfort zone
Pilates Classes
Invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1920s, Pilates is a comprehensive exercise practice that’s been going strong for over a century. Although Pilates shares many characteristics with yoga, it typically focuses on core strength and combination movements that improve muscle tone and posture. You can do group fitness Pilates with or without equipment, but some studios use reformer machines to support movement and control. If that’s a little intimidating, remember that group workouts can help you overcome your fears. Find a beginner class to learn the basics with fellow newbies.
Pilates Benefits
- Improves stability and alignment
- Increases flexibility and mobility
- Eases chronic pain and stiffness
- Lifts mood and concentration
- Can be modified for different fitness levels
Barre Classes
Classical ballet meets yoga and Pilates in barre—a toning group workout that targets muscles you didn’t even know you had. In this group fitness class, you’ll repeat low-impact dance movements with precision and intention, often while holding a ballet barre, to lengthen and sculpt. If you want a challenge and are a stickler for technique, barre is an excellent option. You’ll learn various ballet poses, increase your heart rate, and enhance your posture. Plus, the repetitive and rhythmic nature is incredibly relaxing.
Barre Benefits
- Supports posture and core strength
- Strengthens legs and glutes
- Amplifies flexibility and balance
- Elevates mental clarity and confidence
- No special equipment is necessary
Strength Training Classes
For many, getting stronger and building muscle are primary fitness goals. Strength training classes can help you accomplish that by using resistance from weights, body weight, or other equipment to make your muscles work harder than usual. Strength-promoting workouts are particularly advantageous because they also stimulate bone density. Applying resistance when exercising strengthens bones, reducing the risk of injuries down the road.
Strength Training Benefits
- Expands your overall muscle mass
- Builds bone density and strength
- Promotes stamina and endurance
- Supports self-esteem and body positivity
- Great for all age groups
Spinning Classes
Spin classes, also known as indoor cycling classes, gained momentum in the late 1980s when aerobics was front and center in the group fitness scene. The group fitness classes are led by an instructor who guides you through a series of low-impact, high-intensity exercises on stationary bikes. Today, spin group workout classes are always packed—and for good reason. The upbeat music, motivational vibes, and class camaraderie alone deliver the burst of energy you won’t find with any other group workout.
Spinning Benefits
- Improves your cardiovascular health
- Tones and strengthens leg muscles
- Boosts mental health and mood
- Promotes a feeling of community
- Heightens calorie burn
Kickboxing Classes
Developed in the 1960s, kickboxing mixes martial arts and boxing into one invigorating sport. This group workout class consists of kicking and punching movements designed to beat an opponent in combat. However, gyms may host classes that incorporate kickboxing techniques into high-energy routines. A group kickboxing class is always a fun experience. Together, you’ll learn combination moves while striking a heavy punching bag, kicking your heart rate into high gear.
Kickboxing Benefits
- Contributes to heart and lung health
- Strengthens muscles
- Promotes coordination and balance
- Relieves stress and tension
- Teaches basic self-defense techniques
Related: How to Use Your Community’s Playground as an Outdoor Gym
Group Fitness & Sports
These group fitness ideas are just some ways to improve your health by working out with others. Sports are also a go-to for those seeking team-based physical activity. For one of the most popular options, learn “Everything You Need to Know About Playing Volleyball” with our guide. We’ll give you the basics on rules, positions, and more so you can have even more options for finding your fit.
Group Fitness FAQs
How to become a group fitness instructor?
Becoming a group fitness instructor requires getting and maintaining the proper certification from an organization like the Athletics and Fitness Association of America and meeting specific requirements, including:
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having at least a high school diploma
- Obtaining a CPR/AED certification
How hard are group fitness classes?
The difficulty of a group fitness class depends on the class type and the person participating in it. For example, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session will be tougher than yoga, especially if someone is just getting into that kind of group fitness.
Are group fitness classes effective?
Group fitness classes are typically effective, providing increased motivation, structure, and a chance to connect to people with similar goals to yours.