Choosing the Right Group Fitness Classes Near Me
Group exercise sessions are a popular way to work out, but how do you decide which group fitness classes are a good fit for you? And where do you find them? Read on to learn about three of the best local group fitness classes to try.
Discover three popular group fitness class options
From cycling to interval training to Pilates, group fitness sessions are an excellent way to break a sweat, socialize, and simply have fun while working out. But with so many classes available, it can be tricky to find the one that’s best for you. Here’s how to find the right gym group fitness session for you based on what type of exercise you like.
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High-intensity sessions
If your goal is to get your heart pumping and break a serious sweat in the gym, there are plenty of fast-paced group workouts to consider, including cardio classes and interval training. The exercises in the classes may be different, but they’re all designed to provide a total body workout that will have you leaving the gym with a smile and a huge sense of accomplishment.
For example, if you’re aiming to burn calories and boost your metabolism, then high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could be a great match. In these sessions, you’ll alternate between quick, intense cardio activities and more restful exercises, turning your body into a calorie-burning machine.
Besides HIIT, other fun and fast-paced group fitness options include:
- Cycle
- Kickboxing
- Step
- Les Mills
- Dance
Gentle exercises
Want to take things slower? It’s easy to find gentle (but effective) group fitness classes near me as well. In these sessions, you’ll still get a great workout, but there’s more of a focus on mindful movement and the connection between your mental and physical health.
Yoga, tai chi, and qigong are some of the best examples of these lower-intensity group exercise classes. Although each of them includes different exercises and movements, these three practices stress the importance of proper breathing and setting intentions, helping you align your body, mind, and soul.
Strength training
If you’re hoping to get stronger or build muscle tone, you can sign up for a class that’s based around strength training. Some of these sessions incorporate free weights and barbells, while others help you tone up using body weights and plyometric exercises.
As an example, barre-based group fitness classes blend Pilates, yoga, and ballet to help you strengthen and sculpt your body – using a ballet barre, body weight, and, in some cases, props. At CA, we have several different barre classes, including Ballet Barre and Total Body Barre, so you can choose the one that suits your goals and interests.
Like barre, toning classes are another fantastic way to get lean and strong. Many of these sessions focus specifically on key target zones (like your arms, back, and core), but some even incorporate other types of exercise (such as cardio and yoga) to help you maximize your time in the gym.
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Group fitness classes at CA
Not sure where to find these types of classes? All of these group workouts (and more) are available at Columbia Association (CA), led by our expert fitness instructors. As a community-focused organization, we own and operate three gyms in Columbia, where everyone is welcome to join one of our many group fitness classes.
