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What Are Popular Types of Group Fitness Classes?

Group fitness classes are a fun, social, and inclusive way to stay fit, but with so many choices, how do you know which one to pick? Here are a few of the most popular group fitness classes to consider for your next workout.

Get active in a group fitness session

Exercising in a group setting offers tons of benefits, helping you stay motivated, get active, and maybe even make new friends at the gym. If you aren’t sure where to start with group fitness or if you’re looking for a new type of class to try, check out three of the most popular class types offered at Columbia Association (CA).

Cardio and HIIT

Want to break a serious sweat and get a total body workout? Cardio and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions are the perfect way to do it. There are many kinds of cardio and HIIT group exercise classes at CA (with options for all experience and fitness levels), but they’re all designed to get you moving, increase your energy levels, and enjoy your time in the gym.

Some of our most in-demand cardio and HIIT classes include: 

• Basic Training: This military-style interval training class incorporates different types of physical activity (including calisthenics and flexibility practice) while helping you bond with other participants.

• Cardio Tone: These sessions blend cardio exercise with strength and core training, using a mix of body weight and light hand weights.

• Fit Essentials: In Fit Essentials, you’ll increase your stamina, strength, and flexibility through a series of fun cardio exercises.

• Insanity: Cardio is at the heart of this fast-paced interval training class, which includes modifications and exercises for people of all fitness levels.

• Strong Nation: Stay motivated and moving with Strong Nation, an exciting class that’s set to original music and blends cardio, conditioning, body weight, and plyometric training.

Yoga

Yoga is a group fitness activity that activates your body, mind, and spirit, delivering a challenging but rewarding workout. In CA’s yoga classes, you’ll focus on several key areas of fitness, including strength training, flexibility, and balance. 

Whether you’ve never stepped on a yoga mat or you’re a long-time practitioner, you’ll find a CA yoga class that matches your skill and interest levels. Choose from options such as: 

• Chair Yoga: In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll focus on strength, toning, and stress relief by practicing a variety of yoga moves – with the option of using a chair for support.

• Flow Yoga: This is a vinyasa-style class that encourages mindfulness and helps connect your breath and body movements.

• Restorative Yoga: Ease stress and tension through this healing yoga practice, which incorporates seated movements and restful poses.

• Yoga: This popular all-levels session includes traditional yoga movements, helping you boost flexibility and strength.

• Yoga Sculpt: Get a total body workout with this blend of yoga and Pilates, which includes yoga, cardio, and weight training.

Aquatics

If you prefer the pool to the gym, you’ll love CA’s selection of aquatics-based group fitness sessions. No matter your fitness goals, these sessions will work your full body without putting too much stress on your sensitive joints. Plus, since they’re held at our indoor pools, you can participate all year long.

Here are some of the aquatics group fitness classes you’ll find at CA:

• Aqua Arthritis: Designed to ease stiffness and pain, this class focuses on slow-paced and gentle movements under the guidance of knowledgeable fitness instructors.

• Aqua Fitness: Break a sweat in the pool with Aqua Fitness, which combines aerobics, conditioning, and flexibility training.

• Aqua Fusion: This dynamic group workout class mixes barre, Pilates, and other aquatics-based exercises, using aqua spin bikes, trampolines, and poles.

• Aqua Spin & Strength: In this circuit class, you’ll have the option to use an aqua spin bike for a fantastic cardio and strength workout.
• Aqua Yoga: Enjoy the mental, physical, and spiritual health benefits of yoga – in the pool!

Other group fitness options

At CA, there are so many ways to get active with a group. Cardio and HIIT, yoga, and aquatics are just a few of the group fitness classes that you’ll find at CA’s fitness clubs. We also offer many other group-style workouts, including barre, cycling, dance, Pilates, tai chi, and more.

On top of these classes, CA also has group personal training options, which allow you to get fit with a dedicated crew of your fellow exercise enthusiasts with the help and guidance of our qualified fitness instructors.

Outside of the gym, CA runs a variety of sports lessons and programs, with options such as golf, tennis, pickleball, swimming, and ice skating.