What Are Group Fitness Classes, and How Can I Join One?
If you’re ready to jumpstart your fitness journey, signing up for a group exercise class is a great place to begin. Keep reading to learn the basics about group fitness sessions, including what they are, what to expect from your first class, and how to find one that’s right for you.
Discover group fitness classes near you
From personal training to at-home workouts, it seems like there are more options than ever before when it comes to staying in shape. However, one of the most exciting and effective ways to get active is through group fitness classes. Below, we’ll explain how these classes work and where you can find them.
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What are group fitness classes?
First, let’s answer a common question: what are group fitness classes? Group workouts come in many forms, such as boot camp sessions, yoga practice, and dance lessons. Most of these classes follow a similar format, where an instructor leads the attendees through a workout, usually lasting between 45 minutes and an hour.
It depends on the class, but in most cases, all of the equipment will be provided, so you won’t need to bring anything with you (other than a water bottle or towel if you’d like). For certain classes – like yoga – you may need to bring a mat. If you’re unsure, you can check your gym’s website or call ahead of time.
What are some popular types of group fitness classes?
Whether you’re hoping to build muscle, lose weight, clear your mind, or just get your body moving, it’s easy to find a group workout that aligns with your goals.
For example, if you’re interested in a fast-paced, full body workout, you could consider signing up for a cardio or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class, like cycling or kickboxing. Or, if you prefer something lower impact, you could try aquatics or tai chi.
Other popular fitness class options include:
- Barre
- Dance
- Golf
- Ice Skating
- Martial Arts
- Pickleball
- Pilates
- Step
- Tennis
- Toning
- Yoga
Whichever class you pick, remember to move at your own pace and don’t feel pressured to keep up with the other participants. Also, if you have any injuries or physical challenges, make sure to let your instructor know ahead of time. They should be able to provide modifications to certain moves, so you can still enjoy the benefits of exercise while keeping yourself safe.
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How do you find good group fitness classes?
You’ll find group exercise classes at gyms, studios, community centers, and other fitness facilities, so how do you choose one that fits your needs? There are a few factors to consider, depending on what’s most important to you – whether that’s the diversity of class options, gym location, or the average class size.
At Columbia Association (CA), we’re proud to offer a community-centric fitness experience. We have a talented team of certified instructors, as well as small class sizes (most are limited to 30 or fewer participants) and a wide variety of fitness options. Plus, we own and operate three conveniently-located gyms across Columbia, each of which has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
