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What Are the Best Group Fitness Classes for Beginners?

Starting a new exercise routine doesn’t have to be intimidating – even if you’re a fitness newbie. Here are five of our picks for the best beginner-friendly group workouts.

Why group fitness is ideal for beginners

If you haven’t worked out in a while (or ever), signing up for a group exercise class is the perfect way to establish a fitness routine and reach your health goals. Not only will you learn from qualified fitness instructors who will help keep you safe in the gym, but you’ll also get to train in a supportive team environment that’s fun and motivating.

Best beginner-friendly group classes

Another great thing about group fitness classes? There are so many different types that it’s easy to discover one that appeals to you. Whether you enjoy a high-energy sweat session or a lower-impact meditative practice, you’ll have no problem finding a class that you love.

Some of the best options include: 

• Yoga: Get in touch with your mind, body, and soul in a group yoga session. You’ll improve your physical strength, balance, and flexibility while also centering your spirit and clearing your head.

• Zumba: Love to dance? Try Zumba, a Latin-inspired party workout that brings together music and dance in a unique way.

• Cardio and HIIT: Get your heart pumping with a cardio or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class. These fast-paced sessions often incorporate aerobics, strength training, conditioning, and more, offering an effective total body workout.

• Pilates: Pilates uses low-impact movements that offer serious results, helping you get strong and toned.

• Aquatics: Dive into an aquatics-based group fitness class for a fun and effective workout that’s easy on your joints.

Tips for your first group workout

There’s no need to be nervous about joining a group fitness class, but if you are, then you might find these first-timer tips helpful.

No matter if you’re new or not, it’s always a good idea to show up a few minutes early and introduce yourself to your instructor. However, this is especially important if you haven’t taken the class before or if you have any injuries that the trainer should know about. If so, they can talk to you about how to modify certain exercises so that you don’t hurt yourself.

Next, enjoy the team spirit of the class, but don’t forget to listen to your body. There’s no shame in taking breaks when you need them or skipping a certain exercise if it doesn’t feel right. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Finally, come to your group exercise session with an open mind. This can be tricky when you’re trying something for the first time, but you never know – you could end up making a new friend or falling in love with your new workout.

Group fitness classes at CA

At Columbia Association (CA), we offer all of the above group fitness classes – and much more. We’re proud to own and operate three fitness centers in Columbia, where our qualified fitness instructors lead dozens of fitness classes and personal training sessions each week.