What is group fitness?

What Is Group Fitness?

A popular way for people to find motivation and connect with others through fitness is to attend a group fitness class. Group fitness unites communities of those beginning their fitness journeys and avid exercise enthusiasts alike.

If you're unfamiliar with group fitness, it's fairly simple — group fitness is any type of workout led by a trainer or instructor in a class setting. The group fitness class instructor will explain exercises and lead the entire class to accomplish their workout. It's a great way to feel driven, feed off of other participants' energy and diversify your workouts.

Types of Group Fitness Classes

Group fitness classes are excellent options for nearly every person because you can find a class that matches your fitness level and workout preferences. You'll find numerous class formats like cardio, cycling, core and strength that will get your body moving.

Learn more about some of the most popular types of group fitness classes and see which category interests you.

Group fitness class formats can include cardio, cycling, core and strength

Zumba®
If you're looking for a lively dance fitness class that will raise your heart rate and work your whole body, try out Zumba®. This popular group fitness class is welcoming to nearly every person that wants to join. At any age, fitness level or physical ability, Zumba® participants enjoy various styles of classes geared toward a variety of target audiences.

The basics of a traditional Zumba® class are what win many people over about this group fitness option. Zumba® will have you dancing to Latin inspired rhythms along with an array of music styles. The Licensed Zumba® Instructor will demonstrate dance moves and choreography combinations and motivate you to give it all your effort. The cardio and dance group fitness class is a fun way to sweat and burn calories.
Yoga
A common fitness style that improves your flexibility, strength and focus is yoga. Yoga has a strong and thriving community that enjoys this type of group fitness. These classes typically only require one piece of equipment — a yoga mat. Yoga mats have a nonslip and cushioned material that makes practicing and holding the various poses of yoga easy.

People find yoga appealing because it helps improve physical fitness, promotes relaxation and helps improve posture. Yoga group fitness classes practice breath control while focusing on balance, coordination and flexibility. You can find various styles of yoga that range in fitness levels.
Cardio HIIT
Cardio high intensity interval training (HIIT) group fitness workouts provide a quick and intense aerobic workout that will torch calories and get your heart rate up to its peak level. Cardio HIIT combines quick cardio exercises and rest intervals. An example of what a HIIT workout looks like is completing 40 seconds of mountain climbers followed by 20 seconds of rest and repeating those intervals with various cardio workouts.

Cardio HIIT group fitness classes are perfect for individuals looking for an intense cardio workout that can help participants lose weight, decrease their chance of heart disease and increase their stamina. HIIT instructors will demonstrate exercises before the timer starts and may also show modifications for those who are still improving.
Kickboxing
Another popular cardio group fitness class is kickboxing. This style of cardio group fitness incorporates martial arts techniques and movements like jabs, punches, knee strikes, uppercuts and other fighting movements. Although the name has boxing included, there is no physical contact in this group exercise. Participants will direct a majority of their movements in the air or against a weighted bag.

Kickboxing is great if you want to clear your mind and focus on your exercise. You'll learn different combinations and have to remember them throughout the class, making kickboxing a great group fitness class for people who want to get in the zone and accomplish a great cardio workout.
Indoor Cycling
A fun and intense cardio group fitness class with equipment is indoor cycling. Known by a variety of names, indoor cycling involves a stationary bike and following an instructor through a series of different pedaling speeds, resistances and body positions.

Indoor cycling classes are popular because they include fun and upbeat music as you sweat and put in a killer cardio workout. You can expect to work muscles in your lower body during this type of group fitness workout.
Aquatic Fitness
People looking for a low impact exercise should try out aquatic fitness. These types of group fitness classes are hosted in pools, making the workouts easy on joints and bones. Aquatic group fitness classes are fun and engaging sessions that comprise various styles of workouts. Some classes involve equipment to improve strength and add resistance to the workout. Many aquatic fitness classes are a good option for people recovering from an injury or simply wanting to enjoy the water during a workout.
Strength Training
You can build muscle and tone your body during a strength training group fitness class. Gyms and other facilities offer various styles of strength focused classes that will challenge you and improve your strength. These group fitness classes will involve an array of equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, barbells, steps and other weight lifting equipment to work out your muscles.

Individuals can find strength training classes for all levels of fitness. You can select the weight you're comfortable with and slowly improve as you take more classes.

Group Fitness Benefits

People who love working out with others know why group exercise is better than working out alone. Working out alongside other people is a unique exercise experience that offers different benefits.

If group fitness classes sound like something you're interested in, check out some of the benefits that will sell you on signing up for classes:

Surround yourself with motivation: If you're trying to finish the last part of your workout or are nervous to try a new exercise, having support and motivation from others can make a huge difference in your mindset. Group fitness classes are one of the best places to find motivation for your workouts and cheer others on as they accomplish new fitness goals.

Learn proper form and techniques: Having access to a trainer or instructor is helpful for all of your workouts. Learning the correct form for various exercises can help decrease your chances of straining yourself during a workout.

Diversify your workout: As you saw, there are plenty of options for group exercise classes. With group fitness classes, you can easily focus on different parts of your body and accomplish a variety of workouts during the week.

Join a supportive community: Participating in group fitness classes will help you find a supportive community. You'll meet new people as you attend group fitness classes regularly and surround yourself with individuals who have similar interests and fitness goals.

Hold yourself accountable: Some days, it's easy to get yourself to the gym, and other days, you may have zero drive to get there. Group fitness classes help hold you accountable for your workouts, ensuring you show up and give it your all.

Improve your health: A clear benefit of any exercise program is a health boost. Because the other group fitness benefits encourage you to work out regularly, you can further enhance different aspects of your health and feel more energized.

Join the Zumba®
group fitness
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Join the Zumba® Group Fitness Community Today

If you're looking to meet new people and feel motivated to work out, become a part of the supportive and inspiring Zumba® community. Zumba® group fitness classes will encourage you to accomplish fitness goals and surround you with Zumba® enthusiasts. Find a Zumba® class near you or if you are more interested in teaching classes, find out how you can become a Licensed Zumba® Instructor today!