Exploring The Most Popular Group Exercise Classes

Group exercise classes are popular in the fitness world. They offer an exciting and engaging way to stay in shape. These classes have transformed the way we approach fitness and redefine the whole. 

From spinning and yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and dance-based workouts, each type of group exercise class has reached unprecedented popularity.

This article delves into the unique characteristics that make certain fitness classes more popular than others. We will explore different group fitness classes available today and uncover what makes some stand out. 

Whether you’re an expert gym-goer or new to the fitness industry, we’ll provide insights and tips to help you choose the perfect group exercise class to match your fitness goals.

How Group Fitness Classes Capture Attention and Achieve Popularity

How are the main key elements that contribute to the popularity of a group fitness class among gym users determined? A popular group fitness class needs to possess specific characteristics to capture the attention and curiosity of gym members.

One example of such impact is when a fitness class becomes a trend. When group fitness classes go viral and pique the interest of online fitness enthusiasts and gym goers, the likelihood of them becoming a prominent presence in gyms and fitness centers increases significantly.

Another crucial element that popular fitness classes need to embody is the effectiveness of the fitness routine. When it’s demonstrated that a fitness routine aids users in successfully achieving their gym goals, people become intrigued by what the class has to offer.

A reliable way to spot new fitness trends is to observe the workout routines of younger gym members. Since Millennials and Gen Z now make up 80% of fitness club memberships, their exercise preferences—earning them the nickname ‘Generation Active’ because of their enthusiasm for staying fit—offer a strong prediction of how fitness centers will adapt to meet customer needs shortly.

Popular Group Exercise Classes: Survey

A 2023 Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends aimed to identify the most popular and trending classes among gym goers and fitness centers.

Initially, there were 42 potential trends, and factors such as previous group exercise classes and trends were considered in this study when making the final selections. According to the survey, the following activities are currently trending:

Strength training with free weights classes

(Chisel, Beach Workout- Arms & Abs Classes)

Free weights are a key component of strength training, involving objects you can pick up and move freely without being attached to any equipment.

This strength training includes dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, medicine balls, sandbags, resistance bands, and sandbells. These tools are excellent for building and toning muscles, which can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, balance blood sugar levels, improve hormone health, and strengthen bones.

To ensure you’re using free weights correctly, especially during intense exercise movements, here are three simple tips:

1. Practice: Before adding weights, practice the exercise movements without them. This method helps your body get familiar with the motion before introducing additional resistance.
2. Posture: Between each repetition, quickly check your posture. Engage your core, pull your shoulders back, and make sure you’re aligned. This technique will make your workout more effective and reduce the risk of injury.
3. Control: Focus on controlling each movement during your reps. If you notice your form slipping or that you’re relying on momentum rather than strength, it’s time to stop, as you’ve reached your limit.

15 Free-Weight Exercises to Consider

Free weights offer a versatile and effective way to achieve these goals. Whether you’re new to strength training or an experienced lifter, incorporating free-weight exercises into your routine can help target multiple muscle groups and boost your workout results.

Institutions like the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the Mayo Clinic, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show 15 essential free-weight exercises designed to maximize strength and stability.

1. Push Press: A squat and overhead press combination, ideal for building explosive strength.
2. Dumbbell Bench Press: Targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
3. Goblet Squat: Great for working the lower body, including the quads, glutes, and hamstrings.
4. Single-Leg Deadlift: Improves balance and strengthens the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
5. Overhead Press: Works the shoulders and triceps.
6. Dumbbell Row: Targets the upper back and biceps.
7. Weighted Step-Ups: Strengthens the legs and improves coordination.
8. Kettlebell Swing: Engages the core, glutes, and hamstrings for a powerful cardio workout.
9. Dumbbell Lunges: Strengthens the legs and enhances balance.
10. Arnold Press: A shoulder press variation that also targets the deltoids.
11. Renegade Row: A core-intensive row that also works the back and shoulders.
12. Turkish Get-Up: Enhances mobility and stability.
13. Weighted Plank: Improves core strength and stability.
14. Dumbbell Flyes: Targets the chest muscles, improving upper body strength.
15. Farmer’s Walk: Strengthens the grip, forearms, shoulders, and core.

In Crunch Fitness, we consider group fitness to be a core component of our culture, unlike other gyms. Because of that, we want as many members as possible to experience the benefits, supportive community, and undeniable energy of our classes.

For Base plan members, try out our no-strings-attached trial class pass. In addition to free fitness training, you’ll also get to meet new people who share your goals, learn enjoyable new workouts, and supercharge your fitness efforts.

Fitness classes for Older Adults

(Fat Burning Pilates, Yoga Body Sculpt Classes)

As the fitness industry continues to evolve, older adults are increasingly becoming a significant and active demographic in group fitness classes.

This sector is particularly drawn to workouts that promote health and longevity and cater to their needs and preferences.  Fat Burning Pilates and Yoga Body Sculpt classes are among the most popular offerings, combining flexibility, strength, and endurance training tailored for older adults.

Older adults make up a considerable portion of group fitness class participants. Recent data shows over 30% of users are 55 and above.

Group workouts that offer well-designed training programs tailored for older adults are garnering high levels of approval among users and are gaining popularity in fitness classes.

Fat Burning Pilates and Yoga Body Sculpt: What is it?

Fat Burning Pilates combines the core-strengthening benefits of Pilates with a focus on cardiovascular fitness, making it an excellent option for older adults looking to burn calories and build lean muscle. 

This class typically includes exercises that enhance flexibility, improve posture, and strengthen the core, all while maintaining a low-impact approach that reduces the risk of injury.

Yoga Body Sculpt, on the other hand, merges traditional yoga practices with strength training, often incorporating light weights or resistance bands. This class helps older adults improve their balance, flexibility, and overall muscle tone, which is important for maintaining independence and preventing falls. 

The blend of yoga and strength training in this class not only aids in body sculpting but also promotes mental wellness, an essential aspect of healthy aging.

Why These Classes Are Gaining Popularity

• Tailored to Older Adults: Explicitly designed to meet older adults’ physical and mental health needs, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
• Low-Impact, High-Effectiveness: This program offers workouts that are gentle on the joints while still providing significant benefits, such as improved strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
• Accessibility: Modifications and progressions make exercises suitable for all fitness levels, ensuring inclusivity.
• Balance of Challenge and Comfort: This provides a manageable challenge without overexertion, allowing participants to stay active while minimizing injury risk.
• Social Engagement: Encourages a sense of community and social interaction, which older adults highly value.
• Mental Well-Being: Combines physical exercise with mindfulness, promoting overall mental wellness.
• Proven Results: Participants experience tangible improvements in health, fitness, and quality of life, driving continued interest and participation.

Functional Fitness Classes

(HIIT Workout, The CTC Combine Classes)

Functional fitness classes are increasingly popular as they offer a comprehensive approach to improving overall physical health and performance. These classes help to improve balance, strength, coordination, and endurance, contributing to better cardiovascular health and daily functioning.

Popular Types of Functional Fitness Classes

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. This method is highly effective for burning calories, improving cardiovascular health, and increasing overall fitness levels.

Examples:

Tabata: A form of HIIT involving 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for 4 minutes.

Circuit Training: Alternates between various exercises targeting different muscle groups with minimal rest.

With Crunch’s HIIT Zone, you can perform your routine and exercises with last-generation equipment, including resistance bands, battle ropes, kettlebells, and other amenities, for an extended variety of high-intensity exercises.

Indoor Cycling Classes

Indoor cycling classes are an excellent way to burn fat, strengthen your cardiovascular system, and increase muscle endurance. Throughout the class, your legs will be put through an intense workout, helping to tone and build lower body strength.

By the time the session ends, you’ll also experience a rush of endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, leaving you with a satisfying post-exercise high.

Examples:

Spin Classes: Incorporate varied resistance levels and cycling techniques to mimic outdoor cycling conditions.

Rhythm Rides: Combine cycling with rhythmic beats to enhance motivation and performance.

HIIT the Road: This format alternates intense bursts of speed and resistance with recovery periods. It is designed to maximize calorie burn and improve cardiovascular fitness quickly.

Heavy Mileage: An extended, stamina-focused ride mimics long-distance biking. This class is ideal for those looking to build stamina and experience the challenge of sustained effort.

What Makes Each Class Popular? 

The popularity of a group workout often hinges on how well it aligns with its target audience’s specific needs and goals. These trending classes are crafted to appeal to distinct groups, each with unique fitness objectives, whether enhancing cardiovascular health, building strength, or simply enjoying a fun routine that makes exercising more enjoyable.

An important element in the hit of a new fitness routine is including features that spark curiosity and boost participation. For example, a class might introduce a new exercise strategy, incorporate the latest fitness technology, or offer members a highly engaging format that feels fresh and exciting.

Each class’s objectives match the participants’ goals, whether offering a body workout focusing on functional strength or a group workout challenging participants to push their limits. 

This alignment ensures that everyone, from beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts, finds value in the class, as their personal fitness goals are seamlessly integrated into the overall class strategy.

By tailoring these group workouts to meet the diverse needs of gym members, fitness studios can create compelling and popular classes that draw in new participants and keep them coming back for more.

Choosing a Group Fitness Class: Considerations

Whenever we decide to join a group fitness class, we need to think about some key elements that will help us be sure that we are choosing the appropriate category. Some examples are the following: 

• Align with Your Fitness Goals: Choose a class that directly supports your fitness objectives, improving cardiovascular health, building strength, increasing flexibility, or losing weight.
• Comfort with the Style: Select a class format and intensity level you feel comfortable with. Whether you prefer high-energy workouts like HIIT, a rhythm-based indoor cycling class, or a calming yoga session, it’s essential to pick a style that suits your preferences and fitness level.
• Identify Your Primary Motivation: Reflect on why you want to join a particular group class. Whether it’s to improve physical fitness, relieve stress, learn a new skill, or socialize with like-minded individuals, understanding your central purpose will help you make a more informed decision.
• Engage with the Group: If you’re joining a dynamic class, take the opportunity to interact with other participants. Building connections can enhance your experience, keep you motivated, and foster community within the class.

By enrolling in a group exercise class, you adopt a workout methodology that can significantly aid in achieving your fitness goals and gain other advantages. These include being part of a community that shares your passion for fitness, experiencing benefits for your mental well-being, and benefiting from the guidance of an experienced trainer throughout the entire class.

Sign Up For a Group Class: Reminders

You must maintain consistent attendance when you join a group class at your fitness center. Regular participation is crucial for experiencing the full benefits of the workout. By committing to the scheduled sessions, you’ll be able to accelerate your progress and see notable improvements in key areas such as strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Consistency enhances your physical results and helps you adapt to the rhythm and intensity of the class, making each session more effective. Additionally, staying committed allows you to build momentum, making it easier to track your progress over time.

Equally important is your mindset during each session. Embrace every workout enthusiastically and allow yourself to engage with the exercise routine fully. Savor the experience of each class, where you’ll feel the immediate effects of the workout and take on the challenge of refining your skills and pushing your limits.

Moreover, group classes offer a unique opportunity to connect with others with similar fitness goals. This sense of community can provide valuable support and motivation, making the journey toward your fitness objectives more enjoyable and rewarding. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, the camaraderie in a group setting can help keep you motivated and committed to your fitness journey.

Different classes, Different Approaches 

Even though some group fitness classes may be more popular than others, we encourage you to try a variety of them and experience as many as you can. Doing so will help you determine which class aligns best with your personality, fitness level, and goals.

Additionally, don’t hesitate to ask the instructor of the class any questions you may have about the class or its routine; they are there to assist you in reaching your maximum fitness potential.

The diversity in these classes is what makes them appealing to a broad audience, allowing individuals to find the right fit for their personal fitness journey.

1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Efficiency and Intensity
2. Indoor Cycling: Cardiovascular Strength and Community Vibes
3. Dance-Based Workouts: Fun and Full-Body Engagement
4. Strength Training Classes: Building Muscle and Functional Fitness
5. Mind-Body Classes: Balance and Flexibility
6. Hybrid Workouts: Combining Strength and Cardio

Each of these group exercise classes has its distinct approach, catering to different fitness preferences and objectives. Whether someone is looking to build strength, improve cardiovascular health, or simply have fun while working out, there’s a class that fits their needs.

Understanding the different approaches these classes take can help individuals make informed decisions about which one aligns best with their fitness goals.

Join Us!

Crunch’s group fitness classes promote a culture of fun with no judgments. It’s an environment for all types of individuals with various goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now. Your goals are made to be crushed. With Crunch, you’ll have the tools, resources, and support to make it happen.

FAQ

How Long Are The Group Fitness Classes sessions? 

Normally, a group fitness class session length is an hour. However, this can vary depending on the specific class and program that the instructor implements. 

How Much Weight Should I Use? 

If you are unsure about which weight you should use for the class exercises, try with different weights and be sure that the trainer is helping you to be sure that you are doing the workout correctly. 

What Are The Different Group Fitness Class Types Available At a Gym?

Some of the most common group workouts in a gym include:

• Dance fitness parties with energetic dance routines
• Combat themed group workouts
• Yoga classes
• Martial arts
• Boot camp classes.

Are Group Exercise Classes Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, many group exercise classes are beginner-friendly, offering modifications for different fitness levels. It’s important to communicate with the instructor beforehand if you’re new to the class so they can provide guidance and adjustments to help you get the most out of the session.

How do Group Exercise Classes Compare to Solo workouts?

Group exercise classes offer the benefit of community support, structured routines, and professional guidance, which can enhance motivation and accountability. They also provide a social aspect that solo workouts might lack, making exercise more enjoyable and less monotonous.

Are There any Downsides to Joining Popular Group Exercise Classes?

The main downside is that popular classes can become overcrowded, which might limit personal space and individual attention from the instructor. Additionally, the intensity of some trending classes might not suit everyone, especially beginners, so it’s important to choose a class that aligns with your fitness level and goals.