How to have fun, be social and find motivation through group fitness classes.
Keeping fit is much easier to do when you’re not doing it alone. A popular alternative to hitting the gym, group fitness has become ‘the new black’ of the exercise world.
Humans are constantly inventing new things, including new ways on how we can exercise together as a group. Whether you’re looking for traditional group fitness ideas or something a little more left-field, we’ve got the hottest trends for you!
Group fitness: the basics
Everyday exercise classes
It’s the 21st century and words like yoga, and spin have become a common part of the English language. Listen in on a conversation just about anywhere and it’s likely you’ll hear about someone’s most recent expedition into group fitness classes.
Depending on your preference, you can join a gym that offers generalised exercise classes or sign up to a studio that specifically focuses on one.
Today’s most popular options for group fitness classes are:
- Barre – uses ballet-style exercises to target specific sets of muscles
- Cycle – cardio workout on stationary, indoor bikes
- Yoga – meditative practice that both stretches and strengthens muscle
- Strength training – uses weights to tone various parts of the body
Sports teams
Many of us think that playing sports is reserved solely for school children, but that’s not the case!
Joining a local sports team, whether competitive or social, is a great way to get in your group fitness exercise for the day. Bring your friends together and create a team, or make new friends by signing up at a club – it’s a win-win!
Social media is a great way to find local teams, especially for common sports like netball, rugby or soccer.
If you’re feeling something a little more adventurous, see if there’s a Quidditch team nearby – you’d be surprised how popular the game has become amongst us Muggles!
Running clubs
If you enjoy an evening or early morning jog, signing up for your local running club is a great way to get in your daily dose of cardio. Not only is there safety in numbers – there is also motivation in membership.
Running clubs are often a pretty social bunch. If you’re keen for a coffee or a catch up after your group fitness session, there’ll be a fellow jogger in there somewhere who’s up for a chat.
3 unique ways to partake in group fitness
1. Hiking groups
If running isn’t your style but you love getting into the great outdoors, joining a hiking group might be just the group fitness option for you.
Generally more of a weekend activity, all you need to do is pick a place, pack a picnic and put aside a couple of hours to explore new trails with fellow nature-loving peeps.
2. Dance lessons
Whether you’re a dancer by profession or just a prancer at heart, dance lessons are a really fun alternative to exercise classes.
With group fitness classes in ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, salsa and so many others, there’s an option out there for everyone. Lose yourself in the music, explore the extent of your body and focus on taking things one step at a time.
3. All things aqua
Exercise is not strictly limited to land – it can also be a fun way to splash around in the water!
There are plenty of water-based group fitness activities you can try if you live close to the beach, frequent the local pool or are ready to switch out your gym gear for swim wear.
Here are just a few of them:
- Aqua exercise classes
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Kayaking / canoeing
Though classes for this next one may be limited to the sandy shores of California, there is a new group fitness activity where you practice yoga out on the water whilst balancing on a stand up paddle board.
If this sounds like a bit of you (and you’re a confident swimmer/yogi!), then grab your friends, grab your paddle board and go beyond the shore to exercise your body and mind.
3 ways to get involved in group fitness
- Ask a friend: chances are someone you already know participates in group fitness. Is there a better way to feel comfortable in a new activity than by going with someone you already know?
- Search for local group fitness: a simple google search of available group fitness classes in your area could surprise you with how many options are near by. Social netball or touch football groups are found in many areas.
- Jump on social media: follow anyone on social media who enjoys group fitness? Use them for inspiration! If you’re lucky, they might have tagged their group fitness class but if not you can always comment and ask.
A social experience
Fact: Group fitness is way more fun!
When exercising with others – whether they’re friends you know or strangers you’re yet to know – you’re far more likely to stay motivated, make friends and enjoy yourself with these cool group fitness ideas.
Find an activity that suits you best and get in on this group fitness fad!
