And What To Expect
We get it, a lot of people like going to the gym, getting some cardio in and maybe working out for 30 minutes, and leaving. Others want more of a community experience.
This is where GROUP fitness classes come in. There’s a strong community vibe, high energy (not so much with yoga), expert instruction, intensity, and friendly competition — all of the ingredients for a fantastic workout… plus a great environment to expand your social circle.
But with so many different kinds of GROUP classes to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. Starting a new fitness routine or class environment can be intimidating, but it helps to have an idea of what to expect before joining. At FITNESS PROJECT, we offer an array of different group fitness class types to meet the dynamic needs of members of our communities. If you are just starting out with the idea of a group fitness class, keep in mind there is never a one-size-fits-all. If you tried one type of class and didn’t love it, there’s probably still another fitness class that might be a game-changer for you.
We’re listing a breakdown of what to expect if you attend a class like these in your community.
STRETCH YOUR COMFORT ZONE WITH YOGA:
Yoga is our most commonly requested GROUP fitness class, and most people are already familiar with its concept. This type of exercise has nearly a dozen variations of its own. The exercise itself consists of deliberate, concentrated movements and postures designed to promote flexibility, tone and strengthen muscles, and align the body. Most often, breathing techniques are also encompassed along with the movements, allowing participants a relaxing experience coinciding with the movement. The end of the class typically ends in a ‘Savasana’ or meditative pose on the back to conclude the practice. This class is ideal for someone looking for a relaxing, quiet routine that helps them release the day while building muscle tone and flexibility.
At your first session, don’t be worried if you can’t stretch into every single pose. You’ll adapt over time and become more flexible.
To learn more about the benefits of Yoga.
MAKE BIG GAINS WITH STRENGTH TRAINING
Adding further credence to the notion that ‘strong is the new skinny’ weight/strength training was identified as the second most popular form of GROUP workouts.
The popularity of weight/strength training classes like BODYPUMP™ is on the rise due to its appeal among younger demographics. Using light to moderate weights with high repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. The ideal workout for anyone looking to get lean, toned, fit…FAST. KettleRow and GRIT Strength are also popular strength training classes. These types of classes help you build overall strength and endurance. Be ready to work!
Learn more about what to expect with Strength Training.
PUNCH IT OUT WITH COMBAT CLASSES
Combat-themed group workouts are becoming very popular. Kick-boxing as being top of their fitness to-do list, while BODYCOMBAT™ continues to grow suggesting combat-themed group workouts look set to trend strongly in the year ahead. BODYCOMBAT is a high-energy mix of martial arts moves that will get you fit, fast, and strong. Punch and kick your way to a total body workout that will tone and shape your arms, back and shoulders, train your legs and condition your core. You’ll power through sets of hooks and jabs while also benefitting from functional training moves such as lunges, squats and push-ups.
MIX IT UP WITH CIRCUIT TRAINING
Circuit Training classes are typically an interval-style, fast-paced, shorter routine that does exactly as its name implies – a series of exercises that complete a circuit. Normally in this class setting, you complete one exercise (usually in a station) for anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute, and then move on to the next station/exercise for another 30 seconds to a minute, typically with a brief break in the routine once you complete one full circuit. Circuits can average 5-6 different exercises or stations, and you normally repeat the circuit 3-5 times, depending on the time one full circuit takes. Some popular examples of Circuit Training classes could be FP50, Team Training, and TOUR10.
These classes are ideal if you’re looking for a calorie-burning, strength-training fast-paced workout.
Learn more about these types of studio classes.
BURN BABY BURN WITH HIIT
HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, and is an exercise strategy that alternates short periods of intense exercise movements, followed by less intense, but still active “recovery” periods. The goal of a HIIT class is to reach a sustained target heart rate for exercise, allowing you to quickly burn fat in a brief amount of time. This class is ideal for someone looking to burn serious calories through intense cardio movements, and work up a sweat! Many classes may offer a HIIT component but GRIT and TOUR10 are great to experience these benefits.
RIDE IT OUT WITH CYCLE
A Cycling class is a great cardio workout that relies on an indoor cycling machine, usually in a room designated for this type of fitness class. Oftentimes, the class includes fast-paced upbeat tracks to help build the heart rate at different intervals over the course of the workout with alternating periods of sitting and standing, as well as adjusting the intensity or grade of the bike. Classes average around 45 minutes in length, and it’s a great idea to bring a towel and water bottle with you to this class – you’re going to need both! CYCLE at FITNESS PROJECT is not your average spin class. This immersive fitness experience features HIIT-style programming, motivational music and real-time leaderboard technology to track progress. FP Cycle pushes you to go the extra mile and have fun while doing it. Also try RPM & SPRINT.
When using the cycle machines for the first time, it’s really crucial to make sure you properly adjust the height of your seat and your bike handles to your own personal setting, and consult your instructor to make sure you have done this correctly and locked each piece into place for proper machine safety and reduction in the risk of improper knee form mechanics.
Learn about more benefits of CYCLE.
BOOTCAMPS PUSH YOU OUT OF YOUR COMFORT
Bootcamp classes are normally more challenging classes designed to push you outside of your regular limits through a hybrid combination of high intensity, cardio, and strength-training movements. If you go to a Bootcamp class, you can expect to encounter anything from push-ups and burpees, to bursts of sprints, sit-ups, pull-ups, barbell and weight lifting, as several examples. The variety of these movements keeps your body guessing and working, all shown to effectively maximize your progress and long-term development. As intimidating as a bootcamp class can sound, this class is ideal for someone who is up for a good challenge and seeking the deepest, most rewarding level of exercise.
Learn more about BootCamp or studio-type classes at FITNESS PROJECT.
DANCE YOURSELF INTO SHAPE WITH ZUMBA
There is no doubt in the fact that Zumba takes a spin on conventional ideas of exercise and converts it into an upbeat form of aerobic movement that disguises the effort of regular workouts! A Zumba class offers a series of energetic dance routines that provide a great cardio exertion by mixing low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style, calorie-burning, dance fitness party. The biggest key to joining a Zumba class is to not be worried about your dance moves because everyone else is on the same boat! Anyone who loves to dance and is looking for a fun routine that trades traditional, mundane workouts for music-inspired movement would enjoy this type of group fitness class.
Learn more about the benefits of Zumba.
The best class for you ultimately depends on what you hope to achieve.
You can’t go wrong with any of these fitness classes. They’re all fun and highly effective in their own way!
