If going solo to the gym or for a run doesn’t motivate you to exercise, a group fitness class might be your solution. A consistent workout regimen does not come easily to everyone. So finding an activity you enjoy, like Pilates, yoga or spinning, and joining others on the same journey can make it easier for you to maintain your commitment.
It’s fun to work out with others because you share the same purpose and work toward your individual fitness goals together. And a group exercise class is ideal if you’re the type of person who needs to be held accountable or prefers having a leader or instructor to tell you what to do.
Here are five group exercise classes worth investigating.
1. Group cycling
If heading out on the open road grinds your gears, group cycling or spinning at your gym could be for you. Stationary bikes let you customize your ride speed and incline, and cycling is a low-impact exercise suitable for every fitness level. Many instructors offer theme rides, so you can head to the summit listening to a special playlist.
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2. Strength training
Lifting weights on your own can be intimidating. That’s why many fitness studios and gyms offer group resistance training classes to help people build confidence — and muscle. Classes can include lifting weights and doing pushups, pullups or lunges, while incorporating interesting equipment like sandbags or tractor tires (which can be tossed, flipped or carried) to keep things fun.Â
3. Pilates
In the 1920s, physical trainer Joseph Pilates developed a series of exercises inspired by calisthenics,  and ballet to strengthen the body’s major muscle groups, especially deep core muscles. It’s a great choice for those looking for functional exercise (training the body for the activities performed in daily life), as Pilates helps to improve posture, flexibility, strength and balance. There are two types of Pilates classes. One version takes place on the reformer, a spring-loaded machine with pulleys and straps, while mat classes focus on gravity and your own body weight to provide resistance.
4. Dance
From ballet and barre to hip-hop and salsa, there’s a style, rhythm and tempo to fit every mood. Barre classes focus on the functional movement of ballet, while Latin dance classes like salsa, bachata, cumbia and merengue mix culture with exercise. Many dance workouts build muscular strength, mobility and flexibility — and depending on the steps, could be the of going on a brisk walk or even a more vigorous workout like swimming.
5. Military fitness bootcamp
Extreme functional movement classes, like military bootcamp-style workouts, are strength and conditioning sessions designed to build muscle fast. Many workouts feature squats, pushups and weightlifting. If that isn’t enough to get you sweating, trainers also employ different equipment to push you to your limit, including kettle bells, rowers and bikes, medicine balls, speed ropes, rings and plyo boxes.
