At the beginning of every new year, people make resolutions to help them become better versions of themselves. It’s no surprise that health and fitness are continuously at the top of everyone’s list.
Let’s be real, losing weight and getting fit is not an overnight process and it’s easy to stray from your goals. Don’t get discouraged—there are many ways to stay on track and achieve all of your dreams. One of the best ways to look and feel your best without it feeling like WORK is to join group workout classes.
Before searching “group workouts near me”, read our guide! We’ll explore how to choose the best group fitness classes and where you can find them.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.
What Are Your Goals?
With all of the different options available, it’s overwhelming to know where to start with your decision-making process. The first thing you need to know is what your goals are. If you know where you want to end up, it’s easier to know where to start.
Take a moment to sit down and think about your ideal self. What are the steps needed to get to them? Maybe it’s shedding some weight, gaining some muscle, or simply toning up.
The best part about most group fitness classes is that they can help you reach multiple goals.
LOSE WEIGHT
If your priority is to lose weight, you’ll want to find a group fitness class that emphasizes cardio. Ideally, the class isn’t ONLY cardio. With weight loss, you want to try a variety of different exercises so the best class will be the right combination.
Look for high-energy classes that will get your heart pumping. Interval training with weights, dance classes that blend in strength training exercises, pretty much anything that has you out of breath by the end of it!
GAIN STRENGTH
Although the best group fitness classes for weight loss are a combination of strength and cardio classes, you’ll want a specific type of class if your main goal is to build muscle. This doesn’t mean forgoing cardio altogether, it just means you need a more strength-focused class.
Strength training seems to scare a lot of people, especially women. The main concern is that you’ll become way too muscular, but the good news is that it’s quite difficult for most women to significantly bulk up. Strength training simply helps you define muscles, feel stronger, boost your metabolism, and it can even help you sleep better.
Look for classes that incorporate heavy weights and enough repetition to give those muscles a challenge. The right group fitness instructor will understand your strength goals and help you push yourself with each class.
FLEXIBILITY
For a lot of people who are already in decent shape, they wonder what else they can do to take their fitness to the next level. Improving flexibility is a great goal for those who are looking for the next step. With that said, everyone should be incorporating flexibility and meditation into their workout routine.
Not only does this help your other exercises easier, but it can also relieve stress. There’s so much emphasis on constantly running around that it helps to take a moment to focus on stretching. You don’t need to exclusively take yoga classes, but be sure that whatever group class you choose incorporates stretching.
What Is Small Group Training?
The amount of people in a group fitness class varies. There are options that incorporate over 30 students and other classes, like small group training, that limit it to 3-6 people. If you have large fitness goals, it’s hard to beat small group training.
Some people describe small group training as semi-private personal training. You get more individualized attention than in regular group fitness classes.
Look for small group classes that use a heart rate monitor tracker and focus on full-body workouts. This will help you track your progress easier and you’ll be sure to feel accomplished after every class.
Benefits of Group Fitness Classes
You may be wondering why you should choose group fitness classes over going to the gym on your own. To reach your goals quicker, you’ll want to combine as much activity as you can. With that said, there are advantages to attending group fitness classes over solo exercise.
For starters, you’ll be able to make friends and find your community. It can be challenging to feel motivated to go to the gym on your own, but group fitness classes allow you to meet people who have the same ambitions as you. You’ll be able to feel encouraged, supported, and excited about your next workout.
It’s also perfect for newcomers who aren’t sure about which exercises to do or which machines to use. You’ll have a professional fitness instructor to help guide you and improve your understanding of fitness.
Best of all, you’ll have fun! The secret to fitness is consistency and it’s tough to be consistent when you find exercise to be a chore.
How to Find Group Workouts Near Me
Before you search for ‘group workouts near me’ and run out the door, you’ll need to know where you can find these group workout classes at. As you narrow down your interests and goals, look for fitness centers around you. Check to see what they’re offering and book a class, it’s that’s easy!
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your fitness journey, so it may take some exploring before you find the right group fitness routine. The good news is that you’ll have a blast as you look for the perfect fit.
When it comes to ideal group fitness classes, it’s hard to beat Forward Thinking Fitness in Allentown, PA. Our small group sessions are all about creating an amazing atmosphere to help you reach your goals. Be sure to book our free discovery session today!
