09 May The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Best Group Fitness Workout

If you’re looking for flexibility and variety in your workout routines, group fitness classes provide a great way to do this. But choosing the best group fitness workout can be tricky if you’re new to fitness.

Which workouts are best for newbies? What groups should you join if you’re looking to reach certain fitness goals? You’ll probably have fun no matter what group you choose. However, if you have a little bit of information up front, you’ll feel more confident going into it.

A Simple Strategy for Choosing the Best Group Fitness Workout

Here’s a very simple strategy for choosing the best group fitness workout for you and your goals. We’ve also provided a description of common group fitness classes, and some of the classes we offer at our popular 57th Street and Hanover Street locations in Manhattan.

1. Look for group fitness workouts that meet your physical needs.

You have plenty of options when choosing the best group fitness workout. If you need something low impact and focused on flexibility and stability, try a yoga class, such as a Vinyasa Flow class (see descriptions below). Several group fitness classes are appropriate for people with injuries or those new to fitness. Some group classes are designed for high intensity workouts, like Circuit25 at Complete Body’s Hanover Street and 57th Street locations.

2. Choose a group workout that fits your schedule.

If your schedule is busy, that’s okay. Look for group workouts that fit your schedule. Consider the length of the class, when it’s offered, and how much time you’ll need after the class to get on with your day. You can choose weekend classes or group fitness workouts that are before or after work. Many gyms coordinate their classes in ways that accommodate as many different schedules as possible. You really shouldn’t have a difficult time finding at least one group fitness workout that fits into your schedule.

3. Find a group fitness workout you can commit to.

Try to find something you can do often, regularly, and commit to for a while. That’s the best way to get something out of it. It’s nice to find a class you can pop in on every once in a while, but it’s much better if you can commit to it. You’ll see improvement over time, and develop relationships with other people in the class. Support from other people often helps us stick to a workout routine. You’re more likely to like the class and stick to it if you are having a good time and have friends you can connect with.

Popular Group Fitness Workouts You Should Try

Now that you know how you should go about choosing the best group fitness workout, here is a list of popular, effective, and fun group fitness classes you should try. Some of these are exclusive to Complete Body Gym’s locations in Manhattan. If you’re in Manhattan, check out our list of over 20 different group fitness classes designed to meet your needs and fit into your schedule.

1. Barre

If you haven’t had a chance to try a Barre workout, you’re missing out! You will get a head-to-toe workout that focuses on your core and stability. Barre classes are structured around the ballet bar, floor, and mat, and usually include some ballet-inspired exercises that will keep you on your toes. Complete Body’s popular Barre Fusion class incorporates Pilates for a full-body sculpting workout. The Barre Fusion class is offered at the 57th Street and Hanover Street locations.

2. Yoga & Pilates

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise, breathing, and meditation that many people are turning to for health. If you’re a beginner, look for a Vinyasa group fitness class, such as Vinyasa Flow. In a flow class, you’ll learn how to move from one position to another, which strengthens your core, and teaches you to focus. If you’re strong already, you should also try Buti Yoga, which is a power yoga class.

Pilates is another great group class for beginners or for those who want maximum results with low-impact exercise. Yogalates is a cool group classes that combines Yoga and Pilates to give you a lean, strong, and flexible body.

3. Circuit25

Circuit25 is a group fitness class at CompleteBody’s Hanover Street location in the Financial District. In this class you’ll move at your own pace through 25 minutes of body weight exercises. Then, you’ll spend 20 minutes on core, stretching, and cooling down. Circuit classes offer the best of both worlds: an individual pace, and a team environment. This is great for anyone at any level.

4. Sculpting

You will shape your body, get lean, and have fun in a sculpting group fitness class. Often, these classes include either light, handheld weights like kettlebells, or dumbbells. You’ll also do some bodyweight exercises (which are excellent for sculpting). Most of the time, these classes include only a small amount of cardio as a warm-up. The rest of the time, you’ll be hard at work getting your body into shape, one class at a time. Try Cardio Sculpt for a unique blend of cardio and sculpting.

Our 57th Street location offers at least three different sculpting classes that are interesting and offer variety. Check out Cardio Latin Sculpt for a “hybrid sculpting class” that combines Latin cardio moves and sculpting, or Core Sculpt for a core strengthening and stability workout.

5. HIIT

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) involves pushing yourself to the limits in a fun, engaging way. Complete Body Gym’s signature HIIT class is CBXT – 45 minutes of calorie-burning, incredibly intense exercise. In HIIT group fitness classes, you’ll burn up to 1,000 calories, depending on how the class is structured. You get a huge benefit out of a HIIT group class because you’ll be getting a very effective workout in just a short period of time. The group structure makes HIIT more fun and helps you to keep going when you feel like you want to quit.

6. Spinning

Try a spinning class if you like bike riding and want to be able to do it safely and all year round. You can find spinning classes from beginner all the way up to very advanced classes. Spinning classes usually incorporate heart rate pumping music and a routine that keeps you from getting bored. It’s perfect for those of you that love to ride a stationary bike, but need to take it to the next level.

7. Zumba

Sign up for a Zumba class if you want to burn tons of calories and have fun at the same time. Yes, Zumba involves Latin dance moves, and you’ll need some coordination to do it. However, even if you’re not a great dancer, you can get benefits out of a fun, exciting Zumba class.

8. Aqua/Water Fitness, Bootcamps, and Other Classes

For people who like swimming and exercise in the water, aqua workouts as a group can be fun and challenging. You’ll keep cool while you’re working out in the water, but you’ll definitely strengthen your core and improve your stability.

Bootcamps, core workouts, boxing, and a number of other group classes are great choices for people who want to bring challenge and variety in their fitness routines.

9. Les Mills Program. BodyPump and BodyCombat

BODYPUMP^™ is a barbell workout for anyone looking to get lean, toned and fit – fast.

Using light to moderate weights with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. It will burn up to 540 calories**. Instructors will coach you through the scientifically proven moves and techniques pumping out encouragement, motivation and great music – helping you achieve much more than on your own! You’ll leave the class feeling challenged and motivated, ready to come back for more. 

BODYCOMBAT is a high-energy martial arts-inspired workout that is totally non-contact. Punch and kick your way to fitness and burn up to 740 calories** in a class. No experience needed. Learn moves from Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Capoeira and Kung Fu. Release stress, have a blast and feel like a champ. Bring your best fighter attitude and leave inhibitions at the door.

Conclusion

Choosing the best group fitness workout is really just about figuring out what’s right for your body, your schedule, and your commitment level. If you’ve ever had issues sticking to something in the past, try focusing on a group class that easily fits into your schedule and that eases you into a new workout routine. You’ll probably be more likely to stick to it that way.

Purchasing CompleteBody`s Membership all of the above classes are included. So what are you waiting for? Join Today!