Are you looking for a new way to spice up your gym routine? Do you want to transform your treadmill training into something a little more challenging, intense, and—dare we say—fun?
Whether you’re a new gym-goer looking for ways to kickstart your fitness journey or a regular gym buff looking for a change of pace, group workout classes may be exactly what you need. From a yoga class to a pilates or HIIT class, you’re sure to find a group fitness class for you. But with so many class options, where do you start? What’s the best beginner fitness class?
In this guide, we’re breaking down the top 6 best workout classes for beginners. Let’s jump in.
#1 Yoga Classes
Starting out the different group workout classes is yoga. With so many variations, yoga classes are an optimal place to start for individuals who are new to group classes. They range in technique, and the health benefits are seemingly endless.
In fact, yoga helps to improve things like:
- Flexibility
- Posture
- Metabolism
- Muscle tone
You might need to work your way up to certain poses, but with enough practice, you’ll go from mastering the downward-facing dog to nailing that sphinx pose before you know it.
Depending on what you like, you can try your hand at Vinyasa Flow, Hot Yoga, or even Gentle Yoga.
#2 Spin Classes
Do you like to cycle, work up a sweat, and be surrounded by friends? Then a spin class is sure to make for an ideal beginner workout class.
The benefits of a spin class for beginners include:
- You get to control the level of intensity you work at (but don’t be surprised if you find yourself trying to out-compete with whoever is next to you).
- It’s low impact.
- The full-body cardio of this workout helps to build everything from your core to your leg muscles, releasing endorphins along the way.1
Plus, these classes often feature high-energy, upbeat music, which only adds to the motivation and fun.
#3 Boot Camp Classes
A boot camp isn’t just for those in the military. These types of workout classes can be a good way to ease into interval training, and they don’t usually require any special equipment to get started.
While boot camp classes can vary depending on the gym you go to, they’ll typically include a combination of:2
- Aerobics
- Plyometrics
- Calisthenics
These classes can be tough at times, so knowing your limits and taking breaks when you need to will help make sure you get the most out of these supercharged workouts.
#4 Pilates Classes
With this low-impact workout, the ultimate goal is to strengthen your muscles while simultaneously improving your flexibility and posture.
In this way, Pilates is a lot like yoga. However, while these practices share similarities, they each offer different benefits. For instance, one of the biggest differences compared to yoga is that Pilates primarily targets your core area.
That said, a Pilates class will still work other areas of your body, including your:
- Back
- Arms
- Hips
- Inner and outer thighs
Put simply, when choosing a Pilates class, you’re in for a low-impact, full-body workout that’s sure to make you sweat.3
#5 Barre Classes
Want to find a workout class that combines dancing, core work, stability, and breathing techniques? Barre classes draw elements from yoga, Pilates, and ballet for a full-body workout that’s less intense that a traditional cardio or strength training workout.
But that doesn’t mean barre is easy—barre classes still provide their own challenging elements. In fact, barre can help with things like:
- Having better posture
- Improving the definition of muscles
- Strengthening your core
- Improving your flexibility
- Burning calories
Classes typically start with a warm-up, then move into some exercises targeting the upper body, like push-ups and sit-ups. You use your body weight as resistance to help keep things low-intensity.
These classes also incorporate the use of a barre, which you might recognize from a dance studio.
#6 HIIT Classes
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is meant to push you to your limits and challenge your strength and cardio, but that doesn’t mean beginners can’t get in on the fun—or the benefits. HIIT workouts can help reduce blood pressure, improve resting heart rate, encourage muscle growth, and burn serious calories.4
A HIIT workout will push you through an intense period of aerobic exercise, then go into a short recovery period, working your way through the intervals.
Because this type of workout burns more calories faster than other types of workouts, it’s ideal for those who are looking to lose weight and increase their metabolism.
Go From Beginner to Expert with Chuze Fitness
Whether you’re looking for the best workout classes for weight loss, strength training, or pilates classes, group exercise is always a fun idea. Even if you’ve never curled a dumbbell, used a squat rack, or worked up a sweat with a workout class, you still deserve a world-class gym and quality workout classes that can take your fitness routine from average to exceptional. At Chuze Fitness, we have all the equipment you need and all the fun classes you could ever want.
With a community of friendly and motivated gym-goers, you’ll always feel at home no matter which location you go to. Plus, we’re one of the biggest and most affordable gyms you can find.
Start your journey into the world of beginner fitness classes with Chuze Fitness, no matter your fitness level or fitness goal.
Sources:
- WebMD. Exercise and Depression. https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression
- Trust Spotter. 8 Different Types of Fitness Classes Explained. https://trustyspotter.com/blog/types-of-fitness-classes/
- SELF. 8 Things to Know Before You Take Pilates Classes. https://www.self.com/story/5-things-to-know-before-you-take-pilates-classes
- 24/7 Fitness. Top 5 Classes for Beginners. https://247fitness.co/blog/top-5-classes-for-beginners
- Healthline. 7 Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-hiit