Group Exercise Classes: To Go Solo or with the Pack?

Key Takeaways:

Group training enhances motivation and consistency by fostering a sense of community, friendly competition, and a structured routine.

Beyond physical benefits, group fitness provides emotional support, social connection, and a sense of accountability that solo workouts often lack.

With options ranging from cardio and strength to mind-body and specialty classes, there's a group workout for every fitness level and goal.

Going to the gym on your own can be a great way to kickstart a healthier lifestyle. But what happens when you don’t have access to the necessary equipment or when your motivation starts to dip? Perhaps you find it challenging to stick to your routine and could use a little extra motivation. That’s why many people are swapping solo workouts for dynamic, high-energy group fitness classes. The next time you’re feeling unmotivated? Take a class.

What Are the Benefits of Group Training?

Group training or exercise is when people get together to train alongside one another under the guidance of an instructor. So, what’s so great about sweating with random people?

It Creates Community

These days, it can be challenging to meet like-minded individuals given how much of our lives are spent digitally. This has led to the demise of what we know as “third places,” places outside of work and home where you gather and interact with others. The right exercise class can become your new third place.

Regularly attending the same fitness classes will help you build connections with other regulars. These connections can blossom outside of class and turn into friendships. It could lead to group outings, birthday invitations, and movie nights. Plus, having people you look forward to seeing will give you another reason to show up and do your best, holding you accountable.

Exercise Classes Motivate You

Connecting with those around you can create friendly competition as you watch others progress with their fitness. It pushes you to be your best self, and this is through intrinsic motivation, which is the drive to complete an activity not because of external motivators (like money) but out of enjoyment, curiosity, or ambition. Psychological factors can drive intrinsic motivation, like feedback and challenges. For example, if you’re struggling with an exercise, an instructor or peer can provide tips on how to nail the moves correctly. Others see you evolve, too, and can reward you for your progress with positive feedback.

You Can Try Different Levels

Many exercise classes cater to all levels and provide modifications for different workouts, depending on the class. If you’re a beginner, the instructor can simplify complex moves. And as you grow, the instructor can find ways to increase the intensity.

It Gets You into a Groove

Going to the gym to work out solo is more difficult for getting into a routine. Group fitness classes, on the other hand, typically happen at the same time and day weekly or maybe even several days a week. This makes it so much easier to get into a routine, which is one of the biggest barriers to exercising adequately. And once you get into a rhythm with your workouts, you may find yourself making other healthier lifestyle choices, like improving your sleep, eating more whole foods, or even reducing sugar intake. Small changes can compound into major results when paired with consistent exercise.

Which Fitness Class Is Right for You?

Most gyms offer group fitness classes. Some fitness classes are free-standing businesses separate from gyms, like Orange Theory Fitness. You can even sample different classes via apps like ClassPass before deciding what you enjoy the most and committing to any memberships.

Look at the various types of workout classes to determine which is best for you:

Cardio-Based

Spin class: This is one of the most popular, invigorating cardio classes, and you know people LOVE their spin classes. In spin class, you ride a stationary bike next to others while listening to amped-up music. Throughout the class, you’ll change speed and resistance settings. If you want an exciting, fast-paced cardio workout, then a cycling or spin class is right for you.

HIIT: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an anaerobic exercise involving short bursts of intense, explosive exercise with periods of rest in between. It is designed to burn fat and build muscle, and usually involves different equipment like stationary bikes, kettlebells, and jump ropes. If you’re less experienced in your exercise journey, start easy with HIIT: take plenty of breaks, and modify according to your level.

Kickboxing or boxing: Have some stress you need to get out? Kickboxing or boxing classes are perfect for you and will certainly give your cardio a run for its money. Participants are taken through different kick and punch combinations. Depending on the class, you may have to bring or borrow gloves. Other classes may have punching bags. Some will have you do mitt training with gloves, taking turns with a partner doing the combination. Many classes, known as “cardio-kickboxing” classes, involve no equipment or contact at all.

Dance: Zumba, hip-hop, and contemporary dance classes are great ways to sweat away to music that gets your heart pumping. Dance classes teach body awareness and help you become more confident in your fluidity, dynamics, and rhythm.

Strength Training

BODYPUMP: A popular, worldwide exercise class created by Les Mills, BODYPUMP blends cardio and weight training. It uses high rep, lower weight training, and includes exercises like squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and more.

Bootcamp: Accurately named, bootcamps are specialized, intensive training programs with a military-style edge. If you’re looking to get your butt kicked, boot camp is for you—it builds strength, endurance, and mental toughness in a structured community.

TRX training: TRX, which stands for total resistance training, involves suspension training and body weight exercises to build strength. TRX is excellent if you’re looking for a full-body workout that’s also low-impact.

Kettlebell: Kettlebell training involves using kettlebells, which are cast-iron weights weighing anywhere from five to over a hundred pounds. The class involves pulling, swings, deadlifts, and more. A kettlebell class is excellent for anyone looking for a unique, strength-based workout that doesn’t involve traditional dumbbells.

Mind-Body

Yoga: Yoga incorporates ancient practices that blend physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. If you want to connect with your inner self more or improve flexibility, yoga is the one for you. There are different types of yoga, like vinyasa (flowing), hot, power, restorative, and even aerial yoga.

Pilates: A mind-body exercise system, Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates to help rehabilitate bed-bound soldiers in World War I. It involves the repetition of several key positions that focus on core strength, controlled movement, proper alignment, and mindful breathing to improve flexibility, posture, and overall body awareness.

Barre: Barre incorporates ballet technique to develop lean muscle, balance, stability, endurance, and flexibility. Exercises are performed using a ballet barre on the wall in high reps.

Tai chi: This ancient Chinese martial art and exercise system promotes mindfulness. It was initially developed for self-defense. Tai chi is gentle and low-impact and uses slow, flowing movements combined with controlled breathing—it’s great for all ages!

Small Group Training

Small group training usually costs more than traditional exercise classes. Small groups typically have no more than ten participants. Think of it as a halfway point between fitness classes and personal training. Small group training is the way to go if you want a more intimate, personalized experience, and strength and cardio rolled into one program.

Running Clubs

Group exercise doesn’t have to be a traditional class; it can be a run club, too! A run club lets you enjoy the camaraderie associated with group fitness classes, but with nature, adventure, and shared training for a running event, like a marathon or 5K. You can find club meetups online on places like Meetup.com or Facebook. Or go to a local running shoe store; many offer run clubs! If you’re feeling extra ambitious, consider starting a run club.

The Types of Exercise Classes, in a Nutshell

Category	Class Type	Description	Best For
Cardio-Based	Spin	Stationary cycling with music, variable intensity	High-energy, endurance
	HIIT	Intervals of intense effort + rest; uses varied equipment	Fat burn, muscle gain
	Kickboxing/Boxing	Combos of punches/kicks with gear or partner drills	Stress relief, cardio
	Dance Fusion	Zumba, hip-hop, etc., for cardio via choreography	Rhythm, fun workouts
Strength	BODYPUMP	High-rep, low-weight lifting with music	Lean muscle, endurance
	Bootcamp	Military-style, full-body intensive training	Toughness, stamina
	TRX	Suspension-based bodyweight training	Core, low-impact strength
	Kettlebell	Functional movements with kettlebell weights	Power, dynamic strength
Mind-Body	Yoga	Postures, breathing, meditation (many styles)	Flexibility, mindfulness
	Pilates	Core-focused, alignment, and breath work	Posture, body control
	Barre	Ballet-inspired sculpting workout	Toning, balance
	Tai Chi	Slow, flowing martial arts sequences	Mindfulness, all ages
Specialty	Small Group Training	Semi-personal sessions with 10 or fewer people.	Coaching + community
	Running Clubs	Organized outdoor group runs with shared goals	Social runners, endurance

Whatever you choose—group or solo—finding your exercise groove can lead you to a healthier, happier life. Remember to hydrate with Nuun Sport when you’re on the move and always have fun doing it!