Whether you’re just getting into exercise or looking for a fitness community, group fitness classes can be a great option. In a fitness class, a personal trainer will lead you through a structured workout in a group setting, showing you how to properly perform the exercise and encouraging you throughout. These classes can take your workout to the next level and help you receive multiple benefits. For example, joining a group fitness class can help you:

• Learn proper form
• Receive more encouragement and workout motivation 
• Ensure your workouts are varied
• Increase your fitness accountability
• Gain a community

As you consider joining community fitness classes, you should know the benefits of group fitness so you can make an informed decision about if they are right for you. Group exercise classes tend to be best for people who want professional advice from personal trainers, a community of other fitness enthusiasts, and encouragement while they exercise. Learn more about the five main group exercise benefits below:

1. Master Proper Form

Avoiding injuries at the gym often comes down to using proper form throughout your workout. In a group fitness class, a personal trainer will walk you through proper form for different exercises, model them for you, and correct any mistakes they notice. More experienced members can also help if you’re looking for tips about how to improve your form. Plus, group exercise classes give you plenty of time to work on your form and make it stick before you do an individual workout! 

2. Receive Encouragement (and Workout Motivation!)

A group exercise class offers a positive, supportive environment where people of all fitness levels can come as they are and receive encouragement. The personal trainer will get to know you and constantly encourage you to do your best. Other members will also notice your progression, and their praise can be a huge source of workout motivation. Seeing other people who are further along in their fitness journey can also be motivating, as you can see how far you can go if you stick with it.

3. Be Held Accountable

If you find it hard to keep yourself accountable when you work out alone, group fitness classes can be a great source of accountability. It’s one thing to let yourself down by not going to the gym, but letting down your personal trainer and the friends you’ve made in the class is another thing entirely. A group exercise class should make you feel wanted and part of a community, increasing your fitness accountability and reducing the chance you skip a gym day. 

4. Get Involved in a Community

When you attend a group exercise class, you’ll get to know more about other members beyond just how much they can lift or how hard they push themselves. While you can find a wide variety of people at a group exercise class, you’ll all have one thing in common—you want to get in shape and have a good time while you’re doing it. With a supportive fitness community in your corner, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll start looking forward to the gym!

5. Perform More Varied Workouts

If you don’t want to get stuck doing the same exercises over and over again, group exercise classes are a great way to add variety to your workouts. A personal trainer will often switch up the group training exercises you perform while still targeting the main muscle groups that the class focuses on. Many gyms also offer different types of exercise classes, so you can always join another class if you want to focus on a different muscle group or fitness goal.

Have questions about group fitness classes? Review our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about group exercise classes below:

Can You Join a Fitness Class as a Beginner?

Yes! Fitness classes are great for people of all fitness levels. Even though you’ll be doing the same exercises as more experienced members, you won’t be judged for lifting a lighter weight or going a bit slower during a cardio-focused workout. Instead, more advanced members will tend to want to help you reach your goals and make progress.

What Types of Group Fitness Classes Are There?

You can find lots of group fitness classes at gyms today. Some of the most popular types of group fitness classes include:

• HIIT classes
• Yoga and pilates classes
• Cycling classes
• Strength training classes
• Senior classes
• Aqua aerobics classes
• Dance workout classes

Do Group Fitness Classes Cost Extra?

No! While other gyms may charge extra for group fitness classes, Defined Fitness includes our entire Group X catalog as part of your membership. You can take unlimited classes—including Zumba, Aqua, Pound, Mind-Body, SilverSneakers, and LesMills—at no extra charge.

Do You Need to Bring Equipment to Group Exercise Classes?

Usually, group exercise classes will provide all the equipment you need to perform the workout. Just make sure to wear comfortable gym clothes and bring a water bottle!

If you’re interested in receiving the many benefits of a group fitness class and you live in New Mexico, Defined Fitness has you covered. We’re proud to offer multiple community fitness classes as part of our memberships. For example, our members can take Zumba, Aqua, Pound, Mind-Body, SilverSneakers, and LesMills classes for no extra charge! When you decide to attend one of our classes, our personal trainers will make sure you feel welcome and walk you through any help you need with form. 

Check out our group fitness calendar to find a class to join and experience the benefits of group exercise today! If you’re not already a member of Defined Fitness, take advantage of our new member discounts and plans.