From traditional step aerobic classes to slightly more “out there” classes that are unique to particular gyms, there’s a huge amount of choice when it comes to gym classes. Whatever your fitness goals, you’re sure to find a class that will be fun and beneficial to you. Find out more about some of the popular options and how they can help you to get fitter, healthier and stronger.
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Are you wondering whether it’s worth taking advantage of some of the classes your gym offers? Or maybe you’ve been thinking of choosing a gym based on its choice of classes but you’re not sure what kind of class will work best for you? Either way, we’ve got you covered. We’ve discussed some of the classes you can find at different gyms and the benefits of getting involved.
The benefits of gym classes
Your fitness goals will be the biggest factor here and, depending on the type of class you join, the benefits can include getting fitter and stronger or improving your wellbeing. Classes that are based around specific activities can also have targeted benefits such as toning certain areas of your body.
Beyond the fitness side of things, group classes can have other benefits, including:
A structured approach, which is great if you’re not sure how to work towards your fitness goals or you want your workouts to be at a certain level of intensity all the way through
Social support from other members
The chance to get motivation, support and guidance from a qualified instructor
Types of classes
There are a wide range of classes available, depending on the gym you choose, and some are specific to certain gyms.
Here are some of the popular class types that you’ll find at a lot of gyms:
Yoga and Pilates classes can help you to improve your flexibility and tone your body. While there are some similarities, there are also some big differences between yoga and Pilates and this can affect which one will suit you best. There are lots of types of yoga and some gym classes focus on specific yoga disciplines such as restorative yoga or Kundalini yoga.
If you like the idea of combining dance moves with aerobics, you’ll love the idea of Zumba. It’s fairly energetic so it’s a great choice if you want to burn calories and improve your fitness in a fun way.
You may associate spinning classes with the idea of pedalling really fast but that’s actually only part of the story. Most classes involve switching things up with regards to the pace and intensity so that it starts to mimic an outdoor bike ride. As you might expect, this is a high-intensity class and can be much more energetic than outdoor cycling.
If you’re interested in the idea of doing strength training, some gyms offer classes that incorporate strength training moves. They’re usually designed to be motivating and fun, which can work well if you’re not confident about using lifting equipment in the gym but still want to get the benefits.
Water-based classes are often available at gyms that have pool facilities and they can be a great choice if you want to do exercises that have less impact on your joints.
Dance-based classes can be a great way to do more cardio work and have some fun too. Depending on the gym, your options can include freestyle dance or classes that focus on specific dance styles.
A class that involves using Power Plate technology can help you to burn more calories, improve your circulation and build stronger bones.
Tai chi is a combination of flowing movements and deep breathing. It can work well for people who want to start being more active as it isn’t a high intensity workout.
Step classes are one of the more traditional gym classes but you’ll often find that they have been given a modern twist.
Finding the right class for you
If you’re already a member of a gym, you can have a look at the classes that they offer and see if you like the sound of any of them. Depending on the gym, there may be a lot of options for you to pick from or you may be fairly limited. Some gyms don’t offer classes at all, which is another consideration if you think you would go to classes regularly at another gym and you’re not getting the best value for money from your current membership.
If you’re not already with a gym, it’s definitely worth comparing a few different options to see what they offer. Not all gyms offer classes but those that do will often give you the chance to test them out as part of a free trial. This is perfect for getting a good feel for how the class works and whether it will suit you before you go ahead and commit to a membership.
Our ultimate gym comparison guide is an easy way to see which of the big gym chains run classes, but don’t forget to check out some of the smaller options in your area too as they will often have different classes.
Free gym trials also give you the opportunity to road test some of the other key factors that are important when choosing the right gym for you, including location, equipment, facilities and the type of membership that is available.
If you live in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane or Gold Coast, we’ve done the hard work for you and listed all of the gyms we could find that offer free trials. Just click the links to see your options!
Clare Cribbin is the global shopping publisher at Finder. She started in the Australian team hunting down the best shopping deals on the market, producing health and wellbeing articles and creating helpful gift guides. Clare is now applying her shopping knowledge globally. You may be surprised to learn that she has a degree in Zoology and a Master of Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law.
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