Are you looking to get more out of your gym time? Or do you want guidance when knowing what exercises to do?
Going to a gym can be intimidating even for the most workout-savvy people. But, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of waiting in line for machines or wondering which moves you should do next, take a class!
Adult fitness classes are a great way to not only work out but meet new people as well. Ready to find the class that works for you?
Why Choose Adult Fitness Classes
Does taking a fitness class give you flashbacks to P.E.? Don’t let the set-up fool you. There are many benefits to joining a gym with fitness class offerings.
1. Group Fitness Helps You Blend In
If your primary concern with going to the gym is that you think others will look at you, joining a fitness class may be the remedy. Depending on the class you choose, each member of the group will be doing all the same moves at once.
This means no one will hone in on exactly what you’re doing. Members of the class will be focused on their exercises and non-members won’t pick you out of the crowd.
2. Get Specific Feedback
Though working out in a group helps you blend in, it also allows a trainer to evaluate your exercises. This is beneficial as you’ll know whether you are doing a move correctly.
Getting feedback from a trainer can help beginners learn the moves correctly. But, it’s also a great opportunity for work out pros to practice their form or learn advanced moves.
3. Community Mindset
When you consistently show up to a certain class, you get to know the other dedicated members of the group. This is good if you’re new to town and wanting to meet new people or if you want to find new like-minded friends.
4. Learn Modifications
Are you nervous about being able to perform each exercise? In group fitness classes, the trainers know there are varying levels of expertise and abilities.
The trainers will provide modifications so you can find the right variation for your body. This works for basic moves or when you want to advance to more difficult versions.
Which Class Is Right for You?
There is a seemingly endless amount of adult fitness classes to choose from. So, which one is right for you? Check out the classes listed below and their descriptions to find which one will help you meet your fitness goals.
Barre
Barre combines Pilates and ballet to create a body-sculpting class. The class normally takes place in a room with two or more mirrors and mounted bars around the room.
Expect to use dumbbell weights between 1 and 5 pounds, a mat, the bar, and occasionally a small rubber ball. Each of these elements helps you with the minute exercises you’ll be doing in class.
Instead of a large range of motion, you’ll be doing small movements and isometric holds. These types of moves keep your body contracted and core engaged the entire time. You may also hear the instructor telling you to “embrace the shake,” as your body may shake a bit as you hold each pose.
This class is ideal for carving out toned muscles over time. Barre is a low-impact class.
Boxing
What better way to get in shape and take your anger out than by boxing?
Boxing classes have full-size punching bags scattered around, hanging from a section of the room. Though shadowboxing is also a popular fitness class, where no punching bags are used, this is specifically about boxing.
For boxing, bring your own hand wraps or buy them at the gym. The same goes with boxing gloves, though you may be able to borrow some during your first few classes.
For this class, be sure to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing. This is to ensure you don’t get tangled up while performing technical moves or body-weight exercises.
During boxing classes, expect to have a short warm-up. Then, you’ll jump into learning punching and kicking combinations. Sometimes classes end with a section to focus on strengthening your core.
Boxing classes are great for building cardio endurance and building muscle.
Spinning
Spinning is ideal for those wanting to ride an adrenaline high and push their limits. Spin classes are normally characterized by loud, energetic music, and a trainer calling out commands for your sets.
In this classroom, there will be bikes set up around the room. Similar to boxing classes, you’ll want to wear form-fitting clothing to avoid any entanglements with gear.
The most important thing in spin classes is to make sure you set up your bike correctly. Arrive early to chat with the trainer or watch videos online beforehand to get an idea of how to adjust the settings.
These classes are great for building cardio strength and carving sleek leg muscles.
Yoga
Get zen and fit all in one! There are various types of yoga, ranging from sweat-inducing hot yoga to relaxing zen.
But, they each have a similar setup. You’ll need a yoga mat, a towel, and a yoga block. You can borrow many of these items from the gym, especially the first few times you try the class.
Normally in these classes, there are guided breathing practices, poses held for 2 – 3 minutes, and intense stretching. No matter which type of yoga you choose, you’ll grow a deeper mind-body connection and increase your mobility through stretching.
Ready to Get Started?
Depending on your fitness goals and your gym’s class schedule, you could take multiple adult fitness classes. This is known as cross-training and helps you reach more than one fitness goal at once.
Or, pick one class and invest in getting to know the trainers, your classmates, and the skills needed for that class.
Want to get started on your fitness journey today? Contact us for personalized training or group fitness classes to meet your needs.
Hey Rusty,
I am an individual fitness freak but loved to read this article. However, fitness classes are not safe in the pandemic but some trainers are providing this online or through video conferencing. But truly I don’t like online fitness classes but definitely will share with some known persons in Cambridge.
Nice post! This blog will help people who are looking for the best adult fitness classes.