Boosting Your Gym Membership With Classes – How to Make the Most of Group Fitness

If you’ve spent any time in one of our many locations, you’ve probably witnessed one of Crunch’s industry-leading group fitness classes. Upbeat music, smiling, determined members, and the satisfied collapse after a particularly hard session–all of these things and more are what make our classes so special.

For the uninitiated, however, we know that group fitness can be an intimidating thought. All too often, we hear members express concerns about whether they’ll be able to match a class’s pace or follow along with new exercises.

To address those concerns, we wanted to take the time to outline all the ways you can use Crunch’s group fitness opportunities to boost your workout routine, accelerate results, and have more fun exercising than you ever thought possible.

As for fears about fitting in? Remember that every Crunch location prides itself on its No Judgments atmosphere, meaning you’ll never be made to feel out of place or in the way, no matter how new you are to fitness.

What Are Group Fitness Classes?

Group fitness classes involve exercising with others under the direction of a qualified instructor in a group setting. These sessions feature a structured workout plan that incorporates different exercises, movements, and training methods to improve multiple fitness aspects, including cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and overall physical fitness.

Classes can take place in fitness studios, gyms, community centers, or outdoor locations.

What distinguishes group fitness from solo workouts is its social environment and the support of an instructor.

Rather than working out alone, participants become part of a community of people with similar fitness goals. The classes are not just about exercise; they’re about having fun. They aim to be dynamic, motivating, and enjoyable, fostering a sense of connection and teamwork among participants.

During a group fitness session, participants follow the instructor’s guidance, moving in sync with the group.

The instructor’s role in a group fitness session is to lead and empower. They offer cues, demonstrations, and modifications to help everyone maintain proper form and technique. Workouts are designed to be challenging yet flexible, accommodating different fitness levels so participants can progress at their own pace.

Large Group vs. Small Group Training Sessions

Because they’re designed to include more people, large group classes usually use less equipment. Most of these classes are structured to include bodyweight exercises.

While this may be a more straightforward approach to group fitness, it also allows for an unmatched level of energy and motivation. Surrounding yourself with many people with shared goals and enthusiasm ensures an excellent workout.

On the other hand, small group classes typically have limited studio space or require specialized cardio equipment, like weight sleds. While most gyms reserve smaller group training sessions for members with more premium monthly plans, they also usually add extra value or support to make these classes worthwhile.

At Crunch Fitness, for example, your Peak Results membership gets you access to unlimited group classes of all sizes, and our Signature locations allow you to reserve spots online to experience it.

Benefits of Small Group Training Sessions:

Small group training is recognized as an affordable way to enjoy the benefits of working with a fitness professional.

Beyond being budget-friendly, small group training fosters camaraderie, accountability, and greater success among participants. Exercising in a group setting allows people to build connections and friendships, which enhances commitment to the program.

However, the benefits of small group workouts extend beyond cost savings and a sense of community. Additional advantages include:

1. Personalized Attention: In a small group, the trainer can provide individualized feedback, make corrections, and suggest suitable modifications and progressions to meet each participant’s needs.
2. Variety: The workouts are continuously adapted and updated as the group advances, keeping the sessions fresh and engaging.
3. Motivation: Exercising alongside others often inspires you to push harder and stay committed to your fitness goals.
4. Support: Both the trainer and fellow participants offer encouragement and assistance, helping everyone tackle challenges together. You’re all working towards a common goal!
5. Enjoyment: Small group training can be a lot of fun! With the right program and a group of friends, exercising becomes an exciting and enjoyable experience.

Benefits of Large Group Training Sessions:

Whether you’re a regular at the gym looking for something new or a beginner trying to get comfortable working out, large-group training could be exactly what you need! Here are some of the key benefits of exercising with a group of friends:

1. Builds a Strong Foundation: If you’re new to fitness but have yet to be ready to invest in one-on-one sessions with a personal trainer, large group exercise classes offer an affordable way to learn the basics and practice proper form under the guidance of professionals.
2. Adds a Competitive Element: Healthy competition can go a long way! If team sports aren’t your thing or you’re recovering from an injury, large group training can provide a competitive edge that motivates you to push a bit harder.
3. Creates Accountability: You’re less likely to skip a workout when you have a friend counting on you to be there or when you’ve already paid to reserve your spot in the class.
4. Guarantees a Great Workout: Planning a workout can feel overwhelming, especially after a long day at work or when you’re short on time. Large group sessions come with trainers who handle the planning for you, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy a great workout.
5. Opportunities to Socialize: Group training is a fun way to meet new people who share your interests. You’ll have a chance to connect, laugh, and boost your mood with endorphins while sweating it out together—even bonding over how tough the workout was!
6. Draws Motivation from Others: When you’re feeling tired or unmotivated, the energy in a large group can be contagious. These sessions are typically set to lively music, surrounded by people ready to give their all, with coaches who are there to inspire you.
7. Bring Variety to Your Routine: Mixture is the spice of life! Large group training introduces new exercises and diverse training methods that challenge you in ways you might not try on your own, preventing your workouts from becoming stale or repetitive.

Types of Workout Classes

While our classes vary based on location, it’s safe to assume that every Crunch facility will provide one or more courses in the following categories.

Cycling

Since the early 1990s, spin classes have been one of the most popular forms of group cardio worldwide. Today, Crunch Fitness continues that tradition with our Ride classes, each designed with a specific goal in mind.

Ride classes are a popular fitness option that many find fun. Combining a high-intensity cycling workout and a supportive group setting helps you feel confident and motivated to reach your fitness goals.

These classes are ideal for anyone who loves intense cardio workouts and is looking for a challenge. One of the benefits of Ride classes is their availability at most fitness centers and specialized studios.

In addition to boosting heart health and building muscle endurance, the cardiovascular workout in these sessions raises your heart rate, promoting better blood circulation.

At Crunch Fitness, there are multiple Ride Classes available to accommodate individuals with varying levels and specific goals:

• The Ride: This classic indoor class offers a mix of terrains, including hills, flats, sprints, and intervals.
• HIIT the Road: This format is designed to maximize calorie burn and improve cardiovascular fitness quickly.
• Heavy Mileage: This class is a more extended, stamina-focused ride that mimics long-distance biking.

Dance

Dance workouts are an excellent choice for fitness beginners. They combine cardio and coordination in a way that’s easy to start and adds fun and enjoyment to your exercise routine.

In Crunch Fitness, you can try a combination of rhythms, and group dance classes provide a perfect opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests and fitness goals.

You’ll discover a friendly and inclusive environment where you can enjoy your workout while picking up new dance moves.

Thanks to the upbeat music and the group atmosphere, dance workouts are a fun way for many people to stay active.

Even without fancy cardio machines or endless hours on the treadmill, classes like our Retro-Robics will get you moving, shred calories, and make you love every minute of your workout.

HIIT

HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) greatly benefits overall health and fitness. This workout method alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and periods of rest or low-intensity activity.

HIIT classes significantly enhance cardiovascular health by elevating your heart rate and challenging your aerobic capacity, leading to several key benefits. These include reducing body fat, improving aerobic endurance, increasing metabolism, lowering insulin resistance, and managing stress.

Training at a high intensity is crucial to maximizing the benefits of HIIT. Exercising at your maximum effort during intense intervals ensures the most significant impact on your fitness levels.

This approach stimulates fat loss, boosts cardiovascular function, and enhances muscle tone. By pushing yourself to the limit during each session, you make every workout count, turning your effort into meaningful progress and achieving the desired results.

During each session, trainers guide you through timed, circuit-style exercises designed to push the limits of what you thought was possible.

With Crunch’s HIIT Zone, you can perform your routine and exercises with last-generation equipment, including resistance bands, battle ropes, kettlebells, and other amenities, for an extended variety of high-intensity exercises.

Yoga

Yoga is an ideal choice if you seek a calm and soothing environment. Although most people associate yoga with relaxation and stress management, these classes offer much more than you might expect.

As one of the oldest and most popular forms of exercise worldwide, yoga promotes balance, coordination, and full-body strength.

Yoga provides a group fitness experience that enhances muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination while offering a comforting experience for both body and mind.

For those looking for a more athletic challenge, Vinyasa yoga incorporates dynamic movements that elevate your heart rate and help build a strong core.

While yoga classes are typically low in energy and intensity, many people find them rewarding for the sense of mindfulness they foster and the physical fitness benefits they provide.

A well-structured yoga class will help you increase flexibility and ensure proper technique, including essential warm-ups and cooldowns, for an enjoyable and relaxing session.

At Crunch Fitness, we offer many different styles and variations of yoga:

• Hot Yoga: Fierce
• Hot Yoga: Flow
• Hot Yoga: Foundation
• OmHIIT Yoga
• Iron Mat
• Unbreakable Yoga
• Hatha Yoga
• Vinyasa Yoga

Already know that Crunch is for you? Click here to join your yoga class now!

Strength

Strength-focused group classes often incorporate different tools and techniques to promote muscle growth and increase strength.

These classes may utilize free weights like dumbbells and kettlebells, bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats, or specialized exercise equipment such as tractor tires, battle ropes, and sledgehammers to create dynamic and engaging workouts.

Each element is designed to challenge different muscle groups and improve overall strength.

For those who might feel overwhelmed or uncertain about using squat racks or lifting heavy weights, like during deadlifts, our Pilates classes and strength boot camps offer a more approachable way to build strength.

These classes provide many benefits, such as improved muscle tone, endurance, and core strength, and are similar to traditional weightlifting but in a more suitable setting for beginners.

Participants can gradually build their confidence and skills while enjoying a comprehensive strength-training experience.

How to Include Classes in Your Gym Routine

The best way to incorporate fitness classes into your normal routine depends on your membership terms, fitness goals, and schedule.

Group fitness classes are a great way to stay committed to your fitness goals while adding a fun social aspect to your workouts.

Whether you’re new to group exercise or looking for ideas on how to make it a regular part of your weekly routine, you’re in the right place!

At Crunch Fitness, for instance, Peak Results members have unlimited access to every class we have to offer. Peak members also enjoy an extensive selection of classes but may not be able to attend smaller, studio-based workouts like our Ride series.

Regardless of how often you attend, however, there are three primary ways to get the most from a group class:

Choose the Perfect Class for You

Ready to dive into the world of group fitness? Step one is finding the class that matches your vibe. Whether it’s yoga, Pilates, dance, or high-intensity workouts, there’s a class just waiting to make your heart pump and your face smile. Find one that you genuinely enjoy and aligns with your fitness level and goals.

Why not try a beginner or all-level class if you’re starting out? This will help you get the hang of the format and master the moves before you move on to something more advanced. And remember, be curious and try out different classes until you find the one that makes you feel like a fitness superstar!

Balance Out Your Routine

Like most people who regularly go to the gym, it’s likely that you enjoy certain exercises more than others. Maybe you’re an amateur weight lifter who habitually skips out on cardio sessions. Or, it’s possible you’re a stair-stepper fanatic who wants to build a little more muscle in a certain area. If you’re a pro in both strength and cardiovascular fitness, you may still benefit from the mental health boost that comes from a relaxing yoga class.

Regardless of what your individual fitness journey looks like, a group fitness class can provide the structure and motivation you need to follow through in the areas you’re least likely to pursue alone.

Find a Fitness Buddy

Having someone to work out with can make exercise a lot more fun and exciting. If you can, try to get a friend or family member to join you – you can keep each other motivated and share the highs and lows of working out.

But if you can’t find a workout buddy, don’t worry! Group classes are great for meeting new people and making fitness friends. Before you know it, you’ll have a little support crew cheering you on every step of the way.

Create a Schedule

Once you’ve found that awesome fitness class you love, it’s time to make it official—schedule it on your calendar! Decide how many times a week you want to go and treat it like an unmissable appointment (even more important than your dentist check-up).

Creating a schedule will help you stay on track and resist the urge to skip a session. Plus, it allows you to plan the rest of your life around your workouts because, let’s face it, life loves throwing surprises our way!

Double Down On Goals

On the opposite side of the spectrum, group fitness classes can help you take your existing strengths and make them even more impressive.

Members prepping for a half Iron Man or local triathlon can boost their training with more challenging cardio classes.

Similarly, switching up your resistance training with functional movements like those in a HIIT class may provide the core strength needed to hit new free-weight personal records.

Learn New Skills

The true beauty of top fitness classes is the ability to take what you learn and add it to your individual workouts. Whether you’re unsatisfied with your rate of progress or simply want new exercises to keep your program fresh, finding a group class that interests you can provide excellent educational opportunities.

And, because each class the Crunch Fitness offers is run by a certified trainer, you know you’re learning movements and techniques from an expert, with the opportunity to ask questions when you have them.

Be Consistent

Consistency is the secret sauce to success! Aim to attend the same class at the same time every week until it becomes a habit as natural as your morning coffee.

Have I missed a class or two? No worries! Life happens. The key is to dust yourself off and return to it next week. Remember, consistency is about making fitness a priority, not achieving perfection.

Keep It Fresh

While sticking to a routine is important, don’t hesitate to spice things up! Trying different classes or workouts occasionally keeps things exciting and helps you challenge your body in new ways. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent for aerial yoga or kickboxing!

Try a new class at your regular gym or studio, or venture out and explore something completely different. Mixing it up prevents boredom and keeps you from hitting that dreaded fitness plateau.

Adding group fitness to your weekly routine is a super fun way to stay motivated and stick to your fitness goals. Finding a class you love, sticking to a schedule, bringing a friend along, and keeping things fresh will make fitness a regular part of your life—no more boring chores! So why not give it a try and see how it transforms your body and your life?

Ready to Get Started?

Unlike other gyms, Crunch Fitness considers group fitness a core component of our culture. Because of that fact, we want as many members as possible to experience the benefits, supportive community, and undeniable energy that comes along with our classes.

For Base plan members, try out our no-strings-attached trial class pass. In addition to free fitness training, you’ll also get to meet new people who share your goals, learn interesting new workouts, and supercharge your fitness efforts.

If, after your trial is over, you decide that group fitness is something you want in your normal routine, consider upgrading to our Peak Results package for access to unlimited classes at a competitive monthly rate.