The 4 Best Types of Workout Classes for Women

Whether you’re new to the gym or a long-time pro, consistently finding the motivation to work out can sometimes be difficult. On days when you’re feeling especially unmotivated, a fun, well-run women’s workout class can be one of the best tools to empower and hold yourself accountable.

At Crunch Fitness, this is a fact that we recognize wholeheartedly. That’s why we put so much effort into developing and maintaining an extensive list of fitness classes to suit all our members’ needs. For our ladies, we know that those needs are as diverse as they are, which is why we offer everything from Pilates and music-based cardio to boxing and weightlifting classes.

Below, we’ll work through the four best types of workout classes for women and specific examples of each so you can determine which is right for you. And, if you spot one you’re interested in, you can always try the first class for free with our free trial class pass.

Strength Training Classes

Long gone are the days when women felt limited to endless sessions on the treadmill. Now, squats, hip thrusts, and deadlifts rule the day, and strength training classes have grown to become the second most popular type of fitness class in the world among women. Fortunately, Crunch Fitness offers a wide range of muscle-building classes, with new classes released almost every season.

For women looking to learn the ins and outs of traditional weightlifting, we suggest some one-on-one time with one of our expert professional trainers. During your session, your trainer will teach you about lifting equipment, proper technique and movements for different exercises, and how to design a routine that targets all muscle groups.

If a larger group format is more your speed, consider signing up for a HIITZone or Chisel workout class. These classes provide an excellent full-body workout, improve core strength, and help you practice techniques you can integrate into your workout routine.

HIIT Zone

Combining strength training and interval training classes, our HIITZone sessions provide a considerable challenge for even the seasoned gym veteran. During your class time, your instructor will coach you through a mixture of bodyweight exercises and dumbbell or kettlebell exercises to sculpt your muscles and skyrocket your fitness level. Due to its high-intensity interval training, these classes double as strength training and cardio.

Chisel

Whether you want to look strong, get strong, or both, our Chisel classes are a muscle-building masterclass. During these fitness classes, you’ll be armed with weights and other equipment and guided through various movements designed to work your body to its limits. Because the weight used is specific to each woman, everyone in the class can perform the same workout–only at their own comfort level. Because of the ability to customize workouts, this class is an excellent choice for women just getting into strength training.

Cycling Classes

When it comes to getting a good cardio workout, few fitness classes can compete with the challenge, motivation, and flat-out fun of a cycling class. Based on a strong sense of community and shared effort, groups like our Ride sessions have become some of the most popular workout classes we offer–and for a good reason.

That being said, the class atmosphere is not the only benefit offered. Any kind of cycling is excellent aerobic exercise and provides intense calorie burn. However, with the added component of modern pop music and hip-hop paired with motivational instructors, the exercise quickly transforms into a fun, high-energy experience. If you typically struggle with prolonged cardio sessions, this balance of entertainment and high-intensity workout can keep you focused on moving.

Additionally, cycling is a great choice for those who need a low-impact workout due to past injuries or joint problems. Unlike running, bike-based cardio reduces strain on your knees and hips. And, because each member is given a stationary bike, you can set the pace of your workouts, keep your heart rate at optimal levels, and gradually increase your fitness level with each class.

If you’re interested in a cycling class, here’s the low-down on our three main types:

Ride: Road

Equal parts competitive and collaborative, our Road series uses visible RPM monitors to help you gauge your pace against the rest of the class and race toward success. The most challenging of the three, these rides will help you burn more calories, form friendly rivalries with other frequent riders, and turn your legs into well-deserved jelly.

Ride: Rhythm

If music and choreography are your style, our Rhythm series is right in your wheelhouse. While the amazing soundtrack is a definite perk, the infectious energy of our instructors is also a big part of these classes’ success. If you want to have a great workout and a great time, our Rhythm classes are the perfect mix of both.

Ride: Remix

Sometimes you just aren’t sure if you want a high-intensity class or something more casual. Lucky for you, our Remix cycling class offers the best of both worlds. During each session, your instructor will guide you through different cycling patterns as the class alternates between high-intensity movements and fun choreography. This balance between effort and enjoyment creates an effective workout class that’ll leave you smiling and sweating.

Yoga Classes

Ever since it was first introduced to the Western world more than a century ago, yoga has been a beloved staple of holistic, low-impact fitness. Because of this, all of the best fitness studios and gyms now include a diverse list of yoga-centric fitness classes in their offerings. At Crunch, we take this to the next level by offering traditional yoga classes as well as modern, Crunch-specific yoga.

Regardless of whether you want to relax and recenter after a long week, practice challenging poses and careful movement, or mix the spiritual with the physical for improved wellness, we have a type of yoga to fit your needs. Just check beforehand whether a class requires you to bring your own yoga mat!

Hatha Yoga

One of the most popular forms of yoga worldwide, Hatha mixes slow, deliberate movement with controlled breathing and meditative poses. Because of its focus on the mind-body connection, Hatha Yoga is excellent for reducing pain, preventing injury, and improving posture. Also, because of its slow and controlled movements, this form of yoga is perfect for beginners and experts alike.

Vinyasa Yoga

A more physically demanding style of yoga, Vinyasa uses flowing movement and special breathing exercises to heat your body and burn calories. Because you are required to support the weight of your body in challenging poses, Vinyasa Yoga can build strength and condition muscle like any other fitness class.

Mana Flow Yoga

One of yoga’s most powerful benefits is its ability to realign an individual with their mind, body, and emotions. Our brand-new Mana Flow Yoga class does exactly that by introducing you to the four elements (Fire, Water, Earth, and Air) and their respective muscle groups. During each class, instructors will lead you through unique poses and superpower Mana segments designed to refresh, renew, and empower.

Boxing Classes

Some days you just want to hit something. Luckily, Crunch equips all of our gyms with heavy bags for just that purpose! Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve your cardio and coordination, or learn how to throw a powerful punch, a boxing workout is an excellent way to achieve all three.

For women and men alike, the confidence that comes from a regular boxing class can have profound benefits in your day-to-day life. And, even if you never have to throw a punch at anything other than a heavy bag, this type of workout class will challenge your fitness level in ways you’ve never experienced.

Fight Camp

If coordination, footwork, and hand speed drills have ever intrigued you, Crunch’s Fight Camp could be exactly what you need. In this class, our instructors will run you through the foundations of boxing and give you an impressive cardio workout at the same time. Perfect for beginners looking to take their first steps into the ring, Fight Camp can also prepare you for a more advanced training class down the line.

Heavy Hitter

Unleash your inner bruiser with this power-centric boxing class. With resistance training to build full-body strength, core-specific exercises to give you abs of steel, and striking drills to perfect your hook, Heavy Hitter will teach you how to draw power from every muscle in your body. Because it engages every muscle group, this class is a dynamic alternative to traditional strength training.

Join Crunch!

At Crunch Fitness, we pride ourselves on providing industry-leading facilities and a guaranteed no-judgment environment. We know that a good fitness routine can change your life, which is why our group fitness classes and expert personal trainers work hard to help you achieve your goals. If you’re curious about what we have to offer, try our free trial and get started on the path to success!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Supply My Own Equipment?

Depending on the workout class, you may rarely be required to bring some simple equipment like gloves or a yoga mat. Before attending your first class, check in with a trainer at your gym to make sure you’re prepared.

How Many Classes Can I Attend Each Week?

Peak members at Crunch are welcome to enjoy unlimited classes except for small group classes such as our Ride series, and Peak Results members have access to completely unlimited classes.

How Do I Know if I’m Ready for a Class?

If you’re concerned about your fitness level, check in with a trainer before attending a class. They can give you more information about the workouts to expect, what kind of cardio is involved, and if a different class might be better.

Crunch’s group fitness classes promote a culture of fun with no judgments. It’s an environment for all types of individuals with various goals. Find a Crunch gym near you to try our free trial membership, or join Crunch now. Your goals are made to be crushed. With Crunch, you’ll have the tools, resources, and support to make it happen.