When you’re at the gym on your own, it’s easy to take it easy — ten minutes on the bike, a couple of exercises, and you feel like you’ve done enough for the day. In a group fitness class, that trick no longer works. Research shows that people who attend group fitness classes train for 30 percent longer than those who go to the gym alone. It’s a simple truth: when the people around you are putting in the effort, you keep going too.
Eva Ottas, head of training at MyFitness, says motivation is what makes group fitness classes such a good option. “You don’t really want to walk out halfway through a class, so you keep pushing until the end. When you’re training alone, you sometimes think, ‘Oh, I’ve done enough already,'” says Ottas.
Why group fitness classes really work
It’s about more than the numbers. Someone else has already made the decision for you — it’s five o’clock, the class is starting, and you turn up. From then on, you don’t have to think about what to do. The instructor tells you how to do it and in what order. You just get on with it.
Ottas says: “Sometimes, after a long day at work, it’s lovely not to have to wander around the gym wondering what to do next.” That’s exactly why many people who struggle to stick with training on their own find that a group fitness class is something they actually turn up for every week.
And then there are the friends. You build a workout habit faster when you know a familiar face will be waiting for you. Many people have made new friends in the fitness studio — that’s no incidental benefit; it’s part of what makes group fitness classes work.
Who group fitness classes are for
According to Ottas, group fitness classes suit all fitness levels and ages — they’re just as suitable for women as for men. The reason is simple: fitness clubs offer such a wide range of classes that there’s something for everyone. There are classes for beginners and others for more experienced participants. Something for cardio lovers and something else for strength training fans.
Especially these days, it’s important to remember that working out is about your health. Regular physical activity strengthens immunity, keeps your mind sharp and lifts your mood. That’s no advertising slogan — it’s simply what really matters about working out.
Before you book your first class, think about what you really want. Ottas divides the options into three categories:
- Movement-based classes, or cardio training — if you want to build endurance and boost your energy.
- Muscle conditioning — if your goal is to get stronger or get in shape.
- Body & mind — a gentler pace for when your body needs recovery more than a record-breaking performance.
What matters most in group fitness classes
“You have to enjoy the workout,” Ottas stresses. There are so many styles, levels and instructors that you’re sure to find a class and an instructor you connect with and find motivating. If you don’t like dancing, you don’t have to choose a dance class. Find something that suits you better.
The most important thing is to take the first step — head out onto a forest trail or turn up at a fitness club. It gets easier from there. You can build a workout habit in just a few weeks.
Group fitness classes: frequently asked questions
Are group fitness classes suitable for beginners?
Yes. Fitness clubs offer dedicated beginner classes where the instructor takes more time to explain technique. Go ahead and give it a try — everyone started somewhere.
How many times a week should you attend group fitness classes?
Two to three times a week is a good starting point for most people. Consistency matters more than frequency — it’s better to keep going twice a week over the long term than to go five times over two weeks and then do nothing for half a year.
Can you rest if you get tired?
Yes. Ottas says: “Of course you can rest when you need to, but there’s always someone to give you a nudge and some encouragement.” That’s exactly the advantage of group fitness classes — you don’t give up halfway through, and nobody forces you to push beyond your limits.
Author: Karin Maandi
Come and work out! ArtGym
