Most gym franchises have some group classes, whether it's yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, Zumba, and more.
However, some gyms focus on offering high-quality group classes, while others make you pay extra fees or only offer limited classes.
That's why we sent our writer to all of the top gym chains to review them, and she asked about the quality, prices, and range of classes.
The 11 best gyms with classes are:
- Best Overall – LA Fitness
- Best Premium Pick – Equinox
- Largest Selection – Life Time Fitness
- Best for Beginners – Onelife Fitness
- Good for Most People – World Gym
- Best for Strength + Cardio – Gold’s Gym
- Good for Busy Professionals – GoodLife Fitness
- Good for Many People – Crunch Fitness
- Best for Families – YMCA
- Great for Seniors – 24 Hour Fitness
- Best for High-Intensity Classes – F45
Before you commit to purchasing a membership at one of your local gyms, I’ll cover everything you need to know about each of the gyms with classes included, what makes a gym class worth it, and some of the benefits that group workouts provide.
Table of Contents
Best Gyms with Classes Comparison Chart
Gym | Monthly Fees | Annual/Enrollment Fees | Best for | Locations | Barbells & Plates | Squat racks | Deadlift platforms | Dumbbells | Strength Machines | Group Classes | 24-hour access | Childcare | Women's only area | Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
LA Fitness | $$ | $$ | Good for most people | More than 550 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
Equinox | $$$$$ | $$$ | Good for group classes for intermediate lifters | More than 100 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | READ REVIEW |
Life Time Fitness | $$$$$ | $$$$ | Good for families, powerlifters, bodybuilders, & CrossFitters | More than 150 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
Onelife Fitness | $$ | $$$$$ | Great for bodybuilders, good for powerlifters and recreational gym-goers | More than 50 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
World Gym | $$ | $ | Great for lifters | More than 200 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
Gold's Gym | $$ | $$$$ | Best for bodybuilders; good for powerlifters, CrossFitters, and recreational gym goers | More than 200 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
Goodlife Fitness | $$$ | $$ | Good for bodybuilders, powerlifters, and recreational gym-goers | More than 250 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
Crunch Fitness | $$ | $$$ | Good for powerlifters, bodybuilders, & CrossFitters | More than 400 locations | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | READ REVIEW |
YMCA | $$ | $$ | Best for beginners & familes | More than 2700 gyms in the US | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | READ REVIEW |
24 Hour Fitness | $$ | $$ | Good for powerlifters, bodybuilders, weightlifters, and recreational gym-goers | More than 250 locations in 11 states | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | READ REVIEW |
F45 | $$$$$ | ❌ | Best for high-intensity group classes | More than 1800 gyms in +45 countries | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | READ REVIEW |
11 Gyms With The Best Classes
1. Best Overall – LA Fitness
Every LA Fitness has a variety of classes that are included in your membership, although the specific classes vary by location.
What Classes Are Included?
LA Fitness is known for its great Zumba and Pilates classes, and it also provides cycling and kickboxing classes. A select few locations also offer a Club Studio membership that enables access to HIIT and functional training classes.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
An LA Fitness membership for single-club access costs less than $40/month. Group classes are included in this price.
You can also sign up for a Multi-Club membership for $34.99/month plus taxes and a $49 initiation fee. This membership gives you access to various locations, including some of their Signature clubs. If your local LA Fitness doesn’t offer the specific classes that you’re looking for, the Multi-Club membership enables you to go to another location that does.
Certain LA Fitness locations also offer a Club Studio membership plan. This gives you access to a wider variety of classes, including HIIT and functional group training sessions. The Club Studio membership costs $125/month on top of your usual monthly membership fee.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
LA Fitness is a suitable option if you like trying various classes. They have classes for a range of intensity levels, so pretty much any gym-goer will be able to find something that they enjoy.
If you love low-intensity work, their yoga and Pilates classes will be great. You might love their high-intensity kickboxing sessions if you’re looking for a challenge.
For those of you who are looking for aerobics, boot camp, or aqua-based gym classes, LA Fitness will not be the best option for you.
Pros Of The LA Fitness Gym Classes
- Every location offers a selection of group classes
- Group classes are included in the membership plans
- There is a wide variety of classes ranging in intensity levels
- The classes are appropriate for everybody, from beginners to advanced gym-goers
Cons Of The LA Fitness Gym Classes
- They don’t have an extensive range of high-intensity classes such as boot camp sessions
- Class times vary across locations
LA Fitness is also one of the best gyms with childcare, so check out that full post to see similar options if you have kids. Plus, I compared LA Fitness against similar gyms, so read those full reviews before committing to a membership, including Planet Fitness, Youfit, and Anytime Fitness.
2. Best Premium Pick – Equinox
Equinox has lots of unique classes, including yoga, Pilates, cardio boxing, and conditioning. However, you’ll have to pay a premium price for a membership.
What Classes Are Included?
Equinox has an extensive class timetable that includes:
- Athletic Training
- Barre
- Boxing and Kickboxing
- Cycling
- Long + Lean
- Pilates
- Stretch and Recovery
- Yoga
The locations with a pool also offer aqua-based classes covering low-intensity and high-intensity training.
Each class is led by a qualified instructor who demonstrates the exercises and motivates class members. You must book every class in advance.
Equinox also has an Equinox+ App that enables you to live-stream strength and cardio classes or take them on demand. You can sync the app to your Apple Health account or your home cardio equipment to monitor your progress.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
Equinox memberships enable you to attend an unlimited number of classes each month. However, Equinox memberships are pricey compared to many other gyms with the classes included.
The basic plan starts at $176/month plus taxes and may cost up to $280/month plus taxes.
The Equinox+ App costs just $40/month and gives you access to live and on-demand sessions.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
Equinox is great for those of you who enjoy trying a lot of different classes and want to keep your workouts varied. Equinox is the place for you if you enjoy instructor-led classes that are motivating and supportive.
If you’re working out on a budget, Equinox isn’t the best option. Their memberships are expensive relative to other gym franchises in the country, but their classes are very similar to the cheaper gyms.
For those of you who enjoy working out in a well-equipped professional studio, Equinox will definitely fulfill your needs. They have great yoga, cycling, and Pilates studios at most locations.
Pros Of The Equinox Gym Classes
- Equinox has an extensive range of different classes
- There is an app that offers live and on-demand classes that you can follow along with
- Every class has a motivational and supportive environment
- You can attend an unlimited number of classes with your membership
Cons Of The Equinox Gym Classes
- The Equinox gyms can get crowded at peak times of the day
- You need to book in advance
- Equinox memberships are expensive in comparison to other gym franchises
Equinox is another one of the best gyms with childcare, so read the full review if you have kids. I also compared Equinox against similar gyms like LA Fitness and Life Time Fitness.
3. Largest Selection – Life Time Fitness
Life Time Fitness has one of the largest selections of group classes that you’ll find. It offers everything from cycling to strength and conditioning to yoga, and every class is included in your membership plan.
What Classes Are Included?
Life Time Fitness classes include:
- Alpha Conditioning and Alpha Strength
- Barre
- Cardio classes
- Cycling
- Kettlebell classes
- Spinning
- Yoga
- Zumba
The Alpha Strength classes are similar to CrossFit in that they incorporate a lot of Olympic lifts, sprints, and plyometric movements. Alpha Conditioning leans more toward strength and conditioning than CrossFit-style training.
Most of Life Time Fitness’s classes focus on bodyweight movements and use very limited equipment. You can sign up for small group sessions if you’re uncomfortable working out in a larger group setting.
Every member can attend any session they like, but you must book your classes in advance.
Check out the classes at this Minnesota location to get an idea of what you can join.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
Whether you’re signed up to Life Time’s Standard or Signature membership plans, you can attend an unlimited number of classes, all of which are held in their studios.
The Signature membership will set you back $179/month at this Minnesota location, though prices vary by location. The latter option offers early access to book group classes.
Their Digital membership is just $15/month plus taxes. It doesn’t enable you to go to any of Life Time’s facilities, but it offers access to a range of live and on-demand classes.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
If you enjoy more bodyweight or HIIT-focused workouts, you’ll enjoy the group classes at Life Time Fitness. It has a large range of different classes, so you’ll never get bored with their selection.
There are limited options for those of you who want to build power and strength through group classes. The Alpha Strength classes focus on Olympic lifts, with some similar strength-based classes.
Pros Of The Life Time Fitness Gym Classes
- There is a huge range of classes to try out
- Every class is included in your membership, whether you’ve signed up to the Standard or Signature plans
- There are small group sessions if you are intimidated by large group workout classes
Cons Of The Life Time Fitness Gym Classes
- Life Time Fitness memberships are fairly expensive
- You have to book your classes in advance
- There is only one strength-based class (Alpha Strength)
Life Time Fitness is our favorite gym with an indoor track, and if you like running indoors, check out the other options. I also compared Life Time Fitness against similar gyms like LA Fitness and Planet Fitness.
4. Best for Beginners – Onelife Fitness
Onelife Fitness has a nice variety of group classes, most of which are available for every member. Its classes have a reputation for friendly and motivating instructors, so it’s a great option if you’re feeling a little intimidated or nervous about attending a class.
What Classes Are Included?
The classes that are available at Onelife Fitness are:
- Barre
- Body Combat
- Cardio kickboxing
- Cycle
- HIIT
- Les Mills Body Pump
- Pilates
- Power Yoga
- Strike
- Vinyasa Flow Yoga
- Zumba
The locations with a pool also offer pool-based classes, including Aqua Circuit and Aqua Fitness.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
Onelife Fitness memberships are available from $37.99/month plus taxes, and this price includes access to most of their classes.
You may need to pay an additional fee for some of the Onelife Fitness classes, which will vary depending on the location.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
Onelife Fitness is known to be very friendly and welcoming to all, so it’s a good option if you’re new to the gym environment or you’re nervous about attending a group class. There are also group classes that are dedicated to seniors, helping make it one of the best gyms for seniors.
If you’re trying to lose weight or you love HIIT and Tabata-style training, you’ll enjoy the Onelife Fitness classes. There are also sessions to improve your flexibility and endurance.
Those of you who enjoy low-intensity training, such as yoga or Pilates, will also be satisfied with the Onelife Fitness group class timetable.
And if you have random work shifts or a busy schedule, you can make it to at least a few of the Onelife Fitness classes, since many of them are in the early morning or late evening.
Pros Of The Onelife Fitness Gym Classes
- The fitness instructors are friendly and supportive
- The memberships include group classes and are affordable
- There is a huge variety of group classes, ranging from low-intensity to high-intensity, that support different fitness goals
Cons Of The Onelife Fitness Classes
- Class timetables vary depending on location
- You may have to pay extra for some of the classes
We also compared Onelife Fitness head-to-head against Planet Fitness.
5. Good for Most People – World Gym
World Gym has a large selection of group classes, but the available classes will depend on the location.
What Classes Are Included?
World Gym has a range of different group classes, including:
- Boot Camp
- Cycling
- Kickboxing
- Pilates
- Spinning
- Strength-based Classes
- TRX
- Yoga
- Zumba
The class timetable varies between locations, so you might need to check with your local franchise for a detailed overview of their class schedule.
World Gym also has an app called World Gym Anywhere on Android and iPhone, which offers a variety of instructor-led live or on-demand classes, including Les Mills and SoulBody Fitness.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
The World Gym classes are included in the all-access membership, costing just $19/month. However, this is the price for the Pawling, NY location, and the membership cost can vary depending on the location.
There are also one-month or three-month options, costing $39 and $117, respectively, which are ideal if you don’t want to commit to a full year. These shorter memberships will also give you access to the World Gym group classes.
The World Gym Anywhere App costs $149.99 each year or $14.99 each month.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
Due to the varied selection of great classes that are offered at each location, World Gym is suitable for anybody who likes group training regardless of your experience level or goals.
Whether you are trying to lose weight, improve your fitness, or do some low-intensity exercise, there will be a World Gym class that is suitable for your needs.
Pros Of The World Gym Classes
- World Gym has a range of different classes
- The all-access membership is affordable and includes access to every class
- There are strength-based and cardio-based classes available
Cons Of The World Gym Classes
- Classes vary depending on location
World Gym is also one of the best gyms with student discounts. I also compared World Gym against similar gyms, such as Planet Fitness and Gold's Gym.
6. Best for Strength + Cardio: Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym has a nice range of group classes at each of their locations. Their membership plans enable unlimited access to the classes, so you can attend as many as you’d like without paying additional fees.
What Classes Are Included?
Each Gold’s Gym offers a different group class timetable. Some of the common classes you’ll find include:
- Cycling
- Spinning
- Yoga
- Strength-based classes
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
The standard Gold’s Gym membership costs $39.99/month, depending on your location, and gives you access to an unlimited number of classes in most locations.
You can also get a yearly pass for $499 or sign up for an auto-renewing membership that costs $54/month. Both of these options also provide unlimited group class access.
However, certain locations may charge an extra fee of around $35 for each class.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
Since Gold’s Gym doesn’t offer early morning or late evening classes, it’s more suitable for those of you who don’t work a 9-5 and can access the gym during the daytime hours. They’re also best for people who enjoy combining strength and cardio workouts in a group setting.
Pros Of The Gold’s Gym Classes
- You get unlimited classes with each membership at most locations
- The classes are held in dedicated studio rooms
- The instructors have a good reputation
Cons Of The Gold's Gym Classes
- Most classes are held during daytime hours, so it’s not ideal for those of you who work 9-5
Gold's Gym is one of the best gyms for kids and teens. I also compared Gold's Gym against other top gyms, including 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, and Planet Fitness.
7. Good for Busy Professionals – GoodLife Fitness
GoodLife Fitness has a variety of cardio, strength, and mind and body-focused group classes, so there really is something for everyone. Classes are available with every membership, aside from the Essential plan.
What Classes Are Included?
Here are some of the many group sessions that are offered at GoodLife Fitness:
- Aqua Classes
- Cycling
- Empower HIIT, PEAK, and REGYMEN (HIIT and strength training classes)
- Pilates
- Yin/Yang, Vinyasa, and Power Yoga
- Zumba
If you’re on the Performance membership plan, you’ll be able to access certain classes where you can use a heart rate monitor to track your performance. GoodLife Fitness has women's-only classes, too.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
Group classes are only offered on the Ultimate membership, which costs $36.99 per every two weeks. You may need to pay an additional fee to take group classes if you are on one of the cheaper membership plans.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
The GoodLife Fitness classes range from 15 minutes to 60 minutes, so whether you prefer longer or shorter training sessions, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs. You can also find a class you enjoy whether you prefer high- or low-intensity exercise.
The group classes run from as early as 5:15 am until as late as 10 pm, so if you work long hours or have daytime commitments, you’ll still be able to attend some of the sessions.
Pros Of The GoodLife Fitness Gym Classes
- Classes run in the early mornings and late evenings and vary in length and intensity
- There is an extensive range of different classes that focus on strength, cardio, or mind and body
- There are women’s only classes
Cons Of The GoodLife Fitness Gym Classes
- Group classes are only free on the Ultimate membership plan
- GoodLife Fitness is only available in Canada
Goodlife Fitness is one of the best gyms with showers, so check out the details in the full post. I also compared Goodlife Fitness against Anytime Fitness, LA Fitness, and Fit4Less.
8. Good for Many People – Crunch Fitness
Crunch Fitness has an extensive range of group classes that span from beginner-friendly to advanced, including cycling, HIIT, Pilates, yoga, and Zumba.
What Classes Are Included?
Crunch Fitness offers the following classes:
- Cycling
- HIITZone (including AccelerateHIIT, PunchHIIT, StrongHIIT, and ExtremeHIIT)
- Kickboxing
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Zumba
The specific type and frequency of classes vary depending on location.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
Crunch Fitness members who are on the Base plan for $14.99/month will need to pay an extra fee per class. Those who are on the Peak and Peak Results membership plans, which cost $24.99 and $34.99 each month, have group classes included in their monthly fee. These are the prices from the Parsippany, NJ location, but you'll pay more at Signature Clubs like in Morristown, NJ.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
Crunch Fitness gym classes are good for people of all ages and experience levels. They’re also suitable for anyone who enjoys combining high-intensity and low-intensity exercise. Although the exact class timetable varies between locations, you are bound to find at least one or two sessions you enjoy, whether a strength, cardio, or dance-based class.
Pros Of The Crunch Fitness Gym Classes
- Peak and Peak Results membership plans enable access to group classes, and they are both affordable
- There is a great range of strength, cardio, and dance group classes
- The instructors are energetic and supportive
Cons Of The Crunch Fitness Gym Classes
- Classes vary depending on location
- Base plan members will need to pay an additional fee per class
I also compared Crunch Fitness head-to-head against similar gyms, including Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, and Anytime Fitness.
9. Best for Families – YMCA
The YMCA has a lot of group classes, although the exact classes that are available will depend on the location.
What Classes Are Included?
The Y offers both low and high-intensity group sessions, including:
- Aqua Classes
- Cycling
- Functional Fitness (similar to CrossFit)
- HIIT
- Strength Training
- Pilates
- Yoga
- Zumba
It also has separate classes that are dedicated to help seniors improve their mobility and flexibility.
As well, the YMCA app provides virtual classes and enables you to book a slot in one of the in-person classes.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
The YMCA adult membership costs $71/month at the Wayne, NJ location and provides access to all of the gym group classes. You can access the gym room and classes for $57/month if you're a senior.
Membership prices near you may be higher or lower.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
The YMCA’s affordable memberships and kid-friendly environment make it perfect for families, and the senior-only sessions set it apart from other gyms with classes.
Pros Of The YMCA Gym Classes
- The YMCA offers in-person and virtual classes
- The memberships are affordable and include unlimited access to group classes
- There is a great variety of different classes for you to try
- The YMCA offers senior-friendly classes
Cons Of The YMCA Gym Classes
- Most locations require you to book a slot in advance for group classes
- Aquatics classes are only available early in the morning or late in the evening
For more gyms with pools, check out the full list. I also compared the YMCA against top gyms, including Life Time Fitness, LA Fitness, and Anytime Fitness.
10. Great for Seniors – 24 Hour Fitness
For classes including Barre, Body Pump, cycling, Pilates, and Zumba, 24 Hour Fitness is a suitable option. It doesn’t have an extensive range of group classes, but it has the basics.
What Classes Are Included?
24 Hour Fitness has a more limited range of group classes, including:
- Barre
- Body Pump
- Cycling
- Pilates
- Strength Classes
- Yoga
- Zumba
Some locations have more classes than others, but, in general, the selection of classes at 24 Hour Fitness can be pretty limited in select areas. In addition to the classes listed above, you can find classes based on cardio, HIIT, strength, cycling, and dance.
24 Hour Fitness also has a category of classes called Active Aging that targets seniors.
Additionally, 24 Hour Fitness has an app called 24GO, through which you can reserve your slots for in-person classes or take part in virtual training sessions. The app also has on-demand classes that you can stream from anywhere.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
Memberships at 24 Hour Fitness in Ramsey, NJ cost $57.99/month plus taxes and include access to the group classes. You can also get a 12-month plan that works out at $21.99/month, which also includes classes.
The 24GO app costs $14.99/month on top of your usual monthly gym membership, and it has over 2,000 on-demand classes.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
Although the selection of classes is quite limited in some locations, 24 Hour Fitness is suitable for those of you who enjoy traditional gym classes, such as cycle, HIIT, and strength-based sessions.
For seniors, 24 Hour Fitness has a great range of active aging classes that will help to improve mobility and strength.
Pros Of The 24 Hour Fitness Gym Classes
- There is a decent selection of classes at most 24 Hour Fitness locations
- There is an app that offers over 2,000 on-demand classes that you can stream
- The Active Aging classes are perfect for seniors
Cons Of The 24 Hour Fitness Gym Classes
- You need to book a slot to attend the group classes at 24 Hour Fitness
- The range of group classes is not as extensive as many of the other gyms
I also compared 24 Hour Fitness head-to-head against similar gyms, including Anytime Fitness, LA Fitness, and Life Time Fitness.
11. Best for High-Intensity Classes – F45
F45 is well-known for its unique style of high-intensity circuit training classes that can be cardio-focused or strength-focused. It doesn’t have a variety of classes, and there are no low-intensity options.
What Classes Are Included?
All F45 classes are very similar. They follow a circuit training style where you rotate through a range of stations during the class. This class style is the only option offered at F45, but some sessions will be more cardio-focused, and others will be more strength-focused.
Each station focuses on a different body part or a different movement pattern, so by the end of the class, you’ve had a great full-body workout.
Every class is less than one hour long due to the high-intensity nature of the sessions. The trainers organize all of the stations prior to the class, so all you need to do is show up and try your best!
No resistance or cardio machines were used during the F45 classes. However, you might use a set of dumbbells, a kettlebell, plyo boxes, battle ropes, and TRX bands in each station.
What Is The Cost Of The Gym Classes?
F45 memberships are $57/week with no contract and month-to-month billing at the Seattle location, though it can vary based on where you live. For this price, you can attend as many classes as you like. But judging by the high-intensity nature of the F45 classes, you probably won’t want to do more than 3-4 classes a week.
There is also a 10-class pass that costs $229 and enables you to attend 10 classes. If you just want to do the odd class here and there, you can pay a one-off fee of $29.
Many locations offer free trials so you can try out a class without making a payment. This is ideal to see if you enjoy the unique F45 training style before signing up for a longer membership.
Who Are The Gym Classes For?
If you’re looking for a fun way to challenge your whole body and boost your cardiovascular fitness, F45 is a great option for you. Its classes are great for weight loss since the high-intensity stations will help you to burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time.
If you enjoy group sessions and you want to make high-intensity training fun and social, F45 will suit you well. It has a strong sense of community.
You’ll probably find F45 easier if you’ve previously done CrossFit or if you regularly participate in HIIT workouts. But even complete beginners to exercise can still enjoy a great F45 class. They might just need to take it a little easier for the first few sessions until they get used to the intense training style.
F45 classes are not suitable for powerlifters or bodybuilders. The sessions don’t use any heavy weights, and they’re not optimal for muscle growth. And because F45 classes are so intense, it might take you a few days to recover properly. This could affect your usual training program, which is not ideal if you’re working towards a competition.
Pros Of The F45 Gym Classes
- F45 classes have a welcoming environment and a community feel
- The F45 classes can boost cardiovascular fitness and aid weight loss
- You get to use a range of different gym equipment in any one F45 session
- You’ll love F45 if you enjoy HIIT workouts
- The sessions are less than one hour
Cons Of The F45 Gym Classes
- Every class follows the same pattern
- Beginners may feel intimidated or might find the classes too difficult at first
- F45 is not suitable for powerlifters or bodybuilders who already follow an intense resistance training program
I also compared F45 against another gym with many classes, Orangetheory.
Gyms That Don't Have Classes
Gyms that don’t offer in-person group classes include:
- Planet Fitness: Planet Fitness has no group classes, but both the Classic and PF Black Card memberships (costing $10/month and $22.99/month respectively) offer free fitness training. This training enables you to work with a trainer who will create a customized workout plan for you.
- Blink Fitness: Blink Fitness doesn’t offer in-person group classes but has premium content on its mobile app, allowing you to take virtual classes.
- Fit4Less: Fit4Less gyms have no in-person classes but offer virtual cycling classes. However, these classes are not instructor-led.
- Workout Anytime: Workout Anytime doesn’t have in-person group classes but small group training classes for a maximum of six people.
- Youfit: There aren’t many group classes at Youfit, and only a few select locations offer them. If you enjoy doing group classes, there are much better options than Youfit.
Working Out In Groups Gym Classes: What Are The Benefits?
The key benefits of attending group gym classes include:
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced perceived stress
- Balanced health
- Higher cooperation
Improved Quality of Life
Group exercise can significantly improve three measures of quality of life, including mental, physical, and emotional.
One study showed that participants who participated in at least 30 minutes of group exercise each week for 12 consecutive weeks showed 12.6%, 24.8%, and 26% improvements in mental health, physical health, and emotional health, respectively.
Reduced Perceived Stress
Exercising within a group setting may decrease the amount of stress that you perceive during your workouts.
In the same study mentioned above, participants reported a 26.2% decrease in perceived stress after following the group exercise regime. Another study confirmed the same phenomenon, with subjects who participated in group exercise reporting higher levels of pain tolerance.
This suggests that you might be able to challenge yourself even more during group sessions and push your body to new levels of intensity.
Balanced Health
Studies suggest that community-wide exercise can improve the three core domains of health – physical, mental, and social. This was shown to be particularly noticeable in older adults.
One study indicated that elderly individuals who took part in regular group activities felt more socially connected and better supported, and experienced a higher sense of security in the community.
Another study by The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association also indicated that group exercise can lead to significant improvements in mental health.
Higher Cooperation
Group exercise may boost levels of cooperation, teamwork, and synchronicity.
One study showed that group exercise can lead to social bonding, which leads to enhanced exercise performance. Participants showed increased cooperation and synchronicity when training together as a team.
Although the study was focused specifically on sports teams, the researchers concluded that the same results could apply to any type of physical activity, including recreational exercise and dance.
Other Gym Membership Resources
- 10 Best Gyms With Pools, Saunas, & Hot Tubs
- 7 Best Gyms With Basketball Courts (Cost & What To Expect)
- 5 Best Gyms For College Students (With Student Discounts)
- 9 Best Gyms With Trainers (And, How Not To Get Ripped Off)
- 18 Best Gyms With Showers (Cleanliness & What’s Included)
- Best Gyms for Beginners: My Top Picks + 7 Things to Consider
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About The Author
Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.