There are at least 20 different types of workout classes you can join at most U.S. gyms in 2025, including HIIT, spin, yoga, strength training, and dance fitness. Group fitness classes make it easier to stay motivated, try new routines, and reach your goals—whether you’re a beginner or a regular gym-goer. Knowing the many options helps you find the perfect fit for your fitness level, personality, and schedule.
With group fitness, you get instructor guidance, community support, and a fun environment. From high-energy cardio to relaxing yoga or specialty classes like TRX and aqua aerobics, today’s gyms offer something for everyone. Below you’ll find a complete list of 20 popular group classes, what to expect, and tips for choosing the best one.
For the latest schedules, prices, and class descriptions, always check your gym’s official website or FAQ—for example, Life Time’s Group Classes or Orangetheory’s Workouts.
20 Most Popular Types of Group Fitness Classes
1. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training)
HIIT classes deliver fast-paced workouts alternating between bursts of intense activity (like sprints, jump squats, or burpees) and brief rest or active recovery periods. Sessions usually last 20–40 minutes, maximizing calorie burn and boosting metabolism for hours afterward (the “afterburn” effect).
- Who It’s For: All levels (modifications provided)
- Popular Examples: F45, Orangetheory Fitness, Les Mills GRIT
- Benefits: Burns fat, improves cardiovascular health, and is highly time-efficient.
2. Indoor Cycling / Spin
Indoor cycling (or spin) classes use stationary bikes and motivating music. Expect instructors to lead you through various terrains—hill climbs, sprints, and interval work. RPMs and resistance levels change throughout the ride for a challenging lower-body and cardio workout.
- Who It’s For: Cardio lovers, leg strengtheners
- Popular Examples: SoulCycle, Peloton, Les Mills RPM
- Benefits: High calorie burn, low impact, excellent for heart and leg strength.
3. Yoga (All Styles)
Yoga includes a variety of formats:
- Vinyasa: Flowing poses with breath coordination
- Hatha: Slow, basic postures for beginners
- Power: Athletic, strength-building flows
- Restorative: Deep relaxation and stretching
- Aerial Yoga: Poses performed in hammocks
- Benefits: Improves flexibility, balance, and mental focus; reduces stress.
4. Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates classes emphasize core strength, stability, balance, and flexibility, using bodyweight exercises performed on a mat. The focus is on controlled movements and breath.
- Who It’s For: All levels (especially beginners)
- Popular Moves: Hundreds, roll-ups, leg circles
- Benefits: Core strength, better posture, injury prevention.
5. Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates uses a specialized machine (the reformer) with springs, pulleys, and a sliding carriage to create resistance. This allows for greater range of motion, deeper stretches, and enhanced core and full-body strength.
- Who It’s For: All levels, especially those wanting low-impact resistance
- Benefits: Improved flexibility, posture, and muscle tone.
6. Barre
Barre combines ballet-inspired moves, Pilates, and yoga, using a ballet barre for balance. Expect small, repetitive isometric movements, light weights, and lots of pulsing.
- Who It’s For: Anyone wanting toned muscles and better posture
- Benefits: Lean muscle, improved balance, core strength.
7. Strength Training (BodyPump, Sculpt)
Group strength training classes use barbells, dumbbells, and bodyweight exercises to build muscle and burn fat. Music-driven formats like Les Mills BODYPUMP focus on high reps and light/moderate weights for endurance and tone.
- Who It’s For: All levels, especially those new to lifting
- Benefits: Fat loss, muscle gain, metabolic boost.
8. Cardio Kickboxing / Boxing
Cardio kickboxing blends martial arts moves (punches, kicks, shadowboxing) with fast-paced aerobic drills. Some classes use bags, gloves, and focus mitts for extra intensity.
- Who It’s For: Those wanting stress relief and full-body cardio
- Benefits: Cardiovascular health, strength, confidence, coordination.
9. Bootcamp / Circuit Training
Bootcamp and circuit training classes mix cardio bursts, bodyweight moves, and strength exercises in a fast-paced, station-based format. No two classes are ever the same—think push-ups, kettlebells, sprints, and medicine balls.
- Who It’s For: All levels, people who like variety
- Benefits: Overall conditioning, fat loss, team spirit.
10. Dance Fitness (Zumba, Cardio Dance)
Dance fitness uses fun, music-driven routines that blend Latin, hip-hop, or pop dance styles with aerobic steps.
- Who It’s For: Anyone who loves music and movement
- Popular Examples: Zumba, Jazzercise, SH’BAM
- Benefits: High calorie burn, improved coordination, mood boost.
11. Aqua Fitness / Water Aerobics
Aqua fitness classes are held in a pool, making them low-impact on joints but still challenging thanks to water resistance. Typical classes include water jogging, kickboard work, and underwater strength moves.
- Who It’s For: Seniors, beginners, those with injuries or arthritis
- Benefits: Gentle on joints, builds strength, and cardiovascular health.
12. Step Aerobics
Step aerobics uses a raised platform (“step”) for choreographed routines involving step-ups, jumps, and moves to music.
- Who It’s For: Fans of rhythm and choreography
- Benefits: Cardiovascular health, agility, lower-body strength.
13. CrossFit & Functional Training
CrossFit blends Olympic lifting, bodyweight training, and cardio in constantly varied “workouts of the day” (WODs). Functional training (e.g., F45) emphasizes real-life strength and mobility using equipment like kettlebells and sleds.
- Who It’s For: Competitive types, those wanting overall athleticism
- Benefits: Strength, endurance, community, and skill development.
14. TRX / Suspension Training
TRX uses suspension straps anchored above you, letting you perform hundreds of bodyweight moves (rows, squats, planks) with added core engagement.
- Who It’s For: All levels (scalable by angle and position)
- Benefits: Core stability, total-body strength, joint-friendly.
15. Stretching / Mobility / Flexibility Classes
These classes focus on static and dynamic stretching, foam rolling, and gentle movement to improve range of motion, prevent injuries, and aid recovery.
- Who It’s For: All ages, especially athletes and desk workers
- Benefits: Improved mobility, injury prevention, faster recovery.
16. Group Running / Walking Clubs
Instructor-led groups meet for scheduled runs or walks. Routes and distances vary, and paces are often matched to ability. Great for accountability and community.
- Who It’s For: Beginners to advanced, social exercisers
- Benefits: Endurance, social connection, motivation.
17. Mindfulness / Meditation Classes
These classes combine gentle movement (sometimes yoga), guided breathing, and meditation to calm the mind and body. Sessions may include guided visualization or progressive relaxation.
- Who It’s For: Anyone seeking stress relief and better focus
- Benefits: Mental clarity, emotional resilience, reduced anxiety.
18. Prenatal / Postnatal Fitness
Classes designed for expectant or new mothers, with exercises safe for each stage of pregnancy or postpartum. Includes strength, flexibility, and pelvic floor work, with lots of support and guidance.
- Who It’s For: Pregnant or postpartum women
- Benefits: Safe fitness, reduced pregnancy discomfort, faster recovery.
19. Core & Abs Conditioning
Focused sessions on abdominals, obliques, and lower back, using mats, balls, or bodyweight. Usually short (15–30 min), they target stability, posture, and core strength.
- Who It’s For: Everyone—great supplement to any workout
- Benefits: Better posture, reduced injury risk, visible core strength.
20. Creative & Specialty Formats
Gyms are always innovating! Specialty classes include:
- Aerial yoga (using hammocks)
- Cardio drumming (rhythm with exercise balls)
- Pole fitness
- Animal Flow (primal movements on the floor)
- Who It’s For: Those who love novelty and new challenges
- Benefits: Keeps workouts fun and fresh, targets new muscles, builds confidence.
Summary Table: Types of Group Fitness Classes
| Class Type | Key Focus | Typical Equipment | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIIT | Cardio, fat loss | Bodyweight, dumbbells | Busy people, all levels |
| Spin/Indoor Cycling | Cardio, endurance | Stationary bike | Cardio fans, all levels |
| Yoga | Flexibility, mind-body | Mat, blocks, straps | Everyone |
| Mat Pilates | Core, stability | Mat | Beginners, core focus |
| Reformer Pilates | Full-body, resistance | Reformer machine | All levels, rehab |
| Barre | Toning, posture | Barre, light weights | Dancers, toning seekers |
| Strength (BodyPump) | Muscle, endurance | Barbells, dumbbells | All levels, muscle gain |
| Kickboxing | Cardio, strength | Gloves, bags (sometimes) | Stress relief, cardio lovers |
| Bootcamp/Circuit | Conditioning, variety | Mixed | Variety seekers |
| Dance Fitness | Cardio, fun | None | All ages, music lovers |
| Aqua Fitness | Low-impact strength/cardio | Pool, noodles, dumbbells | Seniors, rehab, joint issues |
| Step Aerobics | Cardio, agility | Step platform | Rhythm lovers |
| CrossFit/Functional | Total fitness | Barbells, kettlebells, etc. | Competitive, athletes |
| TRX | Core, full body | Suspension straps | All levels, joint-friendly |
| Mobility/Flexibility | Flexibility, recovery | Mat, foam roller | Everyone |
| Group Running/Walking | Cardio, social | Running shoes | Social, endurance |
| Meditation/Mindfulness | Stress relief | None | All ages |
| Prenatal/Postnatal | Safe, functional | Mat, balls | Expectant/new mothers |
| Core & Abs | Core strength | Mat, ball | All fitness levels |
| Creative/Specialty | Variety, fun | Various | Adventurous, open-minded |
How to Choose the Best Group Workout Class for You
- Set your goals (weight loss, strength, flexibility, fun, stress relief).
- Consider your fitness level—many classes offer beginner options.
- Ask about trial classes or drop-in fees—these range from $10–$30 per class for boutique studios (2025), while most big-box gyms include classes in membership ($30–$75/month on average, depending on location and amenities).
- Check the schedule and try different formats to find your favorites.
Pro Tip: Hybrid classes (like HIIT Yoga or Barre Cardio) combine multiple benefits and are trending in 2025 (Marie Claire, 2025).
Why Group Fitness Classes Are Worth Trying
- Motivation: Group energy keeps you consistent.
- Expert Guidance: Certified instructors help you use proper form and push safely.
- Community: Social support improves long-term success.
- Variety: With so many formats, you’ll never get bored!
- Accountability: Pre-set times help you show up.
Common FAQs
Are group fitness classes included in my gym membership?
Most large gyms include classes in standard memberships, but check your club’s policy. Specialty studios often charge per class or package.
Are classes suitable for beginners?
Yes! Most instructors offer modifications for all abilities.
What equipment do I need?
Gyms provide most equipment. Bring a water bottle, towel, and supportive shoes.
What if I have an injury or special need?
Let the instructor know—they can help with safe modifications.
Conclusion
With 20+ group fitness class options, there’s a workout for every personality, body, and schedule. Whether you crave high-energy HIIT, calming yoga, strength circuits, or something creative, group classes help you reach your goals and make fitness fun. Ready to try one? Check your local gym’s class schedule today and sign up for a session that inspires you!