We’ve all done it—making a new year’s resolution to get healthier. However, after 6 months, less than half of those who made this new year’s resolution are still going strong.

We’re going to help you be on the successful side of your resolution. The best way to tackle the new year is by taking on some new challenges and establishing routines. If you're still trying to get your fitness routine in place, don't worry—we've got you covered. 

Read on to learn why group fitness classes are a great workout option to meet your goals and check out five programs that will have you fit and having fun in no time.

 

Gain confidence, make new friends, and stay on track.

Creating a workout routine often takes some trial and error. You have to learn what time of day you prefer to workout and styles of exercise you enjoy. And even after a routine has been created, sticking to it can be tricky. Thankfully, group fitness solves these challenges!

Group fitness classes are a great option for those who want help staying motivated or even just need some accountability. A study found that exercising two or three times a week led to social, mental, and physical benefits—including increased confidence, more social engagement, and setting and keeping routes. 

The Y offers over 45 group fitness classes including aquatics classes, so your workouts will never get old, stale, or boring. And when you combine classes, you’ll get better results! This is because focusing on one area of the body is a great beginning step, but it’s also important to package several fitness plans together to get a full body workout. For example, if you want to focus mostly on strength training make sure to attend a few flexibility classes as well to help improve your range of motion.

If you’re ready to get started on your fitness journey, check out our top five classes to try in 2023!

 

1. Zumba

If you love to dance, this is the class for you! Zumba instructors will lead you through exercises that incorporate a variety of dance styles, like salsa, mambo, merengue, flamenco, and more! Dancing provides great cardio in a fun and exciting environment! 

Zumba Gold is geared towards active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity. The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination.

 

2. Barre

Want to get long, lean, and powerful muscles? You'll love our barre class! This energizing, empowering workout uses resistance bands, hand weights, and more for an integrated, full-body experience. 

Plus, we've started a barre class for anyone 55 and older! You'll incorporate the bar and chairs with modified movements. Please stop by the front desk for more details.

 

3. RPM

RPM provides a workout just like cycling across actual terrain. It includes sprints, hills, interval training, and more. Our 50-minute classes are set to fun music to motivate and inspire you to push beyond your normal limits. 

During an RPM class, you’ll burn up to 600 calories, tone your body, burn fat, strengthen your legs, and release endorphins that will leave feeling great!

 

4. Yoga

Our yoga classes incorporate poses focused on balance, flexibility, and strength. You’ll perform standing poses, balancing poses, restorative poses, and many more. 

The benefits of yoga include decreasing body fat, improving circulation, enhancing strength and flexibility, strengthening the immune system, and relieving anxiety, back pain, and arthritis.

 

5. Body Pump

Our 60-minute Body Pump classes are guided by music and tempo while instructors lead you through a light, weight-based warm-up and into a major muscle group workout. 

This fun workout will help you burn up to 600 calories per class, enhance strength and overall fitness, boost bone density, and promote self-confidence!

 

It's a new year, and that means it's time for a fresh start. Take the first step in reaching your fitness goals with group fitness classes at the Y. Most classes are FREE to members, and we welcome new attendees every day. So grab a friend or two, and start your group fitness plan today!

With a YMCA teen membership, they will have access to everything YMCA offers—including swimming lessons, group fitness classes, open gym, sports leagues, family nights, special events, nationwide access, and so much more.

With two locations in Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette Family YMCA is a community committed to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up-to-date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website.