Group fitness is exploding across the UK, with a hefty 4.86 million souls jumping into classes each week.
Ian Twitchen, the head honcho at Total Fitness, has got the scoop on what’s hot in the fitness world, from dance to HIIT, and he’s sharing his insights that could just change how we think about hitting the gym.
“Group workouts are blitzing past swimming and running in popularity,” Ian says. “They’re not just a fun way to sweat it out; they’re also incredibly varied, catering to every age and skill level. They’re particularly a hit with newbies and, interestingly, women are the majority, making up 74% of class-goers in the UK.”
1. DANCE YOURSELF FIT Forget Zumba; the dance floor at the gym is evolving with new styles like Kangoo, Medau, and even hula hooping making the rounds at Total Fitness.
Whether it’s spring-loaded boots for a killer leg day or rhythmic movements that stretch and strengthen, dance workouts offer a full-body challenge that’s anything but boring.
2. PEDAL POWER Spinning is still king of the cardio room. It’s perfect for any fitness level, letting you set your own speed but pushing you to dig deep.
It’s a prime calorie burner that also forges lean muscle, especially around the core and legs. Plus, the camaraderie in these classes often turns fellow cyclists into fast friends.
3. SWIM TO WIN Water workouts are a big splash, especially among the older crowd.
From swimming to water aerobics, these classes are easy on the joints thanks to the buoyancy and resistance of water, making it a gentle yet effective way to get fit.
4. HIIT THE GROUND RUNNING High-intensity interval Training (HIIT) is perfect for those who find it tough to stay motivated for long workouts.
These quick, intense spurts of exercise followed by brief recovery periods can supercharge your metabolism and keep it humming, even after you’ve left the gym.
5. POUND THE PAVEMENT Running remains a steadfast favourite, and not just for its physical benefits—it’s a natural mood lifter.
Rain or shine, indoor tech like state-of-the-art treadmills and virtual tracks make it easier than ever to keep those legs moving.
With the fitness landscape more vibrant than ever, Total Fitness is keeping pace, now offering over 70 free classes each week to meet the surging demand.
For more details on how to dive into these trends, check out www.totalfitness.co.uk.