What fitness classes you should take based on your goals

Starting your fitness journey can be overwhelming without the help of a knowledgeable friend or personal trainer. It can also be difficult to motivate yourself to go to the gym and use unfamiliar equipment, especially if you don’t know which muscle groups to target for your goals or what machines will help. Exercise classes can be a fun way to align these goals and keep you energised throughout your workout, often yielding great results when done consistently.

If you feel that fitness classes may be a better fit for you than traditional personal training or commitment to a gym routine, we’ve outlined some classes below that are tailored to specific goals. Whether you’re looking for an active hobby, to improve overall fitness levels, or to target a specific area, keep reading as we guide you through some of the different options available.

Classes for improving flexibility and balance 

If you’re struggling with stiffness or balance issues, you would likely benefit from taking a yoga class. There are different types of yoga available, but we’d recommend starting out with basic beginners to get a general idea of the practice. If you want something more intense, you might also enjoy hot yoga which is done under more intensive conditions for a workout that gets your blood pumping. 

Some gyms may also offer generic stretch and flex classes which focus solely on improving flexibility, rather than additionally addressing strength building and breathwork. If you can’t find any of these classes near you, you could try pilates. However, this is generally more focused on strength building rather than flexibility so you’ll see less benefit in this area.

If balance is an issue, you could try a class such as Tai Chi or a specific balance class such as BodyBalance from Les Mills which are sometimes offered as part of gym packages. 

Classes for improving cardiovascular fitness

When it comes to improving cardiovascular fitness, there are plenty of options to choose from. As such, it may just be a case of trial and error until you find one that you enjoy or feel the most benefit from. You can choose any of the following classes to help build your cardiovascular health and stamina/endurance levels:

• HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) & HIIT variations such as HIIT Step, or HIIT Cycle
• Spin classes
• Dance classes such as Zumba
• Rowing
• Boot camp classes
• Boxfit
• Aerobics or aqua aerobics
• Running
• Group cardio classes.

Classes for building muscle and strength

If you’re hoping to build muscle and improve strength, it would be worth checking your local gym’s timetable to see what they offer. Often, they will offer classes targeted towards specific muscle groups such as upper body, lower body, or core. If these aren’t available on the timetable, look for classes like ‘BodyPump’, circuit training, functional fitness, callisthenics, and grit strength. Alternatively, you may wish to look into group or individual PT classes which are more tailored to your needs and fitness level. 

Classes for losing weight or fat 

For fat loss, you’ll want a mixture of workout classes as you’ll need to combine muscle building with cardio. It is up to you what you prefer to pick, however we’d suggest either opting for a HIIT or spin class that you can do at least twice a week alongside a strength building class like a core workout or functional fitness. However, we would recommend consulting with a personal trainer or gym instructor to decide on a regime as they’ll be able to best advise you based on how much weight you want to lose and in what time frame you want to do it.

Classes for recovery days or injury rehabilitation 

Of course, there are times where you won’t feel like doing heavy exercise or you cannot because you’ve sustained injury. In such cases, you’ll need low-impact activities like yoga or swimming. If you have sustained injury, you should consult with a qualified instructor in order to avoid making your injury any worse through exercise. Some classes are tailored to be low impact, and you may be able to find low impact circuits or low impact cycling classes. Check with your local gym or leisure centre to find out what options are available to you.

How many gym classes should I do a week?

For the majority of people, three classes is a good starting point to make progress. If you are of a higher fitness level, you can bump this up to five classes a week if you have the time and want to make quicker progress. Class times will vary depending on intensity, so don’t focus too much on the amount of time spent at the gym, and it is important to remember to take rest days to allow your muscles to recover. With that being said, you should focus on quality over quantity to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workout.  

What should I wear to my exercise class?

Your regular gym wear should be fine for your exercise class, unless of course you are partaking in water sports. If you think that you might get too hot, you can swap out some of your pieces for ones that boast features such as quick-dry fabric. For example, swap out any heavy sweatshirts for sports t-shirts like the Focus Classic which is made of lightweight quick dry fabric designed to keep you cool. Alternatively, you may wish to swap your track pants or joggers for breathable sports shorts which provide a snug and secure fit alongside a professional look.

Shop: Focus Classic in Navy 

Shop: Women’s Classic Shorts in Navy

Be prepared for your exercise classes with Avec Sport

At Avec, we’re here to help support you on your fitness journey by offering a wide range of high-performance active wear that will keep you comfortable through your classes. Shop the full range of sportswear to find what you need to ensure optimal comfort, allowing you to feel confident, cool, and collected whilst you workout.