Best Group Exercise Classes for Cross Training

Looking to jump start your fitness journey, get a fresh change to your routine or cross train to improve your typical mode of fitness? Group exercise classes may be just what you need. 

Research shows that people who attend group exercise classes are more likely to be consistent in showing up, more likely to increase the duration of their workouts, have better motivation, more accountability, more inspiration and more camaraderie than those who try going at it solo.

But if you’re already a seasoned runner, power lifter, cyclist, yogi, you might be wondering how group exercise classes could benefit you.

BENEFITS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES

Let’s break down some of the classes to see where they can be beneficial to athletes.

Yoga:  improves flexibility, mobility, balance, and proprioception. 

Pilates:  improves core strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, and low impact strength

Spin/indoor cycling:  improves cardiovascular capacity and endurance

Strength based classes such as BODYPUMP / Bootcamp:  correct muscle imbalances, cross train muscles that are different from the ones you typically use in your main mode of exercise, give you more power to perform better.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT GROUP EXERCISE CLASS FOR YOU

With so many different options of group exercise classes on our schedule, you may find it difficult to choose. Here we’ve broken it down so you can see what types of classes may fit your needs.

RUNNER?

Your body moves almost completely in a forward rotary motion.  Running is an endurance based exercise. You can have overuse injuries in your knees, feet, hips, and back from continuously training in the same plane and the constant shearing force on your joints from the continual pounding.  Best bets for cross training in a class format?  Yoga will improve your flexibility and mobility…as most likely your hamstrings are tight as a drum!!!  Strength based classes help work on all of your support muscles and improve muscle imbalances…not to mention a little extra strength work can give you the power to run faster.  Indoor cycling is a great way to keep working your endurance in a less stressful on your joints mode.

POWER LIFTER / BODYBUILDER?

Yoga or Pilates will improve your mobility and flexibility.  More mobility in your joints = stronger and more powerful lifts! Not to mention better range of motion for more depth and more muscle activation.  Cardio based classes will increase endurance, cardiovascular output, and burn a few calories. 

YOGI?

Cardio based classes will help improve your cardiovascular output.  Strength based classes to help you build stronger, lean muscle in a different mode of exercise to help with more advanced yoga poses.

Cross training by taking group exercise classes will not only help with injury prevention, but also help prevent burnout, improve muscle imbalance, and can only help with making your performance in your preferred mode of exercise that much stronger and more successful.

OTHER ARTICLES YOU MIGHT FIND HELPFUL

• The Benefits of Cross Training
• Meal Prep: A Way to Help Maintain Gains at the Gym
• The Reverse Hyperextension Machine

New Milford Fitness & Aquatics Club, located in New Milford, Connecticut is a full service gym, offering unlimited group exercise classes included with your membership as well as access to our pools, racquetball courts, large cardio and weight room areas, and steam and sauna. Personal training, massage therapy, swim lessons, and Child Watch is available for an additional charge. Along with a strong sense of community and a high level of energy, you will find dedicated staff ready to support you in your goals! Selecting the right club for your fitness journey is an important one. Thank you for your confidence!