The Best Workout Classes for Achieving Every Kind of Fitness Goal

With Pilates, barre, yoga, CrossFit, HIIT, indoor cycling and even bungee workouts out there, it’s safe to say the workout class market overflows with options for those looking for a fun new way to get active.

That also means it can be a bit intimidating for those just dipping their toes into the world of fitness. Which classes should you try? What kind of gear do you need for them? Will you survive your first session if you haven’t worked out in a while?

No matter your current fitness level or exercise style, we’ve compiled guides to some of the most popular workout classes. This guide will help you decide for yourself which of your many options has the potential to be your new go-to.

Go Low-Impact With Pure Barre

Pure Barre is the largest, most established chain of barre studios in the world. So if you’re looking for a good cross-training workout to mix up your routine or you love dance-based fitness, allow us to introduce you to the class that’s often described as the love child of ballet and Pilates.

Curious about the nationally loved low-impact workout? Check out our guide on Pure Barre, complete with everything you’ll need to know before your first class, including what exercise to expect, what to wear and how to find a studio near you.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with Pure Barre.

Try the Functional Training of F45

Australia has given the world some pretty awesome stuff: koalas, Wi-Fi, boxed wine, Hugh Jackman. Now F45 gives you one more reason to love the land Down Under. Fans of group strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes where you never do the same workout twice will definitely want to get in on this one.

Classes are a mix of HIIT, circuit training and functional training (i.e. exercises that help you move better in your day-to-day life). Professionals designed it to help you burn fat, get stronger and improve your overall fitness level. Before you sign up, though, get the low-down on what to expect to help determine if F45 might be your new workout obsession.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with F45.

Sweat It Out at Orangetheory Fitness

Love a good, sweaty workout class? Then you’ve likely heard of Orangetheory Fitness (OTF). After all, locations continue popping up everywhere — the company has expanded from a single studio in 2010 to 1,000 studios all over the world.

People know OTF for providing high-intensity group fitness classes that rely on heart rate-based training to maximize calorie burn — both during and after the hourlong workout. Tempted to try it for yourself? Consider this your cheat sheet for getting the most out of your 60 minutes.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with Orangetheory Fitness.

Have More Fun at Barry’s Bootcamp

Timeless, dynamic and high-energy, Barry’s Bootcamp is one of the best fitness studios in the game. Part treadmill workout and part strength training session, these sweaty classes will leave you sore but smiling.

Whether you’re tempted to try it or want to learn more about the one of the OG boutique studios, here’s everything you need to know about Barry’s Bootcamp — from what to wear to cost and class size, we have you covered.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with Barry’s Bootcamp.

Strengthen Your Practice at CorePower Yoga

Yoga has come a long way since its humble beginnings in ancient India. Leading the pack to make yoga more mainstream is a company that started in 2002 called CorePower Yoga. The brand proves there’s a lot more to Westernized yoga than mastering a handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana for you old-school yogis out there).

The makers of CorePower Yoga centered it on the belief that “the magic happens the moment you roll out your yoga mat”. This new, more intense version of yoga is definitely worth trying. Check out our beginner’s guide! It will help you sort through the ins and outs of this popular yoga and fitness class hybrid.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started with CorePower Yoga.

By Rachel Grice

The Arena District Athletic Club is more than just a gym, it’s a premier fitness facility located in the heart of the Arena District in downtown Columbus. We provide convenience and quality, featuring top-of-the-line equipment, top-notch personal trainers, spa-like locker rooms and a wide variety of free group fitness classes daily including Cardio, Spinning, Barre Fusion, Yoga, Boot Camp and more. We offer free 2-hour parking and convenient contract-free memberships, to fit your healthy lifestyle needs. Don’t just join, belong.