Success Stories from Group Fitness/Exercise Classes

I don't have any before or after pics... I have been trying to lose weight for quite a while now, but I think I finally found the formula / determination to actually see results. Three weeks ago, I changed my working out routine from 1-2 times a week to 4 days a week... I also properly adusted my calorie intake... For the record I DISPISE working out. I really do. Then I discovered this Cardio Funk Group Fitness class at my gym. I fell in LOVE!! Never have I walked out of a class smiling from ear to ear, but tired. When I got home I was so energetic... I didn't have a training session scheduled until later in the week, so I wanted to find something else to motivate me... So I started attending a CXWORKS class during my lunch break on Tuesdays.

Well, long story short, after adding 3 Group fitness classes in my schedule each week in additional to my personal trianer sessions, I have been able to maintain mine and the doctors goal of 4 days a week, at least 30 minutes. In 3 weeks I have lost 9lbs!! I haven't done any type of dramatic dieting either. Just exercising, monitoring my calories and just having fun w/ it.

I did group classes for a while- zumba, body pump, and one other that had resistance bands. I found that the classes became super repetitive after a short while. It's the same music, the same moves, etc. They're all just cardio. When I do cardio, I like to go faster or further every now and again, slowly increasing my speed/endurance. Classes aren't really good for that. Also, there are a ton of injuries that come from a lot of the repetitive moves, like "Zumba heel."

I love, love, love group classes. I used to go to the gym and do the treadmill and elliptical machine and was bored to death. I started with a Zumba class and now all I do is classes: Zumba, turbo kick, muscle works (which is all weights) and PiYo strength class. I love them because I don't have to think about what to do, the instructor tells you what to do. The music is great and the instructors switch the workouts after 6-8 weeks. They also ask for our input or suggestions on how to improve if needed. If I get bored with a class or instructor, I just find another class. I go to Club Fitness and they have plenty of classes to choose from. I've been going for a few years and managed to lose a significantly, noticeable amount of weight. I'm in the middle of buying a new wardrobe because of the significant weight loss. I've actually lost more than my ticker indicates, too lazy to fix it.

I actually went to a spin class today and had a great time! I haven't been attending classes just running and lifting on my own, but I am going to incorporate a few classes just to spice it up a little!

I did group classes for a while- zumba, body pump, and one other that had resistance bands. I found that the classes became super repetitive after a short while. It's the same music, the same moves, etc. They're all just cardio. When I do cardio, I like to go faster or further every now and again, slowly increasing my speed/endurance. Classes aren't really good for that. Also, there are a ton of injuries that come from a lot of the repetitive moves, like "Zumba heel."

Wow, it sounds like you had a bad experience with group classes. But you shouldn't discourage someone else from trying them.

I'm not trying to discourage anyone. I'm just offering an alternate view. I still go to an occasional zumba class for fun, but it's not enough for what my goals are. I need strength training and progressively harder cardio. Group classes are usually designed to have a low learning curve so that anyone can join in, which means that they do not typically get harder, although some instructors may provide more variety than others.

I brought up injuries because group instructors typically do not go through a demonstration of dangerous ways to move (like, in some zumba moves, it's really easy to hurt your back, knees, or heels if you don't know any better). In the same way that it's a good idea to review form/common mistakes before starting a strength program, it's a good idea to do some research on injuries for group classes. I found that body pump instructors are more conscientious of possible injury-inducing moves, like tucking your elbows and putting your knees over your feet.

I totally agree with your assessment. I think the key to participating in group classes is variety. Also, you should definitely do your own strength/cardio training a few times a week, in addition to group classes. Once a class becomes too repetitive/monotonous and yes, this will eventually occur, it's time to find a new challenge. Once you've developed a certain conditioning level, your body needs to continue to test it's limits (so to speak). If strength and fat loss are your goals, you have to trick your body constantly to continue seeing results... Follow instructors that understand good form and intensity levels but most of all, HAVE FUN!!