Group workouts are more than just a trend—they’re a proven way to build a sense of community, boost member retention, and energize your fitness offerings. Whether it’s a fun HIIT session or a no-equipment cardio class, group fitness keeps members motivated and coming back for more.
Group fitness classes have become a cornerstone of the modern gym experience, and for a good reason. Did you know that members attending group classes are 26% less likely to cancel and 35% more likely to remain loyal than individual gym attendees? These numbers highlight the importance of group training—not only to boost member retention but also to foster a sense of community and engagement at your fitness center.
Let's dive into group workout ideas that can energize your members, build stronger communities, and boost retention rates.
Group workouts offer more than just fitness benefits – they provide members with a sense of belonging, accountability, and motivation. By offering diverse and engaging group classes, your gym can stand out and attract a new demographic of fitness enthusiasts.
Here are some ways to make the most of group training:
Listen to Member Feedback Conduct a survey or leverage tools like PerfectGym’s “Rate My Class” feature to gather insights about your classes and instructors. Member feedback ensures you’re always improving your offerings to meet their expectations.
Build Community Spirit Create a welcoming environment where members feel valued. Get to know them by name, celebrate their achievements with “Member of the Month” promotions, and encourage connections among attendees.
Encourage Friendly Competition Organize in-class challenges or competitions to keep things fun and engaging. Whether it’s tracking the most reps or holding team-based challenges, these activities foster camaraderie and motivate members to push their limits.
Promote Classes on Social Media Capture and share moments from your group classes (with permission) on Instagram or Facebook. Tag your members to encourage sharing and expand your gym’s reach organically.
When it comes to group workouts, diversity and creativity are key to keeping members engaged and excited. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most effective and fun group workout ideas to incorporate into your fitness center. Whether your members are beginners or seasoned fitness enthusiasts, these ideas can be tailored to suit their goals and preferences.
Equipment-based classes are ideal for members looking to build strength or try new training tools. Here are a few ideas:
💡 Pro Tip: Keep class sizes small to ensure participants receive personal guidance on proper form and technique.
For gyms with limited equipment or outdoor sessions, no-equipment classes are a fantastic option.
💡 Pro Tip: Outdoor settings or larger studio spaces can create a refreshing change of pace for no-equipment workouts.
Skill-based workouts target specific goals or sports, making them ideal for niche audiences.
💡 Pro Tip: Promote these sessions to local sports clubs or enthusiasts for targeted marketing opportunities.
Outcome-based workouts focus on helping members achieve specific fitness goals, such as weight loss, muscle definition, or improved mobility.
💡 Pro Tip: Use tracking tools like PerfectGym’s member progress tracker to monitor results and keep participants motivated.
Circuit training is perfect for keeping larger groups engaged while providing a variety of movements to target different muscle groups.
💡 Pro Tip: Play upbeat music and set a timer with buzzer sounds to keep the energy levels high and transitions smooth.
Teamwork-driven classes build camaraderie while introducing a healthy dose of competition.
💡 Pro Tip: Use PerfectGym’s marketing tools to announce team challenges and boost class attendance.
Group workouts designed for health-focused members, including pregnant women, require thoughtful modifications to ensure safety while still providing effective exercise. Offering these types of sessions demonstrates your gym’s commitment to inclusivity and catering to a diverse range of fitness needs.
Prenatal Yoga: This low-impact class focuses on gentle stretching, relaxation, and breath work designed for expectant mothers. It helps alleviate pregnancy discomfort, improve flexibility, and prepare the body for labor. Include poses that open the hips, strengthen the back, and increase mobility, all while focusing on mindfulness and relaxation techniques.
Prenatal Strength Training: Modify traditional strength exercises to cater to the needs of pregnant women, focusing on controlled, slow movements that maintain muscle strength and prevent injury. Squats, resistance band exercises, and body weight movements can be effective, with an emphasis on posture and stability.
Postpartum Recovery Classes: Designed for new mothers, these classes focus on rebuilding core strength, pelvic floor exercises, and restoring energy levels. Exercises might include gentle abdominal work, modified cardio routines, and flexibility-focused movements that help ease the transition into post-pregnancy fitness.
Low-Impact Cardio Workouts: For members with health concerns, such as joint pain or those recovering from injury, a low-impact cardio class can be a great alternative. This could include walking on the treadmill, stationary cycling, or using elliptical machines at a moderate pace. Incorporate intervals to keep the class engaging without over-stressing the joints.
Stretch and Restore: This class could be offered to those who are recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or simply focusing on improving mobility. It combines gentle stretching, restorative movements, and breath work to enhance overall wellness, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider collaborating with local healthcare providers or specialists to create a referral network, ensuring your members have access to professional advice and support when participating in prenatal or health-focused classes.
PerfectGym’s user-friendly platform makes it easy to manage group class schedules, track attendance, and gather real-time feedback from members. With automation and marketing features, you can promote your classes effectively and stay ahead of the competition.
Group workouts have revolutionized the fitness industry, offering gyms a way to build community, increase retention, and drive revenue. By incorporating fun group workout ideas and creating engaging, goal-oriented classes, your gym can tap into this growing trend and thrive in today’s competitive market.
Take action today: start planning your next group class workout ideas and watch your community grow stronger than ever!
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