2023 Group Fitness Trends
By Marta Malloy, Group Fitness Director at Camelback Village Health Club and Spa
As we settle into the new year, it’s time to look at the top group fitness trends that are taking the fitness industry by storm in 2023. Group fitness classes are a great way to stay motivated and engaged while working out. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just getting started on your fitness journey, group fitness classes can help you achieve your fitness goals. Get ready to step up your fitness game and let’s explore the hottest group fitness trends of 2023.
1. Strength Training
Strength training has become increasingly popular for both men and women. Weight training doesn’t just mean dumbbells and barbells. Many strength focused group fitness classes also use resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, kettlebells, and more. Strength training builds sculpted and toned muscles, and it helps you stay young, flexible, and maintain mobility with age. Many people are intimidated by strength training, but it in a group fitness setting, exercises can be personalized to each person’s ability level. Additionally, the camaraderie and motivation of others in class can result in realized full body strength and functional movement improvements. Finally, strength-focused classes are a great opportunity to learn about new pieces of equipment and exercises that can be incorporated into your own workouts at the gym.
2. Functional Fitness for Older Adults
Middle aged and older adults have turned to group fitness to live longer, stronger, and more functional lives. Classes geared towards gentle strength training that safely challenge participants’ balance and coordination can help participants age more gracefully. Additional benefits for older adults include social interactions, decreased depression, and improved energy accountability.
3. Recovery and Meditation
Classes geared towards physical recovery and mindful relaxation have gained in popularity since the re-opening of fitness facilities in 2020. Rising stress levels and the awareness of mental health have put recovery and wellness classes in high demand. Just as we care for our physical bodies, we need to care for our mental wellbeing as well. Guided stretch, yoga, tai chi, and foam rolling classes can help the physical body recover from more strenuous exercise. To improve mental wellness, the Village offers classes in meditation, breath work, sound baths, and more.
4. Integrated Technology
Technology continues to become a larger part of our lives, and its integration into the health and wellness space is no different. Devices like the MyZone heart rate monitor track your workout and integrate with club technology so you can view your real-time stats in certain classes and have some healthy competition with others. Additionally, technology has allowed group fitness to be accessible at all times and even from the comfort of your own home. Live stream and pre-recorded classes can be used so that you can follow along with your favorite instructors from anywhere or at whatever time is most convenient to you. The Village’s library of virtual group fitness classes can be found here: https://virtualstudio.villageclubs.com/classes
5. HIIT Format Classes
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been a popular fitness trend for years, but it won’t be going away soon. In a busy world, HIIT is great for achieving fitness goals effectively and efficiently. It involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest periods. This makes it a great option for those with busy schedules as it is typically a shorter workout than a traditional cardio routine. Because of the intense nature of the exercises, HIIT is very effective at burning fat, improving cardiovascular health, and increasing metabolism even after the workout has ended. Group HIIT workouts can be customized to any fitness level and with such a wide range of exercises available, you will never be bored in a HIIT class!
Fitness trends are always evolving and changing, but rest assured, the Village will continue to provide the most up to date and popular group fitness offerings to our members at all clubs!
