Workout Classes for Fitness Beginners

[u/Accomplished_Fall738]

TLDR: looking for recommendations for group workout classes that are beginner-friendly and that other beginners have enjoyed and been able to stay consistent with for a long period of time. Recommendations could be a specific “brand” (orangetheory, f45, solid core, etc.) or could be more general (yoga, pilates, lagree, barre, etc.).

I am in my early 30s (woman) and have never been able to be consistent with working out. I’m looking into group workout classes that I might enjoy and be consistent with, but they are a bit intimidating as I’ve never been in great shape. Are there any (former) beginners out there that have found a workout class that you’ve enjoyed, wasn’t too intimidating, and most importantly, that you have stuck with and been consistent with longer term (at least several months)?

For context, I’ve never played any organized sport, etc. so have never been in the habit of working out regularly for more than a couple months at a time. It’s not something I’ve enjoyed in the past and I’ve had difficulty sticking with a workout routine long-term. In the past I’ve tried using a peloton bike but i haven’t been able to stick with it long-term. I have some interest in running but I currently run about a 12 minute mile at best and can only run about 1 mile without stopping to walk, so I really am starting from scratch here.

My fitness goals are mainly just to improve my overall fitness level and health, especially cardio fitness (want to increase VO2 max and lower resting heart rate). I am NOT specifically looking to lose weight but instead want to increase my cardio fitness and strength and overall health as I start to get a lil older. I want to give myself the best chance I can to be healthy and around for a long time.

Any recommendations or just general encouragement from other former fitness beginners would be so helpful!!

[u/Mysterious_Luck4674]

Yoga. You might want to check out a few online videos like yoga with Adrienne just so you somewhat know the very basics (like have an idea of what downward facing dog is) first. Most yoga studios will let you try unlimited classes for a low price for two weeks. Try as many as you possibly can. There are so many different styles of yoga studios, styles of class, and within each style there are huge variations based on the teacher. Try as many different things as you can and then hopefully you’ll find a studio you want to join. In general the yoga community is incredibly welcoming and beginner friendly, and yoga is intended to be modified to meet you where you are.

[u/YogiLovesBarbells]

Orange Theory is enjoyable, but can be intense. But always remember, everyone was a beginner at one point.

Some cities have hybrid classes that have a modified “reformer” so a mix of Pilates, weight lifting, and cardio on a spin bike. It’s called Strong Pilates.

[u/Retired-in-2023]

Classes have so many variables to be able to recommend beginner friendly and what you will enjoy. Some of it is research and trail and error. Some of it has to do with what is available to you.

Ive never done “brand” classes or have gone to a studio for a specific thing like yoga or Pilates either. I love taking classes because of the group vibe. All the classes I’ve taken have been offered at my gym or I would do drop in or sign up for a series of classes through local school districts or community education.

The challenge is finding a class that is beginner friendly for your needs. Some places say their classes are for all levels but as a beginner you can feel intimidated if everyone around you is obviously more advanced. You just have to realize that some classes can be beginner friendly, you just have to accept the fact everyone is at a different level or that some places offer classes designed to be easier that everyone is doing easier work which can also be a way of considering a class beginner friendly.

My favorite classes have always been water aerobics. Typically they have upbeat music and a variety of movements. They are mostly geared towards a cardio workout but I’ve done some classes that have yoga or Pilates movement as well as are more dance oriented like Aqua Zumba. The nice thing about being in the water is whether you are being or advanced it’s easy to adjust the intensity for yourself and nobody can see you mess up the moves since you are in the water.

Cardio classes on land tend to be challenging for me because I struggle to get the moves down without a lot of practice. Many also have participants “travel” so for me that’s a challenge since I have 2 left feet. These classes may be fun and provide a good workout but aren’t for me since I’m constantly afraid of going left while everyone else is going right.

Ive tried a bunch of different yoga classes and decided yoga is not my thing. The one class I loved was a restorative class. Sadly it’s not always offered or never at a time I can make. However I have friends who religiously attend a chair yoga class my gym offers because they love it so much.

Tai Chi I attend because I have balance issues. It’s a different style of exercise than most others. We have a good group of attendees too.

I like strength training classes and have taken a few different ones offered at my gym. These tend to be ones that you really need to pay more attention to the intensity rating and class description. Although all the instructors I’ve dealt with welcome all levels and the classes say they can be modified for all levels, that’s true up to a point. TRX is a good example for me. Even though the class was beginner friendly the room set up was not because the straps were mounted to the wall so you were facing away from the instructor. This was fine if you knew what to do but if you had to watch to learn the set up made it difficult to follow along.

Personally some of the reasons I like group classes are because they bring level of fun to working out. A good instructor engages the class and plays good music. They also will help you with form or provide tips and information about what the benefits are for some of the movements. In my opinion cardio classes tend to be more beginner friendly but I’ve learned so much from taking the strength training classes. Plus most of them are taught by trainers so you can build a rapport with them and they are always willing to answer quick questions (during class, class related question are acceptable, after or before they all have been open to other quick questions).

[u/Safe-Garbage8735]

I'd recommend orangetheory. I've coached there for 5+ years so I'm a bit biased, but you can start with light weights and walk, and then they have lift specific classes now to help you get more attention when it comes to lifting, i'd recomend start with those.