Find the ideal exercise class for you
April 06 2022 6 min read
Too easily bored pounding the treadmill by yourself? Need the motivation of others to get you off the sofa? Then it's time you tried a group exercise class.
If all you can think of is ladies in leotards doing lunges when you hear the words "exercise class", then think again. Here at Fitness First, we have a huge range of group fitness classes on offer, whether you're male or female, a seasoned gym-goer or a total novice, and whether you're after a high-intensity sweat or a more leisurely work of the muscles.
Whatever your focus – mind, strength, fat burning or endurance – find a fitness class to suit your needs. And if you're too nervous to try something new, don't be. Our instructors are not only highly-trained but are also friendly and welcoming, and you never know, become a regular at one of our classes and you might just make some new mates there too!
SHRED
BEST FOR: Burning fat
WHAT IS IT? New for 2017, our SHRED classes are a combination of compound lifting and HIIT training, which is designed to fiercely burn up calories, help you improve both your bone and muscle strength, as well as increase your performance level and flexibility. If it's fat you want to lose but muscle that you want build, this class should be top of your list. SHRED classes will be available at Fitness First from Monday January 16th.
Hot yoga
BEST FOR: Stretching muscles
WHAT IS IT? Unlike a regular yoga class, hot yoga, which is exactly as it sounds, is conducted in a 36 degree-heated studio. Incredibly good for the body (though we know it sounds daunting!), the high temperature increase the heart rate and warms the muscles, allowing for a deeper muscle stretch. Not only that, but sweating during the class will flush out toxins and impurities. Good for the mind as well – the heat relaxes the body, focuses thought (which helps to relieve anxiety and stress), and also aids a good night's sleep.
Find your nearest Fitness First hot yoga class
Body Combat
BEST FOR: Improving cardio ability
WHAT IS IT? This heart rate-raising, high-intensity class is a combination of karate, taekwondo, Capoeira and Muay Thai. Along with improving your cardio ability, Body Combat aims to better your balance, posture and agility too. The class involves all of you body, including your legs, arms and core, so come ready and raring! If you are feeling a little jaded on arrival however, the pumping, upbeat soundtrack will have you keen to work up a proper sweat in no time at all. Again, this class routine changes every three months, so you'll always be kept on your toes.
Find your nearest Fitness First Body Combat class
RPM
BEST FOR: Building up stamina
WHAT IS IT? One of our most popular classes, RPM is a cycling workout where participants ride to the "rhythm of powerful music" (that's where the RPM comes from). At RPM™, not only will you shed calories, improve your cardio ability, tone your legs, glutes and core, you'll also learn to increase your stamina. If you're training for a cycling event, this class is ideal. Good for the mind too, the fun, fast-paced music lifts your mood, helps to relieve stress and releases feel-good endorphins in the brain. Our RPM™ classes are updated with new music and choreography every three months, so there's no excuse to not keep coming back!
Find your nearest Fitness First RPM class
Body Balance
BEST FOR: Relaxing the mind
WHAT IS IT? A mixture of yoga, pilates and tai chi, Body Balance is a more holistic exercise class, which focuses on the mind as well as the body. While it encourages you to clear your mind and focus on your breathing, Body Balance will still have you stretching, flexing and breaking into a sweat as you go through a set series of body hold and poses. Relaxing this class may be, but it will still allow you to challenge yourself by holding positions for longer and making stretches even deeper.
Find your nearest Fitness First Body Balance class
Body Pump
BEST FOR: All-over toning
WHAT IS IT? A fast-moving weights class, Body Pump will have you lean and toned in no time. The class involves the use of light to moderate weights for a series of reps, which results in a full body workout. But don't be fooled into thinking that working out with weights will leave you with bulky muscles – Body Pump will help you to burn calories and achieve lean, athletic muscle instead.
Find your nearest Fitness First Body Pump class
Metafit
BEST FOR: Whole body workout
WHAT IS IT? Bodyweight drills and exercises work your whole body and the major muscle groups in our 30 minute class, to improve endurance, power and efficiency. Metafit is the original 30 minute workout with an afterburn that lasts up to 24 hours. By using bodyweight training it is one of the more effective group exercise workouts that deliver big results.