The Greatness of Group Fitness

Group exercise is more viable than ever. Since the rise of Jazzercise in the 70s to the current plethora of movement options, community-minded fitness is the backbone of the industry. Social fitness unites everyone, and this became particularly evident during the pandemic lockdown, when virtual classes became a much-needed salvation from exercising in isolation. Group fitness connects. It inspires, engages, and changes lives.

The world needs connection more than ever, and group fitness is one way to address wider health and wellness issues. In a recent edition of Australian Men’s Health, editors wrote: “Group exercise will never be for everyone. But its rising popularity, whether at big boxes or small boutiques, is a strong predictor of the gym’s future as a hub of an increasingly precious commodity: human interaction.”

Post pandemic, people are wanting to connect on a personal level and they want to feel as if they are part of a community again. If you, as an experienced group fitness instructor, can create top-notch experiences, you’ll mark your place as a key player in a larger movement to forge a healthier tomorrow.

Group Fitness Trends

How do you stake your claim and help your participants—whether they’re in the studio or the virtual space—capture the momentum and co-create a wellness community that supports everyone?

Here’s how group fitness trends are shaping up for 2022 and beyond:

• Creating and encouraging diversity and inclusion will continue to be a theme for fitness studios and related apps. Fitness professionals have a responsibility to create a diverse environment, especially since access to fitness has increased, thanks to online and home workouts.  Gone are the days when it’s acceptable to shame people for not having a “beach-ready body.”
• Mind-body formats may be even more relevant, since classes with this focus strive to connect breath and movement, which helps the nervous system in numerous ways. Many people are struggling with mental health challenges, as well as financial pressures and stress management issues, and need health-promoting tools. Research has shown time and time again that mind-body practices like meditation, Pilates, yoga, tai chi and more offer lasting results.
• And what about fun? Group fitness has always been a gateway to glee, which is something the world desperately needs. Let’s be real: there’s something about exercising in a group that makes us feel good. Maybe it’s the shared endorphins, or that “high” people get when they hear their favorite song. It doesn’t matter how well someone can follow choreography. What matters is that they moved, smiled, and will hopefully return for more.

The Evolution of Group Fitness

IDEA Health & Fitness Association was there at the beginning. Starting as the International Dance Exercise Association, IDEA laid the groundwork for the past 40 years of growth. We’ve been educating the industry for decades, with an expansive content library and a proven commitment to helping fitness professionals succeed.

That is what the “plus” stands for in our reimagined membership—it represents all that you do to Inspire the World to Fitness®.

As a member, you have exclusive access to varied content and resources, and we’ve featured a tiny fraction of our library below. If you’re not a member, we’ve unlocked these so that you can get a feel for our community.