5 Classes To Try This Summer

Gym classes can be great to keep you motivated and are a good way to get started if you’re new to working out. We offer tons of different classes and whilst variety is great, you might feel a little overwhelmed at how many there are to choose from, and which ones are going to help meet your own personal fitness goals. In this blog, we break down five classes to try this summer… 

Spin 

There’s a common misconception that spin is a scary class for the super fit. Yes, it’s challenging but it is a class for everyone. The spin bike aims to increase the level of resistance, designed to simulate a road racing bike so that you can perform different riding styles as part of the workout. 

The instructor will tell you to turn up the resistance and push yourself and this is great for motivation, but if you are struggling, simply take it at your own pace and stick with the resistance you are on. You can burn up to 480 calories in a 45-minute class, so you really do get a great workout. 

If you’re still not sure what to expect from a spin class, discover more in our blog ‘What really happens in a spin class?’ 

Our top tip: Turn up a little early so you can adjust the bike to suit you. Ask the instructor if you need help with this, and they will be happy to assist. 

The Rig 

Ever been on the gym floor and thought, ‘what’s that thing that looks like a climbing frame’? Well, we call it ‘The Rig’. It’s a great area to set up your own circuits, do a HIIT session, and challenge yourself, but it can be a bit daunting if you don’t know where to start. This is where a structured class is perfect, based on the gym floor around the Rig.  

The instructor will set up different sections and show you what to do – from planking on the floor to using slam balls, you switch from station to station when the instructor tells you. Not only do you get a great workout, but it’s one you can re-create on your own next time you’re in the gym. 

Our top tip: With this class being on the gym floor, you need to come empty-handed apart from your water bottle, so make sure you lock your belongings away in a locker first.

*The Rig classes are available at selected clubs only  

Body Pump 

Using a barbell with light weights, this class focuses on high repetition which means you will really feel the burn. It’s perfect if you want to add some weights to your workouts but you’re not sure where to start and need some structure to your fitness routine. In a regular Body Pump class, you could be burning around 580 calories per class. 

Our top tip: Let the instructor know if you are new to the class, they will help you set up and advise what weights to use. 

Pilates 

Whilst Pilates is great for getting a little zen, it also does wonders for your body. Focusing on strengthening your core, this class can help with mobility, improve flexibility, and ease stiffness. Pilates classes are usually around 45-minutes long and focused on mat work. You can either bring your own mat with you, or we have some on-hand to borrow if you need one. 

Our top tip: Most people do Pilates in socks or barefoot, so come in your trainers and take them off once you’ve collected your mat. 

HIIT 

HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training and is a class that involves short bursts of exercise followed by brief periods of recovery to really get your heart pumping. You don’t need to be a regular gym goer to enjoy HIIT, the moves include a range of bodyweight exercises usually in a 30-minute class – a great quick and effective workout. 

Our top tip: This exercise class can get sweaty, so be sure to bring a bottle of water and stay hydrated. If you’re new to HIIT check in with the instructor at the beginning to see if you need a mat for any floor-based exercises. 

Be sure to give these classes a go and let us know how you get on – you never know, you might find a style of workout you haven’t considered before really works for you. To book your place onto the classes above, alongside the others we offer here at Total Fitness, use the Members App.