By Kaitlyn Kerby
Across the Tampa Bay area, nontraditional fitness classes are attracting a new wave of gym members who are trading solo workouts for group experiences. From breweries to beaches, fitness experts said attendees are seeking not only a workout but a community as well.
The influx of themed fitness classes reflects a shift from normal gym routines to a more social and experience-based workout. Fitness professionals say the group setting is a big reason as to why people are drawn to them.
As a certified personal trainer and owner of the gym Kingdom Performance and Wellness Club, Jordan Powell believes the growing popularity of classes comes down to the environment and making connections.
“It builds more of a community because there are other people that come with their friends, families, significant others and meet new people along the way,” Powell said.
He added that working out alongside others can increase motivation, as people are often encouraged by the energy and efforts of those around them, pushing them to work harder.
“It makes it a competitive environment and it’s a little bit more motivational than just going by yourself,” Powell said.
Powell said the sense of community can be beneficial and create a positive environment for growth, but there are some downsides to training in groups. In larger classes, it can be difficult for instructors to give each person the proper attention and guidance as they would in a solo session.
“In a group, there’s not really that personal one-on-one relationship; it’s almost lacking a mentor along with a performance coach,” Powell said. “Definitely a risk of them not working to their full capacity when it’s group training.”
Some instructors said the intrigue of themed classes goes beyond just physical performance. Leila Accad, a certified yoga instructor, said these types of environments can change how attendees experience exercise.
“A gym setting is more pushing yourself, working really hard, but yoga is more focused on slowing down,” Accad said. “It’s allowing someone to slow down, listening to your body and listening to what your mind is telling you.”
Accad found that themed classes do well at combining fitness with social interactions, creating a relaxed, but upbeat atmosphere.
“It isn’t just about the yoga. It’s about having a drink, having conversations and making new friends and connections,” Accad said.
Fitness experts and attendees said workouts can feel less like an obligation and more like an activity that people look forward to. Group fitness classes provide scheduled exercise that helps establish a proper routine that encourages attendees to return regularly.
“It doesn’t feel like you’re actually working out when you’re having fun with it,” Accad said. Fitness participant Lexi Bates said that the shift in mindset is what makes group classes more appealing. She added that she initially started to take themed classes to stay consistent while having good energy surrounding her.
“I was looking for a way to work out without it feeling like a chore,” Bates said.
Group fitness helped Bates to stay motivated in a way that working out alone often does not.
“If you’re at the gym by yourself, you could just say, ‘Oh, I’m tired, I’m going to go home.’ But if you’re in a class, you want to say and be there for the full 60 minutes,” Bates said.
The presence of others can encourage attendees to push through challenging moments. In group settings, individuals often continue exercising to follow the pace of the other members around them.
“If everyone around you is still going, you keep going too because you feel the vibes of the room,” Bates said. “I find myself kind of giving up on what I’m doing unless there’s accountability from a group class.”
Bates said both traditional and nontraditional exercise methods have their place in a balanced routine. She continues to participate in both, but still favors classes over working out alone.
“You need to enjoy the experience and have fun with it, but you also have to hold yourself accountable,” Bates said.
