Approximately 24% of adults in the United States meet the Centers for Disease Control's recommended weekly exercise guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. This means that almost three-fourths of Americans need to exercise more than they currently do.
This statistic raises the question: What can make exercise more enticing?
The National Institute of Health researched group fitness classes and found their benefits are threefold. Attending group fitness classes provided attendees with social support, increased their identity as an exerciser, and yielded higher levels of physical activity.
If you want to boost your fitness level or be more consistent with your workouts, group fitness classes are a great option. The Paseo Club of Santa Clarita offers over 60 group fitness classes every week. We find members enjoy the camaraderie, accountability, guidance, and diversity of choices. Yet, we are not the only resource in Santa Clarita.
In this article, we will share the top X things to consider before buying fitness classes in Santa Clarita so you can find the best ones for you.
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What do you need to know before buying fitness classes in Santa Clarita?
1. Cost
Your budget matters. The cost of classes can vary widely, depending on location, size, the type of class, the teacher’s expertise, and if you purchase classes individually or in a pack. Weigh out how much quality instruction and small class size is important to you versus affordability. Hopefully, you can find a happy medium! Try to purchase classes in groups of 10 or 20 to get a bulk discount.
2. Vibe check
Each fitness center and gym has its own culture and feel. The demographics determine a lot of the gym's atmosphere. Is the club geared to twenty-somethings? Seniors? Women? Weightlifting? Cycling? Attend a class or get a tour and check out the scene before committing.
3. Scheduling
The most essential detail to review is timing. Make sure to check the gym or fitness center’s schedule and that the class or classes you are most interested in are available when you are free. It does not matter how great the HIIT class on Thursdays looks if it is at 9 am and you are already at work.
4. Class types
A large part of your success in exercising consistently is finding ways to make it enjoyable. Reviewing the fitness class schedule at the clubs, centers, and gyms can be great fun. Do you prefer strength training? Cycling? Dance-inspired Zumba? Water aerobics? All of the above? Choose a gym or fitness club that has multiple choices so you can have plenty of variety to choose from.
5. Instructor experience
Review the instructor's bios and ask about training, certifications, and years of experience. A knowledgeable teacher can make sure your fitness class is fun, informative, and safe. They should know how to scale movements and offer alternatives if you have an injury or mobility issues.
6. Proximity to work or home
Most of us are juggling work, kids, and careers. Make it easy on yourself, and try to find fitness classes within 5-10 miles of work or home.
7. Intensity and degree of difficulty
Most classes are for people of all fitness levels, but some are meant for beginners or more advanced athletes. Read the fine print or ask staff to learn what classes may be a good fit for you. Notice the degree of impact. Some classes require a lot of jumping, quick stops, or pivots. These classes can be awesome for getting fit, but they are not the right choice for anyone with joint issues who needs low-impact options.
8. Class size and instructor-to-participant ratio
Group fitness classes, at their best, are fun, encouraging, and inspiring. They help you push yourself and keep you accountable. Yet, a large class can make you feel a little lost, and you may miss out on getting the guidance you need. Ask about the class sizes before attending. Small group fitness and working with a personal trainer may be a better fit for you if you want focused attention and to progress faster.
Joining your first Group Fitness Class in Santa Clarita
Most fitness centers offer tours of their facilities and sometimes free day passes. Ask questions. Try a class. Speak with staff and members. Take your time to review your options and select the club and the classes that best meet your needs.
Once you find the class(es) you want to attend. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring a water bottle. Come to class a few minutes early to introduce yourself to the instructor and tell them about any pre-existing injuries or limitations you have.
The Paseo Club offers group and small group fitness classes. Choose from yoga, Pilates, strength training, HIIT, kickboxing, cycle, water aerobics (liquid cardio), and more. If you also love tennis or pickleball, we have you covered there, too. We have several courts for drop-in and reserved play, drills, leagues, and tournaments.
The Paseo Club is a social club. Each month, there are fun activities to join, including Wine Down Wednesday, Dive In Movie Night, and Trivia Night.
If you are not yet a member, summer is a great time to join. You can take advantage of our outdoor pool, indoor fitness classes, and delicious food and drinks at the cafe. Join today!
