group fitness classes

Group fitness classes are an awesome way to get your sweat on. They're dynamic, they're social, and they push you to the edge. With that said, sometimes it's easy to take the easy road when you're one of 40 people working out in the same room. To get the most out of the group environment, you've got to be willing to go the distance.

Enjoy yourself: Never go into a group fitness class with a bad attitude; it makes every minute feel more difficult. Before entering a class, commit to have fun. Leaving stresses at the door will make the experience far more positive.

Introduce yourself to the teacher: It may feel a little awkward going up to a teacher before class, but if you're new, it's a great idea. Giving the instructor a heads up will allow them to give you a few pointers before class — and maybe some extra attention throughout the hour! If you're too shy to go up before, a simple thank you at the end of class gives the instructor the opportunity to remember you next time.

Don't go halfway: When not working one on one with a trainer, it's easy to cheat a little by taking a break when the going gets tough. To burn more calories and receive the best possible workout, don't fall victim to this trap. Giving 100 percent during the entire class will leave you feeling proactive and without regrets.

Take the challenge: Teachers will often offer harder variations of exercises. If you've been taking the class for a while, it's important to challenge yourself with advanced moves. It's the only way you'll push your limits and challenge your body to progress!

Do you love the group environment? How do you make the most out of these classes?

Once you decide to pay for a workout membership, you are suddenly faced with the question of where. One choice is to join a gym, where you can plan on taking classes, as well as using the facility on your own. There's also the option of purchasing personal training sessions either at the gym or independently. Somewhere in between that is to join a studio. Whether it be yoga, Pilates, or another hybrid workout, a studio membership still seems to come out as the underdog. But if you decide to go the studio route, find out why you'll never go back.

• Rates: A gym membership is usually a less expensive option to work out in a facility, but the direction you receive in a studio group class can be equivalent to the attention you'd get from a personal trainer but for much less money. Now you can spend that extra cash on cute workout clothes.
• One love: Studios are specialty facilities, meaning they typically focus on one style of exercising. Since they zero in on a particular workout, they choose staff accordingly. Each studio makes a point to hire the instructors that aren't only knowledgeable, but who love the workout just as much as you do! Another plus is that your favorite style is offered every day, all day, because that's the focus.
• Success in numbers: It's a lot easier to find a workout buddy when you share a common interest. Having a partner will keep you accountable and give you added intention to go. And if you sign up on your own you aren't out of luck. Chances are you will likely develop friends at the studio, and probably find that you live close by to one another.

See more reasons fitness studios rock after the break!

Barre workouts have become one of the most popular and addictive exercise classes in the country — and for good reason. Great for all levels, barre classes will challenge you from beginning to end and help you achieve the body of a dancer without actually having to be one yourself. Before you do your first plié, here are 10 helpful tips to get you started.

1. Wear the right clothes: Don't pay attention to what models are wearing on the studio's website, or think you need to show up looking like a ballerina. A good rule of thumb for any barre class is to wear workout bottoms that fall below the knee. You’re going to be on the floor a lot, so shorts are not the best bet for the new positions you will be trying.
2. Socks matter: To the average pedestrian, there are two types of socks: thin socks to wear with business attire, or thicker pairs for boots. For barre, you'll want socks that absorb sweat and have good traction. Many fitness stores are now selling socks with grips on the bottom, which are ideal for barre. Your studio might sell them on-site as well.
3. Fuel yourself: Eating is the most simple and forgotten rule, especially if you’re taking an early morning class. When you exert as much energy as you do during barre, you need something substantial in your stomach. Aim for protein like string cheese, eggs, or nuts at least an hour before class.
4. Show up early: You need to sign some paperwork before you get started. Try not to skimp on information when filling these forms out — most studios will give you special deals during the month of your birthday.

See more tips for taking a barre class after the break!

Zumba certainly took 2011 by storm. And what's not to love? The Latin-dance-inspired cardio class helps tone and sculpt the body while celebrating your backside region — thank you Zumba! If your workout routine could handle more rhythmic high-energy dance moves, or you just want to spice things up for 2012, you may want to check out Batuka. This new dance workout is considered by some to be one of the things to watch for the year ahead, as teacher training courses launched in North America this past Fall and European expansion is on the horizon as well.

Keep reading to learn more about Batuka.

With names like "Killer X," "Brazilian Butt Lift," or "Enlightened Yoga," it's not always easy to gauge what a fitness class might be like. Class descriptions are often vague and nonspecific, and there's no real way to get a sense of the instructor until you see him or her in action. (And, more often than not, it's the instructor that sets the tone of the class.) Maybe the classroom is small, the lighting is off, or the air is too stuffy — all things you are unaware of until you're there.

Rather than being in a situation where you find yourself walking out of class, observe it from a distance first. This gives you a chance to see what the class is like, but without having to commit to the hour-long sweat session. Once the class is at least 10 minutes in, stand outside the door and casually watch both the instructors and students. From your observations you should be able to tell what the class pace and the instructor's style is like and if it's enough — or too much — of a challenge.

Heading into a new fitness class can be intimidating; this is especially true if you're fairly new to exercising. While first-time class fears may have you retreating to the back row, calling yourself out as a newbie and standing in direct view of the instructor is hugely beneficial.

People often walk away from a fitness class feeling frustrated because they couldn't keep up or the moves felt way beyond their level. Here's the thing — classes move fast, and unlike fitness DVDs, there isn't another instructor demonstrating modifications. If you're new to a class — or new to exercising — arrive a little early to talk to the instructor. Let him or her know it's your first class and ask if they have any tips for you to follow. Once class starts, stay toward the front of the room so the instructor can see you. Often, when the instructor knows you're new, they'll check in on you to see how you're doing or help you through a challenging exercise. They are also more apt at sharing modifications when they know that there are newbies in the class. If you don't say anything at all, they may assume the class is full of their weekly regulars.

Most importantly, take your time. Working out at a comfortable pace while maintaining good form far outweighs being able to match the speed of the instructor. In no time at all, you'll be matching the pace of the class!