7 Ways to Up Your Group Exercise Game

One of the best things about group exercise is how it meets us wherever we are and helps us to grow. There’s a time to focus on showing up consistently, and then there’s a time to push harder, go faster, and see what you're made of. Are you ready for the next level? If you want to move beyond the basics, here’s how to step up your group exercise game.

1. Wear a calorie counter. Aim to burn a total number of calories during a class. You can ask for advice on setting a calorie goal from the group fitness instructor.
2. Set a goal with a classmate. Having a fitness buddy will help you both accomplish more. Challenge one of your classmates to join you in achieving a goal. For example, you could to try to hold high plank together for 45 seconds.
3. Grab a front-row spot. We tend to have more effective workouts when we are closer to the instructor. Give the front row a try. This will allow you to use the mirrors found in most group fitness studios to check out your form while you are exercising. The visual reinforcement can motivate you to push yourself a little further.
4. Increase the intensity. Let your instructor's knowledge and experience help elevate your workout efforts. Ask them to give you modifications for exercises that are too easy for you. For example, perform a couple push-ups on your toes instead of your knees in Boot Camp class. In Zumba, try doing the higher-impact or higher-intensity movements for as long as you can.
5. Incorporate heavier weights. Start off with heavier weights than usual, and decrease when you need to. Before you know it, you'll be using heavier weights the whole time!
6. Add reps. Is the class counting down from 10 reps? Count down from 12. As long as you are working out with proper form and listening to your body, don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. Just know that it’s common to experience muscle soreness and fatigue one or two days after a challenging workout, especially when you are adding reps or increasing the intensity.
7. Take a new class to work different muscles. The Y offers a wide variety of class types. There are plenty of options to choose from in both strength training and cardio formats. From Cardio Blast to Cycling to Barre, there really is something for everyone. Get to know the group fitness schedule for your center and branch out to an unfamiliar class format or an instructor who's brand new to you.

Ultimately, you should strive for progress, not perfection. Your fitness level and abilities are likely different from those of your instructors or your classmates, so don’t focus on trying to look like them. Push yourself instead, and you’ll feel stronger with each workout.