GROUP EXERCISE

Group exercise classes are a great way to stay active and motivated. Your tribe is waiting for you! Your safety is our top priority. Reservations are required for group exercise classes to maintain our members’ health and safety. We can’t wait to see you! Trying different types of classes as well as various instructors are the perfect ways to find the ones that make you want to get moving and come back for more. Group workouts provide camaraderie and accountability like no other.

Classes Offered

  • Cardio
  • LES MILLS™
  • Water Exercise
  • Yoga, Pilates and Stretch
  • Dance and Zumba®
  • ForeverWell
  • LES MILLS Virtual™
  • Strength & Conditioning
  • Beginner

Get Fit

Get and stay healthy with YMCA classes that welcome all ages and fitness levels. Why tackle it alone when you can receive much needed inspiration and motivation from classmates? Studies show you’ll push yourself harder when tasked with exercising with others who are working hard and more effort equals bigger results! Let’s Go!

Get Healthy

Want to kick your workouts up a notch? Exercise with others! Meeting up with friends to take a group class helps with consistency because they involve a commitment. Positive peer pressure can help you avoid skipping a workout or exercise session. Grab a buddy, pick a class and get moving!

Connect with Others

Exercising with someone you don’t know well provides an opportunity to build a new friendship. You’ll be starting with a shared interest which can make it easier to chat about other things. Joining an exercise class can be a great way to meet people, get to know them better, and make new friends.

Exercise can lead to a healthy spirit, mind and body.

Want to feel better and have more energy? Add exercise into your routine! The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Everyone benefits from exercise, regardless of age or physical ability and it’s never too late to start! As your body adapts to new aerobic challenges, you’ll get stronger and fitter. Over the long-term, you’ll enjoy increased stamina and reduced fatigue. You can also gain increased heart and lung health and bone and muscle strength over time. As a bonus, exercise activates your immune system in a good way. This may leave you less susceptible to minor viral illnesses. Get moving and start reaping the rewards.

It’s no surprise that the more you help your body, the more you help your mind. Physical activity increases the flow of oxygen to your brain. It also increases the amount of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals, in your brain. For this reason, it’s not surprising that people who are in good physical shape also tend to enjoy a higher level of mental agility. Engaging in a vigorous physical workout can help you blow off steam and gain a more positive outlook on life. It’s also a great way to de-stress, since stress can harm you mentally and physically.

Community

Did you join the YMCA to be a part of a community? If so, attending a Group Exercise class is the perfect place to start! We have a large variety of classes to ensure there is something for everyone, no matter age, background or ability. Classes are a great place to meet new friends that turn into great accountability partners.

Motivation

Our Group Exercise classes are fun and engaging! Sometimes you forget you’re even working out with all of the great energy and music in the studio. If you have a day that you’re not motivated to come the gym, try signing up for one of our group exercise classes. Our certified instructors are sure to motivate you through your workout!

Structure

Attending a Group Exercise class on a regular basis creates structure in your workout routine. Our reservation system allows you to schedule yourself for a class up to 3 days in advance and add it to your personal calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our website and select “Schedules” on the menu bar. You can also download our YMCA Houston App for iOS or Android. To view Group Exercise classes, select Group Exercise in the Category drop down menu.

When you view your centers schedule and find a group exercise you would like to take click “Sign Up”.

Any member that is 16 years and older. Members that are 8-11 years old and are Older Youth Strength Training certified may attend classes with a parent/guardian in immediate proximity. Members that are 12-15 years old and are Older Youth Strength Training II certified may attend classes without a parent/guardian.

Yes, group exercise classes are included as a member benefit.

These classes are located in our Group Exercise studios at select locations and play on-demand during scheduled times.

Our instructors often provide options for a movement in a class, so if it is too difficult you can adjust to make it more comfortable for yourself. If it is still too difficult, please feel comfortable to do as much as you can before leaving the class. You tried and did your best, which is what matters. Also, check our group exercise schedule for a different level for the class. We often offer multiple levels for classes, so you can attend a class that meets your skill level. Feel free to come back and try again!

Yes, you should try to introduce yourself to the instructor. Share your skill level and any information he/she may need to know about you so they can provide appropriate options and modifications to keep you safe and provide the best experience possible. The more they know about your goals and expectations, the better equipped they will be to help make you successful in their class and also recommend others you may enjoy. Instructors love to meet and guide new students!

YMCA group exercise instructor

“YMCA classes are top notch! My instructors build the most supportive and encouraging community. I’ve met my closest friends here. We sweat together, laugh together and even cry together.”

— Jen T.