Written by Garett Reid | NSCA, CSCS, CISSN, M.S.E.S.S
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
2025 is right around the corner, and one of the best ways to get your fitness started is with a quality workout class. Classes provide a ton of benefits to the trainee as they combine professional guidance with a social experience; this means you get encouraged by your coach as well as your friends. This list will review what we think are the best workout classes you can incorporate into your overall training in 2025…or start now!
Prepare to maximize your gains with our exclusive 12-week hypertrophy training program. Choose between a 4 or 5 day training split and gain 2-12 pounds of muscle over 90 days...
Best Workout Classes To Try In 2025
Workout classes can be a great addition to anyone's program. They're best used when they bring a different aspect of training into a person's program. For example, joining a bootcamp or circuit-style workout class can help bring intensity and conditioning to strength athletes.
There are a lot of options out there and many of them are awesome. This could even include the free "Body-pump" class down at your local gym.
However, we think there are a few that stand-out. This list will include some basic classes that have been around forever, as well as new classes based on recent trends.
With that said, here are the best workout classes you should check out in 2025.
1. Barry's Bootcamp
Barry's Bootcamp, now known simply as Barry's, has become one of the most sought-after classes. It offers classes that mix endurance training (primarily treadmills) with various forms of resistance training, such as dumbbell workouts, plyometrics, and calisthenics.
Different locations will have different schedules, but the main idea is that the classes will rotate, and each one will be run by different coaches. For example, one class may utilize running mixed with abs and arms, while another may focus on running with lower-body workouts.
We love Barry's due to its simplicity, intensity and effectiveness. Well, the workouts are simple in terms of exercise selection. However, the experience is intense!
It's popular for its "club-like" experience. Held in a dimly lit room with red lights, the gyms usually have an intense sound system that pounds whatever music the trainer wants, usually some sort of electronica. This can be the motivation many people need to get in an awesome workout on a regular basis.
Currently, there's around 85 locations world wide. This means this will only be an option for those living near bigger cities as this is where they're usually found. However, if you live near major cities, check out their location map to see if there's an establishment nearby.
2. F45
F45 is another boot camp-style training camp that originated in Australia and was backed by Mark Wahlberg.
The "F" in F45 stands for "Functional," while "45" represents the 45-minute duration of their workouts. The workouts are designed to be fast-paced, varied, and efficient. This combination has made them popular for people with busy schedules who want to get a full-body workout in a short amount of time.
Some of the key components of F45 Training include:
- Functional Training: F45 workouts focus on functional movements, described as exercises that mimic everyday activities. These are believed to improve overall strength, flexibility, and mobility in a practical manner. The goal is to train your body to work more efficiently in real-world movements. It sounds like a good addition to anyone's training regime.
- HIIT and Circuit Training: The classes combine High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), circuit training, and strength training. Each session typically involves rotating through different exercise stations, with exercises that target various muscle groups.
- Variety: Besides using HIIT, F45 classes will usually rotate through various exercises and formats. Not only does this keep workouts interesting, but they also hit all of your physiological systems, such as,
- Strength
- Endurance
- Conditioning
- Muscle growth
- Variety Of Classes: F45 also allows a variety of classes to fit people's different needs and goals. There are basically three workout types;
- Cardio: Focuses on endurance and fat-burning exercises.
- Strength: Includes weight training and resistance exercises.
- Hybrid: Combines both strength and cardio in one session.
- Team Training, Not Personal Training: F45 emphasizes team-based fitness. Each class is conducted in a group setting, where participants work together but perform individual exercises. The group environment helps foster motivation and accountability.
- Technology: Some F45 studios incorporate technology to help guide participants through each session, with screens displaying exercises, timing, and modifications.
F45 could be a great addition to anyone's normal training routine. But let's be honest, you probably need the cardio-based class!
3. Any Cycling Class!
In our opinion, cycling is the best all-around way to increase endurance and cardio. It has several crucial benefits that simply aren't seen in other forms of training; these include;
- They're low-impact, so they're good for the joints! Cycling is great for anyone as the risk of joint injury and overuse is much lower. Now, it can definitely still happen, so you need to be sure to have the bike adjusted, but this is relatively simple.
- Easy to adjust intensity and continuously move! Running is great but the average person can't run for an hour. You must maintain a certain intensity to continuously run with good form. On the other hand, anyone can easily just peddle slower or adjust the intensity.
- It's easy to push yourself! Similar to the above, cycling makes it easier to push yourself due to the relatively low demands on form. With cycling, it's one continuous rep, making it easy to push as hard as you can go.
The good thing about cycling classes is that just about every gym has one, making them easily accessible to the majority of the population.
There are some cycling specialty classes, such as Soul Cycle, which is now going out of business. These classes generally have higher production value with lights and music but also have a steep price.
The problem with these classes is they're too specific and probably overloaded for most people. Any quality class will do unless you're trying to cycle 5 days a week.
4. Strongman Class
The sport of Strongman has risen in popularity in the past few years, and its methodology is being utilized more by the general population.
Part of this is thanks to Crossfit, which has begun utilizing exercises like the Yoke, sled pushing, and farmer carries. Further, Rogue hosted the Crossfit Games alongside Strongman, which has further elevated its popularity.
Truth be told, we're biased because we've had experience training and competing! However, that doesn't mean Strongman isn't effective! In reality, we have personally seen its effectiveness in our own training as well as that of other clients.
Strongman uses unique movements that provide strength and total body conditioning in a single session. While many people think about lifting max deadlifts, it's much more than that.
The sport of Strongman contains a variety of movements, including;
- Deadlift
- Overhead Pressing
- Pushing
- Pulling
- Loading
- Carrying
Further, all of these movements could be used in various events. For example, here are some different ways you could do the farmer carry;
- Max weight for a set distance
- Max distance for a set weight
- The farthest distance you can carry a set weight in 1:00
- Fastest time you can carry a set load a specific distance
That's four very different movements with just the farmer's carry. The point is that Strongman is probably the single best modality for increasing strength, burning calories, improving functional capacity, and improving conditioning.
Finding one can be tricky, but the first place to look is at a local CrossFit gym, as they will often have a "Strongman Saturday". You can also get on Facebook and search around.
If you find one, we would definitely encourage you to check it out and make it a regular part of your training.
5. Hyrox/Spartan Class (Or Any Obstacle Racing)
Obstacle racing has grown immensely over the past decade. Starting as an obscure race that seemed more like a "fun run," this niche area of fitness has become a legitimate sport with leagues and elite athletes.
As such, its popularity has grown immensely, with numerous different "brands" branching off. The most popular of these is Spartan.
In the past few years, another race has taken the fitness world by storm: Hyrox. Hyrox is a bit different from other obstacle races as the race is set and uses the same events. Further, it's usually performed indoors and uses various exercises as obstacles rather than things such as climbing walls or crawling in mud. For example, some of its exercises are;
- Sled push
- Sled pull
- Farmer carry
This combination has made it popular in the fitness community as it feels more like a challenging workout. We actually love this as it combines;
- Endurance
- Strength
- Conditioning
All of these are intricate to your overall health, and let's be honest, most people are missing the endurance aspect. Hyrox provides the motivation and challenge to make endurance fun—well, more fun than just running.
Finding a Hyrox or Spartan class can be challenging, like finding a Strongman class. Again, your best bet would be to look at some nearby Crossfit gyms, as there's obviously a big overlap.
How To Integrate Fitness Classes Into Your Program
We think the right fitness class can be the perfect supplement to someone's overall workout program. As we mentioned several times, many people's training programs lack cardio or conditioning. We know this is true for many lifters and bodybuilders.
This is where joining a proper fitness class is very beneficial. Many people can implement a fitness class once or twice a week while following their traditional training program. In our opinion, this is the best option.
One problem with only doing these classes is that they generally miss out on optimal muscle building and strength. Yes, they do include these aspects to a degree, but the main component of these classes is conditioning.
Another issue with only using fitness classes is that it can be harder to track progress and implement progressive overload. This is more true for things like circuit training, as the exercises and actual routine are always changing.
However, this is only an issue if it's the only thing you do. This is why using a traditional program alongside workout classes is ideal. The traditional program allows you to accurately track your progress. Then, when you go to your class, you can concentrate on putting in 100% effort.
Prepare to maximize your gains with our exclusive 12-week hypertrophy training program. Choose between a 4 or 5 day training split and gain 2-12 pounds of muscle over 90 days...
Which Workout Class Is Right For You?
All of these workout classes on this list are awesome and will benefit your overall training program. The one that's right for you will depend on your needs and preferences.
Strongman is great for adding conditioning to their program without affecting muscle growth.
Hyrox racing is perfect for those who love competition. On the other hand, any boot camp class is the choice for someone wanting to have fun and socialize while testing their limits.
Whatever you need, start looking at some of these classes to see how they could optimize your fitness.
Garett Reid
Author