Why is group fitness important?

Published by HealthFitness on March 3rd, 2025

In today’s fast-paced work environment, companies are recognizing that employee wellness is not just about physical health, but also about mental and social wellbeing. A key element in building a comprehensive corporate wellness program is group fitness.

Not only do group fitness classes promote physical activity, but they also foster teamwork, reduce stress, and improve overall employee morale. In 2025, group fitness is more dynamic and inclusive than ever, offering a range of options to cater to different fitness levels and interests.

Group fitness classes offer a host of benefits for both employees and employers. Here’s why it should be a core component of your fitness program:

Boosts physical health and wellbeing. Group fitness provides employees with regular, structured exercise, improving cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. Active employees tend to have more energy, fewer sick days, and improved productivity.

Reduces stress and promotes mental wellness. Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Group fitness, in particular, offers employees a fun and engaging way to unwind, which is crucial for maintaining mental health in high-pressure corporate environments.

Builds team spirit and social connections. Group classes encourage camaraderie and teamwork, helping employees connect in a more relaxed setting. This can strengthen workplace relationships, improve communication, and enhance company culture.

Improves employee engagement and retention. Offering a variety of group fitness options shows employees that their well-being is a priority. Companies that invest in holistic wellness programs often see higher engagement, improved job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates.

Inclusivity for all fitness levels. Group fitness offers modifications and variations, making it accessible to employees of all fitness levels, ages, and abilities. This inclusivity helps ensure that everyone feels comfortable and supported in their fitness journey.

Top group fitness classes
Now, let’s dive into the leading types of group fitness classes for 2025 that should be part of every corporate fitness program.

1. Mindful movement and flexibility
These classes focus on flexibility, balance, and core strength while promoting mindfulness and relaxation—perfect for employees dealing with stress or looking to improve posture and stability.
  • Yoga: Known for its stress-relieving benefits, yoga combines breathwork and physical postures to enhance flexibility and mental clarity. Employees can unwind and refocus after a busy day.
  • Pilates: Pilates emphasizes controlled movements and core strengthening, helping employees develop better posture, balance, and physical alignment.
  • Barre: A ballet-inspired workout that combines small, controlled movements with strength training, barre is ideal for toning muscles and improving flexibility. 
2. Fun and high-energy workouts
For employees who want to get their heart pumping while having fun, these classes are perfect for stress relief, team building, and improving cardiovascular fitness in an enjoyable, social setting.
  • Zumba: This Latin-inspired dance cardio workout is fun, high-energy, and easy to follow, making it a favorite for those who want to exercise without feeling like they're working out.
  • Dance cardio: These classes combine choreography with cardiovascular movements for a fun, rhythmic workout that helps improve endurance and coordination.
  • Boxercise: A fitness class based on boxing techniques, Boxercise provides a full-body workout while offering stress relief through punching and movement drills.
3. High-intensity, time-efficient workouts
For employees looking for a quick and effective workout, these high-intensity classes deliver results quickly, making them ideal for busy employees who want an efficient way to stay in shape.
  • HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): This workout alternates between short bursts of intense exercise and brief periods of rest, delivering maximum fitness benefits in minimal time.
  • Tabata: A specific form of HIIT, Tabata consists of 20 seconds of ultra-intense exercise followed by 10 seconds of rest, repeated for four minutes. It's time-efficient and highly effective.
  • Circuit training: A mix of strength and cardio exercises performed at different stations, circuit training offers variety and keeps employees engaged while improving strength and endurance.
4. Low-impact, full-body conditioning
In 2025, aqua fitness is making a splash as more companies recognize the benefits of water-based workouts.
  • Aqua aerobics: Water resistance offers a full-body workout while minimizing the impact on joints. It's a great option for employees recovering from injuries or those looking for a low impact, yet challenging workout. Aqua aerobics provides a refreshing way to stay fit, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen muscles, all while being gentle on the body.
5. Full-body cardio and strength
Rowing is a low-impact, high-intensity workout that engages nearly every muscle group, offering both cardiovascular and strength benefits.
  • Rowing classes: Employees row together in synchronized movements, building team spirit while enjoying a full-body workout that improves endurance, strength, and posture. Rowing is excellent for employees looking for a low-impact, highly effective way to improve their fitness levels while working on team coordination.
6. Energizing and heart-pumping
Cycling classes remain a staple of corporate fitness. These heart-pumping classes are perfect for employees looking for an intense cardio session that boosts stamina and endurance.
  • Spin: An indoor cycling workout that offers an intense cardiovascular challenge. Spin classes often use motivational music and instructors to push employees to their fitness limits.
  • Fusion cycling: This class combines cycling with other elements like strength training or yoga for a dynamic and varied workout that keeps employees engaged and challenged.
7. Strength and rhythm
For employees who want to combine strength training with rhythm and music, these classes offer a unique way to make workouts fun, engaging, and effective.
  • POUND, Rockout Workout: Using lightly weighted drumsticks, this worout is a full-body cardio jam session that combines drumming with high-energy movements. It's perfect for stress relief and coordination.
  • Kettlebell classes: These classes focus on strength, endurance, and functional movement, using kettlebells to build core stability and overall muscle strength.
8. Stress relief and mindful movement
Mental wellness is an essential part of corporate fitness, and classes that focus on relaxation and mindfulness are becoming increasingly popular. These classes provide a peaceful way for employees to de-stress and recharge, improving their overall well-being and mental clarity.
  • Sound bath: A deeply meditative experience where employees lie down and relax while being immersed in sound frequencies that promote relaxation and stress relief. This class helps reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being.
  • Tai Chi: A gentle martial art that promotes balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. Tai Chi’s slow, flowing movements are excellent for stress relief and improving mental focus.

Bring the best group fitness classes to your workplace
Group fitness is a powerful tool for boosting employee health, improving company culture, and enhancing productivity. Contact us for a no-obligation meeting to learn more about our fitness solutions.