Build Muscle and Boost Your Energy with Group Fitness!

Building muscle doesn’t have to be a solo journey. Group fitness is a fun and dynamic way to get stronger, with a supportive community cheering you on every step of the way! Whether you’re a beginner or are more experienced in fitness, group classes offer a wide variety of benefits that will elevate your muscle-building journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to develop muscle through fun-loving and accessible group workouts designed for all fitness levels!

Why Group Fitness is Your Secret Weapon for Building Muscle

1. A Boost of Social Support & Motivation

One of the best parts of group fitness is the sense of community it fosters. Working out with others naturally sparks a friendly sense of teamwork, pushing you to challenge yourself more than you would on your own. The energy in a group setting is contagious! Plus, showing up for classes regularly becomes easier when you’re part of a vibrant, motivating community who looks forward to seeing each other in class. Consistency is key to muscle growth, and group fitness makes it fun to stay on track.

2. Variety, Structure, and Fun Workouts

Group fitness classes are led by professional trainers who create well-rounded routines to help you target every muscle group. These structured classes keep things fresh, with new exercises and challenges in every session. There will be no hitting a plateau here! The variety ensures you never get bored and helps you work different muscle groups, which means your body gets stronger and your muscles get more defined with each class.

Finding Your Perfect Group Fitness Class

Explore the Options at Open Barre!

We have a group fitness class for every goal and every fitness level:

● Barre Classic: Barre Classic is a low-impact, full body workout set to upbeat music. This class brings together elements of dance & pilates and uses a ballet barre, light weights and other equipment to add resistance to your movement. In Barre Classic you will pulse and plié your way through 50 minutes of movement designed to strengthen, lengthen and tone your muscles from head to toe! This class is a great place to start and is highly recommended to both beginners and those with group fitness experience.

● Mat Pilates: Led by our certified Pilates instructors, this class will leave you feeling the burn! Still following the beat of great music, this slightly slower paced workout will leave you feeling stronger and more in-tune with your body and mind. This class is a great place to start and is highly recommended to both beginners and those with group fitness experience.

● Barre HIIT: Barre HIIT adds cardio exercises to the mix! This class is designed to elevate your strength and your heart rate all at once. Your instructors will always offer low impact options along the way so this class is accessible to everyone, beginners and group fitness enthusiasts alike!

● Candle Lit Fit: Candlelit Fit turns down the lights and turns up the energy. In this class we will dim the lights and take our focus inward rather than on the mirror.

● Stretch Class: Stretch classes are a 50-minute Pilates inspired reset that will lengthen and rejuvenate your muscles. Whether you need a good stretch after a killer barre class or after sitting at a desk all week, we’ve got you! All experience levels are welcome.

Know Your Fitness Level

Starting out? Begin with a beginner class and opt out of adding resistance equipment at the start to get a solid foundation. As your strength and endurance grow, challenge yourself by progressing to higher-impact classes and intermediate or advanced movements. You’ll build confidence and crush your goals with each new step!

Key Tips for Building Muscle with Group Fitness

1. Focus on Compound Movements

Compound exercises are your best friend when it comes to building muscle. Barre classes incorporate moves that work multiple muscle groups at once, like pliés, pulses, squats or lunges while also working the upper body with light handheld weights or resistance bands. Our group classes incorporate these powerhouse movements for maximum muscle gain in minimum time!

2. Embrace Progressive Movements

To see muscle growth, you need to progressively challenge your muscles. This means gradually increasing weight, resistance, or intensity. Don’t be shy—if you feel ready for more, ask your instructor for extra challenges or heavier weights. You’ve got this!

3. Perfect Your Form

Great results start with proper technique. Ensuring you’re using the correct form prevents injury and helps you target the right muscles. Use the mirror to keep an eye on your posture, alignment, and movements, and always listen to the safety cues your instructors offer during class. Don’t hesitate to ask your trainer for tips or adjustments during the class if you need some extra guidance!

Fuel, Hydrate, and Recover to Maximize Muscle Strength

Nourish Your Body

Your muscles need fuel to grow and recover. Prioritize a balanced diet with plenty of lean proteins to help repair muscles, along with healthy fats and carbs to keep your energy levels high. Eating well is just as important as working out—fuel up to crush your goals!

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is a game-changer! Drink water before, during, and after your workouts to maintain energy levels and help your muscles recover. Proper hydration will support your performance and aid in your recovery.

Rest and Recover

Rest isn’t just a break; it’s when your muscles rebuild and get stronger! There’s no need to overtrain—make sure to prioritize sleep, recovery days, and stretching. Our stretch classes are a great option to keep your muscles limber and avoid stiffness.

Tracking Your Progress and Crushing Your Goals

Set Achievable Goals

Stay motivated by setting realistic, short-term goals that will lead to your long-term success. Aim to attend a certain number of classes each week or challenge yourself to incorporate heavier weights into your classes. Celebrate every little victory along the way—it all adds up!

Celebrate Your Progress

Congratulate yourself on your increased strength, stamina, and overall fitness! It shows you how far you’ve come and helps you stay on track.

Be Open to Change

Don’t be afraid to switch things up! As your strength and endurance improve, set new goals, try different class styles, or add heavier weights to your workouts. The key is to keep challenging yourself and stay engaged—your muscles will thank you!