A member poll recently conducted by 24 Hour Fitness revealed that its members found substantial mental and physical health benefits from participating in group exercise classes, such as Zumba®. Physical benefits included increased energy, enhanced muscle tone and improved endurance, while mental benefits included a sense of accomplishment and improved sleeping habits.
Bobbi Quick, the senior director of fitness operations for 24 Hour Fitness, divulged her opinion on the poll results and its implications.
CS: Are you surprised by the poll results that concluded members found both mental and physical health benefits from participating in group exercise classes?
BQ: We were thrilled that members we surveyed reported mental and physical health benefits from participation in our group exercise classes. We’re dedicated to improving lives through fitness, and we also know that it can be difficult for people to feel motivated and make time for exercise. We want fitness to be a great experience. That’s why we offer Group X® formats and select instructors who create camaraderie and bring the enthusiasm, encouragement and fun that can keep people coming back regularly and getting those mental and physical benefits of group exercise.
CS: Are there specific classes that provided more physical and mental benefits over others?
BQ: We asked members to tell us what physical and mental benefits they experience from group exercise classes, and while they didn’t attribute specific benefits to individual classes, they cited top benefits including increased energy, enhanced muscle tone and improved endurance, as well as a sense of accomplishment and better sleeping habits.
Members also have told us they participate in Group X classes for the motivation of exercising with a group, and for the sake of learning something new.
CS: Speaking to club owners, what specific classes do you think should be a staple in every club?
BQ: Cardio, strength, flexibility and balance are fundamental elements of fitness that in combination, will engage mind and body, in both individual and group exercise formats. In addition, our approach to selecting class formats is based on the premise that every Group X class needs to be inviting, motivating and deliver results, and we offer a well-rounded selection of group exercise classes incorporating strength, cardio, mind/body, martial arts and dance that appeal to a wide range of interests. Our top goal for Group X is to keep our members engaged and physically active in a fun, social environment.
CS: Has 24 Hour Fitness recently introduced a new class to its members that it’s excited about? If so, please describe the class and why members like it.
BQ: We keep popular, well-attended class formats, but we are always refreshing our Group X offerings to ensure our classes keep our members engaged and exercising regularly. For example, we added Les Mills BODYCOMBAT®, a fiercely energetic, martial arts-inspired program that draws from karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi, muay thai and other disciplines.
As told to Rachel Zabonick
