Group Fitness FAQs

Can anyone take a group fitness class, or do I have to have a special membership?

Some membership plans include group fitness. If your plan does not currently include group fitness, and you would like it as an amenity, please see a membership consultant at your club, or call member services at 1-800-543-3783.

What is Les Mills?

Lifestyle Family Fitness group fitness programming is spearheaded by ten intense classes created by Les Mills® International, the world leader in innovative and effective group fitness solutions. We are one of the only fitness clubs in the U.S. to offer all 10 programs to our members. Les Mills classes include:

• BODYPUMP™ - the original barbell class that strengthens your entire body.
• RPM™ - the indoor cycling workout where you ride to the rhythm of powerful music.
• BODYSTEP™ - the energizing step workout that makes you feel liberated and alive.
• BODYFLOW™ - the yoga, tai chi, pilates workout that builds flexibility and strength and leaves you feeling centered and calm.
• BODYCOMBAT™ - the empowering cardio workout where you are totally unleashed.
• BODYATTACK™ - the sports-inspired cardio workout for building strength and stamina.
• BODYJAM™ - the cardio workout where you are free to enjoy the sensation of dance.
• BODYVIVE™ - the low-impact, whole body group fitness workout that uses VIVE™ balls, VIVE™ tubes and body weight to boost fitness and core strength.
• SH'BAM™ - featuring simple but seriously hot dance moves, it’s the perfect way to shape up and let out your inner star.
• CXWORX™ - the short, sharp workout that hones in on the torso and sling muscles that connect your upper body to your lower body.

I have never taken a group fitness class before. How do I get started?

• If your membership plan does not already include group fitness and/or cycling, start by adding it to your plan.
• Check the group fitness schedule for a class at your club.
• If you are taking a group fitness or cycling class, you will need to get a class pass at the front desk. Passes are handed out on a first come, first serve basis and are available 30 minutes before class. The instructor will collect them prior to class.
• If possible, arrive 5 to 10 minutes early to class, introduce yourself to the instructor and let him/her know it’s your first class. 

How can I get a group fitness schedule for my location?

The group fitness schedule on the LFF website provides up-to-date schedule information for your club and all other clubs.

What do I need to wear to class and what do I need to bring?

For all classes:

• Wear comfortable workout clothes and athletic shoes. 
• Bring a towel and water bottle.

For cycling classes:

• Cycling shoes are not required, however bikes will accommodate cycling shoes. 
• Cycling shorts are recommended for cycle classes. 

For dance and martial arts classes:

• Looser fitting clothing is recommended.

For mind and body classes:

• Comfortable clothes are recommended. You may also want to bring a long sleeve shirt for the cool down period of the class. 
• Most classes will be done without shoes. 
• A yoga mat is not required.

How many calories will I burn?

See class descriptions on the LFF website for specific calorie information. 

How do I pick which classes to take?

Our cardio classes are excellent for weight loss and fat burn. Our strength and toning classes are great for achieving strong, toned and well-defined muscles. If you’re looking to improve your balance and flexibility, consider taking a mind/body class. And don’t hesitate to ask one of our group instructors or personal trainers for advice on which classes are right for you. 

What is the difference between Les Mills and other classes? 

Les Mills classes (as well as Zumba and SilverSneakers classes) are pre-choreographed, meaning these programs come with a standardized set of moves, routines and music. You can take a Les Mills BODYPUMP class, for example, at any of our LFF clubs and your class will feature similar moves and routines. These classes also tend to be more straightforward and simple in choreography.

Other LFF classes — such as Lifestyle Cycle, Lifestyle Yoga, and Lifestyle Total Tone — are in a freestyle format, meaning our LFF instructors put together the choreography and select the music for these classes. Because of this, freestyle classes vary from instructor to instructor. These classes typically offer a little more variety and creativity than the pre-choreographed programs and are sometimes more advanced.

How long are the classes? 

Most group fitness classes are 60 minutes in length. We also offer 30- and 45-minute “express class” options to accommodate various schedules. 

I have never done this before — can I be successful? 

Everyone can be successful in our group fitness room. All of our programs are created so that everyone can complete them safely and effectively. Our instructors are trained to provide options — both higher and lower intensity — for the moves in each class. This means that whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, there will be an option for you — an option that will enable you to get results and be safe. As you become acclimated to the class, you can start to choose higher intensity options that will allow you to progress to higher levels of fitness. You will be successful from the start.

How fit do I need to be?

Most of our programs are for everyone with moderate fitness levels. Because the moves are simple, you do not need to be especially coordinated. For our cycling, strength and step programs, you control your own resistance (either with the flywheel, the weights or the height of the step respectively) and therefore, the intensity of the workout. This allows all participants – from the newcomer to the elite athlete – to train together. Additionally, our instructors are trained to provide options for class moves/exercises so that participants at every skill level can complete each step of our group fitness classes. 

How coordinated do I need to be?

Most of our classes are built in a modular way with simple moves – meaning that you will learn a move and then build upon it. This allows plenty of time for you to learn each move. In addition, similar moves are often repeated from one class to the next, so after a few classes, you will begin to feel more familiar with the exercises and routines.

When will I notice results?

It usually takes about 3 to 5 classes to begin to understand the feel and structure of our classes and the moves. You may experience some muscle soreness at first, but this will quickly pass and will be followed by noticeable gains in strength, endurance, tone, flexibility, fat loss and balance – depending on the classes that you take. If you commit to a regular regiment (3 to 5 classes per week depending on the class), you should see positive fitness and health results in 4 to 6 weeks.

How often should I take classes?

This depends on the type of class that you are taking. Strength and toning classes should only be taken up to 3 times per week, allowing your muscles time to rest and repair between workouts. For all other classes, there is really no limit to the number of classes you take per week, although you will typically get better results with a day of rest between classes and/or cross-training. We recommend anywhere from 3 to 8 cardio and/or mind/body classes per week, depending on your fitness level, your goals and your other activities.

May I bring a guest with me to class?

Yes! Check our website for a printable guest pass or inquire with a membership consultant at your club. Please note that some restrictions do apply.

What is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events. The program offers customized SilverSneakers classes designed exclusively for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.

Do you have any classes for children?

Yes, we offer family fit classes in some areas. Parents are encouraged to participate in Family Fit classes with children age 5 and up.  

I would like to see a class added at my club. How do I suggest a new class?

We are very interested in your feedback about which classes you would like to see and when you would like to see them. If there is significant interest from members in adding a class, and there are at least two instructors available to teach the class, we will do our best to add the class to the schedule. Please contact a manager at your club to request a new class. 

Why was a class removed from my club’s group fitness schedule?

We add and remove classes based on member needs and on class attendance. We cannot support classes that consistently have only a few members in attendance. For classes with low attendance, we will try to improve the numbers over a period of time, but if we are unable to do so, we will have to take it off of the schedule. Classes also require at least two instructors available to teach the class. 

What is a group fitness “launch”?

Four times a year, Les Mills injects new energy into Lifestyle Family Fitness by introducing new routines and new music to our group fitness classes. A week-long celebration surrounds these group fitness “launches.” During the week, members and prospective members have the opportunity to come into our clubs and experience the latest releases of our classes, free of charge. There is always a theme surrounding these group fitness launch celebrations and it is not unusual to see instructors in costumes and themed decorations around LFF during the week. And because class routines/moves will be new to all participants, launch week is a great time to try a class for the first time!

How do I become a group fitness instructor?

LFF instructors are nationally certified and complete a rigorous training program to fully prepare them to coach and motivate. Our instructors also complete extensive hands-on continuing education through The Lifestyle University with evaluations twice a year to ensure they’re current and skilled in their discipline. We are always looking for new, energetic group fitness instructors. Contact your club’s group fitness manager for more information on getting started.