Shelby Penno tries to do "a little bit of everything" with her workouts.
"Yoga classes, running with others, even getting a group together to play a quick game of basketball can be a great workout. Kickboxing classes are next on my list," said Penno, of Jefferson City.
Penno is one among many who enjoy what group exercise has to offer.
"I love doing cardio with groups because it gets me motivated and makes me work harder because there are other people along with me. Plus, working out with others helps to hold you accountable for showing up and trying your best," Penno added.
Group exercise is a good option for anyone wanting to try something new, or switch up their current workout plan.
"Going to the gym and getting on the treadmill or the elliptical can get so boring," said Morgan Prater, also of Jefferson City. "I think people enjoy group exercise because you get such a variety. I do several classes a week because it allows me to mentally and physically push myself more than I do when I'm just doing my own thing at the gym."
Prater attends group classes at Wilson's Fitness in Jefferson City.
"Right now I'm currently obsessed with the Les Mills GRIT class, which is only 30 minutes long," she said. "It's HIIT - high-intensity interval training - and I get the good workout I want in 30 minutes. It has spoiled me because the 30 minutes flies by so quickly, but I like that it pushes me, too."
Cindy Kliethermes of Taos got her start with group exercise 27 years ago.
"I actually started doing group exercise because of Central Bank. We had a Wellness Committee and there were five of us who went through a certification process through Charles E. Still Hospital (now Capital Region Medical Center) so we could teach classes to other employees at the bank. I've been hooked ever since," Kliethermes said.
Kliethermes now teaches five classes, four days a week, at the Capital Region Sam B. Cook Healthplex. Like Prater, she is a fan of the Les Mills classes, and is certified to instruct Body Attack, Body Step and Body Pump classes.
Each class has something a little different to offer, Kliethermes explained.
"(Body) Attack is a sports-inspired workout. It's similar to conditioning you'd do in high school to get in shape for a sport, and it's mostly cardio-based. (Body) Pump is your weight-training class. It's also choreographed to music."
Another group class gaining traction among exercisers is CrossFit. Cassie Melloway, of Jefferson City, says it is her favorite way to work out. She attends classes at CrossFit Unstoppable on Missouri Boulevard.
"My cousin does CrossFit, and so does my sister. It was one of those things that I kept hearing about, and I thought, "Well, maybe this is something I should try,' because I was seeing their great results," Melloway said.
CrossFit is a group exercise class led by trainers that combines high-intensity interval training, weightlifting and calisthenics, among other things, in a fast-paced, group-effort environment. Like other group classes, trainers monitor the form of attendees and encourage them to push their limits, but also help them learn their limits.
"It's one hour, which is only 4 percent of your day, but in that hour you get a full-body workout, your adrenaline going and your heart rate up. The feeling that you have walking out of there is one filled with confidence," Melloway said.
Just as there are several options for what type of group exercise are available, there are also many reasons why group exercise is growing in popularity.
"One of the best parts is knowing that everyone else is just like you. We all have those first-time jitters and people may initially worry about looking silly or not knowing what they're doing, but with group exercise you know everyone has the same fears and, slowly but surely, you get over them together," Penno said.
"It's always a little intimidating to be in a class with a group full of strangers. You don't know if they're new at it or really experienced and good at it. It's a little scary at first, but it's nice to know that there are others in the class working on themselves and their health, too, and not paying attention to what you're doing," Prater added.
Melloway said the sense of being a member of a team keeps her coming back to CrossFit.
"There is so much camaraderie with CrossFit. You leave your pride at the door and know that it's not a competition. You cheer others on, and they're cheering you on. It's such a good feeling," she said.
Opportunities to exercise in a group extend beyond the gym. Running outdoors with others or, as Penno mentioned, organizing a pickup game of soccer or basketball can be a great workout - and can be done without a monthly membership.
"You can train for a 5K, half marathon or marathon with your friends," Penno added. "Another good option is joining a team with Parks and Recreation. They offer everything from basketball, volleyball, softball, etc. Just being active regularly can work wonders."
For those unsure of how to get involved, Prater said the best option is to turn to social media.
"If you're not a member of a gym, the best place to reach out to someone is through Facebook. Let your friends know your interest in participating and working out with them," Prater said.
"If you don't put yourself out there and let others know you're interested in working out, they may not ever offer you the opportunity. Don't hesitate to reach out to others in order to improve yourself."
Group exercise opportunities in Jefferson City
Anytime Fitness, 3220 W. Edgewood Drive: Zumba, PiYo Strength, pole fitness, cardio kickboxing, total body circuits, group HIIT circuits.
Capital Region Sam B. Cook Healthplex, 1432 Southwest Blvd.: Pilates, cardio circuits, Tai Chi, yoga, Les Mills classes (Body Pump, CX WORX, Body Step, Body Attack).
Capital Ritz Dance, 2716 Plaza Drive: ballroom, Latin, swing, belly dance, ballet, Tai Chi, Zumba.
CrossFit Unstoppable, 605 Missouri Boulevard Court.
Jefferson City Area YMCA, Firley - 525 Ellis Blvd., Knowles - 424 Stadium Blvd., West - 3507 Amazonas: Les Mills Body Pump, Bosu class, step class, Zumba, cross training, core classes.
Jefferson City CrossFit, 1301 Creek Trail Drive.
Planet Fitness, 3239 Missouri Blvd.: 30-minute circuit classes; arms, legs, abs, back and chest classes.
Wilson's Fitness, 3600 Country Club Drive: Zumba, PiYo Strength, indoor cycling, cardio kickboxing, Les Mills classes (Body Pump, Body Attack, Grit Series, Body Combat).
Wilson's Yoga Studio, 128 E. Dunklin St.: yoga class from beginner to advanced levels, including hot yoga and meditation yoga.
For full class schedules and prices, contact the facilities for more information.