Group Fitness Class Descriptions
Awesome fitness classes, cleverly disguised as fun. With so many different classes and a wide variety of days and times offered, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with our group exercise program. Our instructors will coach and motivate you to maximize your workout and have a great time doing it. Try one or all of our classes because group fitness is included with your membership.
The class descriptions below offer an overview of the classes we have been able to offer recently. Not all classes are offered each semester. Classes will rotate in and out as instructors and class space are available.
Please review our Group Fitness Policies (PDF) to ensure you are receiving the best possible experience with group fitness at WellWorks.
Class Descriptions for Group Fitness Classes:
Active Seniors, Tai Chi for Arthritis: Based on the Sun style of tai chi, the Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) program is effective for the health of mind and body, easy to learn, and suitable for people of all levels of ability. Developed by Dr. Paul Lam and his team of medical and tai chi experts, the TCA program is an evidence-based program that has been endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arthritis Foundation. This class will introduce essential principles of tai chi and the basic forms (i.e., Movements) of the TCA program. Each class will include warm-up and cool-down exercises and instruction in a new basic form from the TCA program. Basic forms will be taught sequentially (e.g., week-by-week) and each will build upon the forms of previous weeks. It is recommended that participants attend class regularly to best learn the sequence of forms and experience the program’s depth. The forms will be slow and gentle, and the degree of exertion can be easily adjusted, making it suitable for people of all levels of ability. The instructors are accredited by the Tai Chi for Health Institute.
Active Seniors, Senior Strong is a fun and low impact fitness class that develops specific areas of the body using free weights, resistance bands, balls, and more! This class will help participants navigate everyday activities with more confidence.
Afro Dance: Experience the vibrant rhythms and movements of Africa in this exhilarating dance class. This high-energy workout will immense you in the rich cultural heritage of the continent while providing a dynamic cardio workout. Get ready to feel the beat, unleash your inner rhythm, and dance your way to fitness as you learn traditional steps and choreography inspired by diverse African traditions. Join us and let the music move you!
Barre: This unique class uses a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other disciplines like yoga and Pilates. The barre is used as a prop to balance while doing exercises that focus on isometric strength training (holding your body still while you contract a specific set of muscles) combined with high reps of small range-of-motion movements." Also, don't be surprised if your class incorporates light handheld weights to bring the burn during all those reps, as well as mats for targeted core work.
Boxing: 60 minutes of high energy shadow boxing. This class will teach you proper form and techniques while keeping you moving and motivated through a shadow boxing format. This class has high energy and is open and modified for all to be included.
Cardio Dance: This one-hour class combines dance moves and toning exercises to increase your heart rate while building strength. The instructor will provide direction for multiple dance/music styles including Latin, hip-hop, Bollywood, African and even some show tunes. All participants are encouraged to bring their own unique style to class The dancing is so much fun that you won’t even realize how hard you’re working! This class is constantly evolving, so you’ll want to keep coming back.
Cardio Intervals: This one-hour class is sure to get your heart rate up. Mixing high and low impact movements to increase your heart rate and keep you moving. Music will be provided to increase motivation but staying on the beat and following elaborate movements will not be expected. Enjoy moving your body with this class offering variety and fun.
Cardio, Strength, Balance, and More: This class incorporates exercises that boost overall fitness by moving through “blocks” – muscle conditioning to improve strength & functional fitness, cardio to improve cardio fitness, and core muscle engagement for stability and balance. The class will end with Tai Chi flow for mind & body relaxation. Hand weights, tubing, stability balls and bars are offered for resistance. Chairs are optional for standing support & seated exercises. This class is suitable for beginning to intermediate skill levels.
Cardio Tone: This 60 minute class offers a cardiovascular workout combined with bodyweight strength training. Each class includes a short warm up, 45 minutes of bodyweight exercises and a short cool down. You'll elevate your heart rate and tone key muscle groups. When possible, modifications and progressions are made available to allow you to get the most out of the class, regardless of your fitness or experience level. No equipment is required. Though, a floor mat and hand weights are optional. Music will not be provided, so have your own favorite playlist ready to keep you motivated. All fitness levels are encouraged to participate in this class.
CIRCL Mobility™ is designed to unlock the body’s potential through flexibility, breathwork, and mobility exercises, so you can move better, longer. Based on the cutting-edge science of functional movement, you’ll learn how to release physical restrictions, restore core capabilities, and renew your range of motion.
Heart Healthy: We all have a heart, so we need to keep it running to perform our daily activities at an optimum level! In this class, you will increase your endurance using a variety of techniques and tools to improve your life. You will gain self-awareness, increased strength, improved mobility and posture, better coordination, and overall rejuvenation. Heart Healthy is for everyone. This is a safe space and everyone will move at their own pace
Intermediate Yoga: This class will help students develop & grow their skills and take their practice to the next level by building body awareness and alignment knowledge. Every class begins by practice ahimsa "non-violence", students will learn to mindfully push themselves by listening to their bodies as a guide for when they want a challenge or need to slow down. This class builds perseverance and encourages consistent daily practice. Students will have fun connecting to their breath & build confidence in taking safe risks in order to master handstand and headstand.
Multi-Level Yoga: When practiced with patience, determination and effort, yoga invigorates the health of our bodies, steadies our minds and enlightens our spirit. Emphasis on proper alignment of the body; props are used to help attain poses. Multi-Level yoga welcomes new participants who have basic knowledge but may have some more advanced movements.
Mobility Training: Take 60 minutes out of your day to find space within your body. This class takes an active approach to mobility and flexibility. Using techniques including myofascial release, foam rolling, self PNF stretching and more to increase your body’s mobility and ease of movement inside and outside the fitness center.
Pilates: This class will help participants improve flexibility, build strength and develop control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance.
Pilates Infinity: Pilates is a core-infused movement that will improve balance, strength, stamina, flexibility, and more. Pilates Infinity...it’s always expanding!
Ridges Outdoor Fitness Camp: Enjoy the camaraderie of group fitness in-person again with this outdoor boot camp style circuit training fitness class. There is a different workout each class utilizing body weight exercises and the surrounding landscape of the Ridges. Each movement has modifications to dial up or dial down the intensity to meet each participant at their fitness level. Logistics: The class meets rain or shine – unless there is thunder, storm sirens, excessive heat warning, or level 2-3 snow emergency – in the grassy area next to the Kennedy Art Museum parking lots. Participants remain socially distanced, and there are no shared surfaces. Bring water, a towel or mat, and hit the bathroom before arrival. Kids and pets are welcome, but no biting or getting hit by cars.
Spinning/Cycling: This is a non-impact workout that combines outdoor cycling techniques with great music. During the class the instructor will cue changes in resistance and pace to simulate going up and down hills and fast sprints followed by recovery times. Each participant ultimately determines the intensity of his/her own workout by varying resistance and pace. Please arrive 10 minutes early to adjust your bike. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and a towel to wipe excess perspiration. No bike guarantee—first come, first serve. A heart rate monitor is recommended for your own use and can be rented at the WellWorks front desk.
Strength and Stability (Active Senior): The first half of this class will incorporate a series of standing activities, combining balance and other neuromotor drills with low-impact aerobic movements that are done in place. A chair will be available for additional support. After a break – halftime – the class will transition to strength exercises using hand-held weights and elastic tubing with handles. Strength exercises can be done seated or standing and are designed to be a manageable and complete strength training experience for our senior members.
Strength & Stretch: This is a total body class that will target major muscle groups for both strength and flexibility. We will use hand weights and other equipment, plus extra stretching to battle stiffness or tight muscles. Come join us to shake off the effects of stress or too much sitting.
Strength Circuits: This moderate to high intensity class will help you build strength, improve your cardio, and shred pounds in the form of circuit training. There will be between 6-8 stations set up around the room and participants will move from one station to the next every 30-60 seconds. You push yourself to a desired level of intensity with encouragement from the instructor. This class will take you through a variety of upper body, lower body, and core moves with an added dose of kickboxing for good measure.
STRONG Nation™ by Zumba®: STRONG Nation™ by Zumba® combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves synced to original music that has been specifically designed to match every single move. The original STRONG by Zumba® class is a demanding hour-long session that works your entire body. Zumba ® and the Zumba logos are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC. Used under license.
Total Body Strength: This fun, challenging, and effective class incorporates movements and exercises that will build strength throughout your entire body. The class ranges from moderate to vigorous intensity. Modifications are available for newer participants – This class incorporates a full body warm up, circuit strength training of all muscle groups, accessory muscle toning, core stability and endurance training along with a cool down and stretching. Classes will incorporate some great stretching and flexibility techniques to create proper range of motion in your joints and allow for optimal recovery after exercise.
TRX Training: 60-minute class incorporating TRX suspension trainers, Rip Trainer, and additional movement patterns to create a comprehensive workout developing strength, balance, flexiblity and sore stability. Progressions will be offered to allow all participants to feel challenged and successful in the movement patterns. This class will include standing, kneeling and floor exercises.
TRX Strength & Mobility: Description TBA
Vinyasa Yoga is a creative form of Yoga where poses are linked together with the breath in a flowing sequence. The beauty of Vinyasa yoga is the variety. There is no standard sequence in Vinyasa yoga, so the style, pace and intensity will all vary week to week
Zumba® and Zumba Dance®: Ditch the workout—join the party! This is a class inspired by Latin dance moves. Even if you are not a dancer, you will love this easy to follow, fun and effective way to get fit. This is a cardio class like no other. Zumba ® dance-fitness classes fuse a wonderful blend of high energy Latin and international music with easy-to-follow moves like the salsa, cha-cha, samba, tango, merengue, flamenco, calypso, hip-hop, cumbia, reggaeton and much more, to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program. The routines also feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. All moves are modifiable—you can Zumba ® your own way. Our goal is simple: we want you to want to work out and to love working out. Zumba ® and the Zumba logos are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC. Used under license.
Zumba® Dance + Toning + Sentao: The first half of this “specialty” class is dedicated to Zumba® Dance – easy-to-follow Latin & World rhythms designed to get your heart rate up. Zumba® Toning enhances the sense of rhythm & coordination while using hand weights, bars or tubing for strengthening upper & lower body & core muscles. Zumba® Sentao combines strength & resistance training centered around a chair while targeting upper & lower body & core muscles. Level: Beginner & Intermediate
ZUMBA GOLD® is a lower intensity version of Zumba Fitness. It is a low-impact fitness class with simple moves, which makes it perfect for active older adults & low fitness participants. It focuses on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility & balance. ZUMBA GOLD Toning® uses light hand weights to enhance muscle strength, tone & endurance. ZUMBA GOLD Sentao® uses a chair & focuses on core strength.
Descriptions for classes not offered this semester:
Arms and Abs: Target the toning of your upper body with this class that utilizes both bodyweight movements and light weights. Each class is simple and easy to follow yet still challenging. If you are looking for that added focus for lower body training, this class is for you.
ABC + Strength (Alignment, Balance, Core): ABC + Strength will help participants build the foundations of strength and balance. The instructor will take you through proper posture positions, upper back and lower back exercises, along with general tips on how to maintain symmetry and balance. Classes will incorporate single leg exercises to help you develop good joint stability and strength. The class will include body weight and lightweight exercises in the form of circuit training to develop proper muscle strength and tone. Your core will get plenty of attention and the class will usually end with a 10-minute core, breathing and stretching session.
Chair Strength (Active Senior): Hand-held weights and elastic tubing with handles will be used as resistance while the instructor leads participants through chair-based upper-body strength exercises, progressing to lower-body exercises done standing with chair and wall support. This class was designed to be a manageable and complete strength training experience for our senior members. Duration: 40 minutes
Core and Balance (Level One Active Senior): Designed by CHSP students with our senior members in mind, this class will begin to strengthen core muscles and improve balance. This class progresses from chair-based to standing exercises with chair and wall support. Elastic tubing with handles is used as resistance from some exercises. This class is most appropriate for beginners, but can be adapted individually for additional challenge. Duration: 40 minutes
Kick and Core: This class combines basic cardio kickboxing sequences and pelvic core strength and conditioning exercises in a high energy environment. Participants will utilize a variety of bodyweight exercises and movements to increase heart rate, improve balance and strengthen the core. On occasion, PelviCore™ equipment will be utilized to increase intensity level and target particular muscle groups. Where possible, modifications will be provided to accommodate a variety of fitness levels and offer reduced joint impact without compromising the workout. This class is open to all fitness levels and types but is ideal for the following populations: female athlete, postpartum, middle aged athlete.
Flex and Tone: Make the most out of your lunch hour with this 40 minute class targeting total body flexibility and movements targeting muscle toning.
Legs and Core: Utilizing bodyweight movements and light weights, this class will focus on the quads, glutes, hamstrings, calves, abs, obliques and back. Each class is simple and easy to follow yet still challenging. If you are looking for that added focus for lower body training, this class is for you.
Power Strength: Strengthen, tone, and tighten the core, arms and legs during this intense strength-based class.
Power Yoga: Utilizing Vinyasa Yoga movement patterns, Power Yoga offers a slightly more vigorous, fitness-style approach to the practice. Movements will focus on strength training while also improving flexibility and stamina. Despite an increase in intensity, this practice is still ideal for all fitness and experience levels.
Step Strength and Endurance (Active Senior): This is our highest intensity active senior class. It is a fast-moving class, and will have you stepping in all directions to improve your endurance and lower-body strength.
Tai Chi for Arthritis, Parts One and Two (Active Senior): Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art practiced for health and wellness featuring four essential principles: Mind-body integration, fluid movements, controlled breathing, and mental concentration. This program focuses on weight transference, making it especially useful for improving balance. Most participants can learn the basic forms in 8 to 12 one hour lessons and with regular practice. The movements in Tai Chi for Arthritis flow one after the other. The instructor will introduce a new movement each week. Each movement will build onto the last and flow into the next. Thus, instruction will progress from the beginning to the end of the semester. It is recommended that participants attend with continuity to facilitate learning the movements as easily as possible. Participants are asked to complete one full session/semester of Tai Chi Part One before progressing to Tai Chi Part Two. To learn more about Tai Chi or this evidence-based program visit: https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
Specialty Classes:
Need a little more individualized attention for your fitness practice? Check out WellWorks' Specialty Classes such as How to Dance Hip Hop, Women on Weights, Glove Boxing and The Great Yoga Wall.