Group Workouts for Women: Fun, Safe & Effective Ways to Get Fit Together

Working out solo can sometimes feel repetitive, unmotivating, or even intimidating. That’s where group workouts come in. They offer a mix of community, motivation, and safety, making it easier to stay consistent while having fun.

Whether you're looking for high-energy classes, strength-focused sessions, or mindful movement, there’s a group workout designed to support your fitness journey. Here’s our expert-approved list of the best group workouts for women, plus why they’re great for building strength, confidence, and friendships.

1. Running Clubs for Women

Best for: Building endurance, meeting new people, stress relief

Running alone can be tough to stick to, but women’s running clubs provide a supportive environment to train, chat, and stay accountable. Many offer beginner-friendly groups and even organize women-only races. Plus, running in a group is safer, especially for evening sessions.

Running is excellent for cardiovascular health, but women may be more prone to knee injuries due to biomechanics. Look for clubs that incorporate strength and mobility work to prevent injury.

Check out This Girl Can Run or She Runs Outdoors for women-friendly clubs near you.

2. BoxFit: Punch Your Stress Away

Best for: Cardio, confidence, full-body strength

Boxing-inspired classes like BoxFit combine punching drills with high-intensity cardio. It’s a fantastic way to improve endurance, tone up, and relieve stress. Women’s BoxFit classes often focus on confidence-building techniques in a non-intimidating setting. You’ll leave feeling stronger, empowered, and ready to take on the world.

Boxing improves upper-body strength, an area many women neglect. It also enhances coordination, agility, and cardiovascular endurance, making it a well-rounded workout.

3. Reformer Pilates: Sculpt & Strengthen

Best for: Core strength, posture, toning

Unlike traditional mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates uses a sliding carriage machine with resistance springs, creating a low-impact but highly effective workout. Many women love it for improving posture, flexibility, and core strength without heavy lifting.

Reformer Pilates is particularly beneficial for pregnancy recovery and injury prevention due to its controlled, joint-friendly movements.

4. Barre: Small Moves, Big Impact

Best for: Toning, flexibility, balance

Barre combines ballet-inspired exercises, Pilates, and strength training in a class set to upbeat music. Women love it because it creates lean, sculpted muscles without adding bulk. Classes are also low-impact but highly effective, making them ideal for all fitness levels.

Barre is excellent for strengthening stabilising muscles, which can help improve posture and reduce injury risk, particularly in the lower back and knees.

5. Dance Fitness: Work Out Without Feeling Like You’re Working Out

Best for: Cardio, coordination, mood-boosting

Love to dance? Classes like Zumba, Dance Cardio, or Afrobeat Dance turn exercise into a full-on party. The routines are easy to follow, making them perfect for beginners or women who feel intimidated by traditional workouts.

Dance workouts improve cardiovascular health while also strengthening the pelvic floor—an often-overlooked area crucial for women’s health, especially postpartum.

No judgment, no pressure - just pure fun and calorie burning.

6. HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) for Women

Best for: Fat-burning, endurance, strength

HIIT classes involve short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by recovery periods, making them efficient and effective. Women-focused HIIT sessions often include bodyweight exercises, strength drills, and a welcoming environment.

Just 30-45 minutes of HIIT burns calories for hours after the workout.

Women’s bodies often require slightly longer recovery periods between HIIT sessions compared to men’s due to hormonal differences. If you’re feeling extra fatigued, swap a HIIT day for a lower-impact strength or mobility workout.

7. Aerial Yoga

Best for: Flexibility, relaxation, core strength

Aerial yoga uses silk hammocks to support and elevate traditional yoga poses. It’s perfect for women who want a low-impact yet challenging workout that improves flexibility and relieves stress.

Aerial yoga decompresses the spine, making it an excellent option for those with back pain or poor posture from desk work.

8. Women’s-Only Strength Training Classes

Best for: Lifting confidence, muscle-building, empowerment

Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders. Women’s-only weightlifting or strength-focused group workouts provide expert guidance in a supportive environment. These classes often focus on functional movements, proper technique, and confidence-building.

Lifting weights improves bone density, metabolism, and long-term health - crucial for preventing osteoporosis, which affects women at a higher rate than men.

9. Spin Classes: High Energy, Low Impact

Best for: Cardiovascular fitness, endurance, mood-boosting

Indoor cycling (or Spin) is a fun, music-driven way to improve stamina. Women often find spin studios welcoming and motivational, with uplifting instructors and supportive group energy.

Spin is a fantastic low-impact option for women with joint concerns. However, proper bike setup is key to preventing discomfort or injury.

10.Adult Ice Skate School: A Unique & Social Workout

Best for: Balance, coordination, leg strength

For a refreshing and social workout, consider joining an Adult Ice Skate School. While not super intense, skating engages different muscles, improves coordination, and is just plain fun!

Ice skating strengthens stabilizer muscles and improves balance, making it an excellent cross-training activity for runners and dancers.

Final Thoughts: Why Women Love Group Workouts

Choosing the right workout isn’t just about fitness goals - it’s about feeling safe, supported, and motivated. Whether you’re looking for strength, flexibility, endurance, or just a good time, there’s a group workout designed for you.

Exercising in a positive, women-focused community can make all the difference in staying consistent, enjoying movement, and feeling your strongest.

So, grab your bestie, find a class that excites you, and make fitness something you look forward to - not dread!