Group Fitness Programs: The Good, The Bad, and The Overhyped

Group fitness classes offer structure, community, and accountability—all things that make showing up easier. But not all programs deliver on their promises. Some are genuinely challenging and effective. Others are overhyped and underwhelming.

There are oodles of group fitness programs out there. Some are global while others are bespoke to specific regions or cities. Every market has its own boutique studios and local favourites. But certain programs have achieved international recognition and are available across multiple countries and continents.

These are the ones I've tested extensively in the past: F45, Les Mills (including GRIT), and Barry's Bootcamp. They're globally recognized, widely accessible, and represent different approaches to group fitness—from circuit training to HIIT to treadmill-based workouts.

Here's an honest assessment of what works, what doesn't, and who each program is best suited for.

F45 Training: Circuit-Based Workouts Reviewed 

F45 Training is an Australian import offering 45-60 minute circuit-training classes. Each class has a different focus—strength, cardio, endurance, or a combination—and involves moving through stations with timed work and rest intervals. F45 offers dozens of different workouts, but these three represent the core approaches: pure resistance, pure cardio, and mixed training.

Romans (Resistance Training) 

Romans is a 45-minute functional resistance circuit. You work for 35 seconds, rest for 25, and rotate through various muscle-bearing exercises.

The verdict: If you already do resistance training, skip this one. The rest periods are too long relative to the work periods, and the weights aren't heavy enough for hypertrophy. It's fine for absolute beginners who want an introduction to weight training, especially since exercises are displayed on screens. But if you lift regularly, your money is better spent elsewhere.

Firestorm (Cardio) 

Firestorm is a 45-minute cardio-based interval circuit with 27 stations, including bikes, rowers, and bodyweight exercises.

The verdict: Better than Romans, but still not the most intense cardio option out there. It's suitable for beginners to intermediates, but if you're looking for a truly gruelling HIIT workout, there are more effective programs.

Hollywood (Hybrid)

Hollywood is a 60-minute class combining strength, cardio, and endurance across 27 stations. You complete the circuit twice, and it incorporates equipment like battle ropes and weighted sleds.

The verdict: This is the standout. It's challenging, varied, and exposes you to equipment you might not use otherwise. The DJ on Saturday mornings might be polarizing—great if you're energized, annoying if you're recovering from a late night. Hollywood Circuit is best suited for intermediate to advanced exercisers, though beginners might want to start with Romans or Firestorm first.

Overall take on F45: Hollywood Circuit is worth trying for more experienced fitness and gym-goers. The other classes are fine for beginners but won't challenge those with an established training background. Please note: F45 has expanded its program line-up over the years, so these reviews reflect a snapshot of the classes offered at the time I attended.

Les Mills Programs: Choreographed Group Fitness Classes 

Les Mills is a globally recognized fitness brand offering choreographed group fitness classes set to music. The programs are formulaic, choreography changes every three months, which means you know what to expect structurally, even as the specific movements evolve.

BodyPump 

BodyPump is Les Mills' flagship class, a strength-endurance workout lasting 30, 45, or 55 minutes. Each track targets a different muscle group (legs, chest, back, triceps, biceps, shoulders, abs), and you perform high reps with light to moderate weights.

The verdict: BodyPump is a great stepping stone for beginners looking to try resistance training in a group setting. But it's not true strength training. You can't load heavy enough, the tempo prevents proper depth on movements like squats, and the high reps focus on endurance rather than hypertrophy or strength. If you're already lifting weights, BodyPump won't challenge you.

BodyCombat 

BodyCombat is a martial arts-inspired cardio class (30-55 minutes) with no physical contact. You'll jab, punch, and kick your way through tracks inspired by karate, taekwondo, boxing, muay thai, capoeira, and kung fu.

The verdict: Fun and effective for beginners to intermediates. There's a learning curve when you first start so you might not feel like you're working hard. But once you master the techniques, the intensity picks up. It's also a good gateway if you're interested in eventually trying contact-based martial arts.

BodyAttack 

BodyAttack is a high-impact, sports-inspired cardio class (30, 45, or 55 minutes) incorporating intervals, plyometrics, and agility exercises. The intensity builds across two blocks of four tracks, with peaks at tracks 4 and 9.

The verdict: This is a solid cardio option for beginners to advanced exercisers, though beginners to intermediates will benefit most. More experienced gym-goers might find it less challenging than GRIT which we'll get to shortly.

BodyStep 

BodyStep is a step-based cardio class (30-55 minutes) offered in two versions: Classic (dance-based) and Athletic (incorporating HIIT movements like burpees, tuck jumps, and plyo push-ups).

The verdict: BodyStep Classic is great for beginners who want a cardio workout without complex choreography. BodyStep Athletic is better for intermediate to advanced exercisers and serves as a good bridge to GRIT.

BodyBalance 

BodyBalance is a yoga-inspired flexibility and stretching class (30-55 minutes) drawing on yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi. It ends with meditation and relaxation.

The verdict: Suitable for all fitness levels. Use it as a complement to strength and cardio training, not a replacement.

RPM and Sprint 

Both are indoor cycling classes. RPM lasts 45-60 minutes and is suitable for all levels. Sprint is a 30-minute HIIT-based spin class, essentially GRIT on a bike, and is better for experienced cyclists.

The verdict: If you like spin, these are solid options. RPM is accessible; Sprint is intense.

Core

Les Mills Core is a 30-minute core workout using free weights and resistance bands to target abs, back, and glutes.

The verdict: A good supplement to strength and cardio programs. Suitable for all levels.

GRIT: The Standout HIIT Program

GRIT is the standout of the Les Mills portfolio by a long shot. It's a high-intensity interval training program that's in a completely different league from the other Les Mills classes.

GRIT lasts 30 minutes and comes in three variants:

• GRIT Strength: Resistance training with a weighted barbell and free weights.

• GRIT Athletic: Plyometric movements using a step and weights, focused on explosive jumps.

• GRIT Cardio: Bodyweight exercises performed at maximum speed.

You can burn up to 600 calories in 30 minutes if you work at maximum intensity. The goal is to struggle through each exercise—the short timeframe makes it easier to push yourself to the limit.

GRIT is exceptional. It's efficient, brutal, and effective. The choreography changes every three months, so you're constantly challenged by new movements, tempos, and durations. Expect tuck jumps, mountain climbers, donkey kicks, burpees, and a host of other exercises that will leave you breathless and drenched in sweat.

GRIT is best equipped for Intermediate to advanced exercisers. If you're new to fitness, start with gentler classes like BodyAttack or BodyStep Athletic and work your way up. GRIT pushes your body to the absolute limit, and jumping in too soon can lead to injury or burnout. GRIT makes every other cardio class feel easier. It's the most intense program in the Les Mills line-up and one of the most effective HIIT workouts available in a group fitness setting. Although CrossFit operates in a category of its own, which I'll cover separately.

Overall take on Les Mills: These programs are accessible, well-structured, and great for beginners. They provide a solid foundation and introduce you to different types of exercise. But as you get fitter, you'll outgrow most of them. GRIT is the exception as it remains challenging and effective regardless of your fitness level.

Note: Les Mills has introduced many new formats since I experimented with these classes, but I can only speak to what I've personally tried. The good news? Most of these workouts are now available on Les Mills+ (their on-demand platform), though you'll miss out on the energy and accountability that comes with a live group setting.

Barry's: Treadmill HIIT Meets Resistance Training 

Barry's is a boutique fitness franchise offering 60-minute classes that combine treadmill intervals with resistance training. The studio is dimly lit, music is loud, and the vibe is high-energy. There's a fuel bar for post-workout shakes and luxury toiletries in the changing rooms—style is part of the package.

The class splits participants into two groups: "treaders" on treadmills and "floor" participants doing resistance work. You alternate between cardio and strength in 15-minute blocks, switching four times throughout the hour.

The Cardio (Treadmill) Portion

The treadmill work is fartlek-style training—varied speeds, inclines, and durations that keep you on your toes. Sprints at high speeds are intense and effective. The most challenging element is "deadmill sprints," where you turn off the treadmill and use your own legs to move the belt. It's gruelling and taxes the legs significantly.

The verdict on cardio: Challenging and effective, especially if you're a runner or enjoy treadmill work. If you hate running, this will feel like torture.

The Resistance Training Portion

The floor work involves bodyweight and free weight exercises that vary by class. Barry's offers full-body, upper-body, and lower-body focused sessions.

The verdict on resistance: This is the weaker part of the program. With large class sizes, instructors can't provide individual attention or correct form. The exercises aren't particularly difficult, and if you lift regularly, you'll spend most of your time running to the weight rack to increase the load. Group resistance training rarely matches the effectiveness of dedicated strength work on the gym floor.

Overall take on Barry's: It's a solid workout, especially for the cardio portion. But there are caveats:

• If you regularly lift weights, the resistance training will feel underwhelming.

• If you have knee issues, the intense treadmill work could aggravate them.

  
  

Barry's is best for those who enjoy running, want high-intensity cardio, and are new to resistance training. For experienced lifters, it's more of an occasional treat than a regular staple.

The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Group Fitness Program

Not all group fitness programs are created equal. Some deliver on their promises; others are overhyped.

Use group fitness strategically. It's a great entry point, a source of community, and a way to add variety. But if your goals include building serious strength or muscle, you'll need to supplement with dedicated resistance training on the gym floor.

The best program is the one that challenges you, aligns with your goals, and keeps you showing up. Try different options, assess honestly, and don't be afraid to move on when something stops working.

#GroupFitness #F45Training #LesMills #BarrysBootcamp #FitnessReview

*This post originally appeared on Pushingforty.co.uk in 2017 and has been updated with

new insights for 2026.