Fitness in Numbers: Shake it Up With Zumba, Spinning, Boot Camp and More

So your workouts have become rote and you want to shake things up. Maybe you've hit a plateau with your body and want to jump into something new, see what it does to your physique. Perhaps you've noticed classes at the gym and wonder if they're for you.

You've got groups on the brain and don't know where to begin. Step out of the panic room: It's easy to find the right group -- you just have to know what you're looking for.

Reason With Yourself
What's the reason you want to take group exercise classes? If it's to build muscle, you probably want a boot camp or circuit training class. But if weight loss is your goal, look for a spin class, kickboxing, Zumba or even another type of dance class. To relax or improve flexibility, there's always Pilates and yoga. There are so many different types of classes that if you don't particularly like one type of workout, switch to another one -- but you need to know what you want before you go shopping.

Be Practical
Only you know whether you will actually get up for a 6 a.m. spin class or be too tired after work for boot camp. Consider whether the class is out of your way or whether you'll want to rush to and from work on a lunch break. Don't set yourself up with obstacles -- make it easy on yourself to get to class.

Check Your Bod
Delve into your abilities and limitations to determine whether you're signing up for something you shouldn't be doing. If you have knee problems, you definitely don't want to go for something with pylometrics -- think low impact, like spin or swim. A back injury will certainly benefit from yoga or Pilates more than it will from a jarring boot camp class. If you haven't exercised in awhile or need to take off extreme weight, rock climbing and Spartan groups won't work for you at this time. Check with your doctor to learn about classes recommended for someone in your condition.

Know Thyself
There are those who want to take a class but don't necessarily want to be social; others join classes because the social aspect motivates them to both attend and work harder. If you prefer to be left alone to train, boxing classes are so active that people can't stand and talk, and the more spiritual classes tend to be quieter. Classes like step aerobics -- in fact, any dance-oriented class -- are more like a party, where people laugh and talk while sweating. Bear these things in mind when reading the class list at the gym, and ask the facility how crowded they get. It matters.

Trust Your Instructor
When picking a class, find one that looks good to you and then ask if you can observe or audit a class. It's good to know that you like the instructor's style before signing up. If you can, meet the instructor and ask about their background or qualifications. It would suck to get into the class and learn that you dislike the teacher so much you don't want to come back.

Once you find a class you like, you will probably purchase a package. And when you're done with that package, you can move on to a new one. You could end up picking up a bunch of skills you never thought you'd have -- and have a great time doing it. A stronger, harder, fitter body is a happy byproduct. And with Groupon, LivingSocial, ClassPass and many others, you can affordably try out the vast world of group exercises as soon as tomorrow.