Top 10 Group Workouts to Try: From Bootcamp to Barre

Group workouts have revolutionised the way we exercise. Once the domain of gyms and fitness fanatics, group classes are now mainstream, welcoming all ages, shapes, and ability levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to move more, there’s a class to suit your style, goals, and schedule.

In this guide, we break down the Top 10 Group Workouts you can try in Australia in 2025—from high-intensity bootcamps to the elegant burn of Barre. You’ll learn the benefits, costs, difficulty levels, and tips to get started.

Top 10 Group Workouts to Try

1. Bootcamp

What it is:
Bootcamps are military-inspired fitness classes focusing on high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Expect sprints, push-ups, squats, kettlebells, and circuits. They’re often held outdoors in parks or beaches, making them a great way to get fresh air with your fitness.

• Health Benefits:
  • Builds muscular and cardiovascular endurance
  • Boosts metabolism post-workout
  • Encourages mental grit
  • Burns 400–700 calories per session
• Difficulty:
  Beginner to Advanced — Workouts can be tailored, but it’s fast-paced
• Cost in Australia:
  $10–$25 per session. Some councils offer free or subsidised community bootcamps.
• Popular Aussie Trend:
  Sunrise beach bootcamps in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast are a crowd favourite!

2. Aqua Aerobics

What it is:
Water-based group fitness where movements are performed in a pool with water resistance. Exercises may include aqua jogging, jumping jacks, leg lifts, and noodle or dumbbell work.

• Health Benefits:
  • Joint-friendly, zero-impact
  • Builds strength through resistance
  • Increases circulation and mobility
  • Helps manage chronic pain
• Difficulty:
  Ultra-Beginner Friendly — Especially suitable for seniors or injury recovery
• Cost in Australia:
  $5–$15; included in public aquatic centres or covered by some health programs
• Top Aussie Locations:
  Themed classes in heated pools at aquatic centres like North Sydney Olympic Pool and Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre are extremely popular.

3. CrossFit

What it is:
CrossFit is a competitive-style strength and conditioning program. Each class (WOD = Workout of the Day) includes weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, rowing, running, and gymnastics-style movements.

• Health Benefits:
  • Builds lean muscle and strength
  • Increases aerobic and anaerobic fitness
  • Promotes bone density
  • Highly functional for daily movement
• Difficulty:
  Intermediate to Advanced — Beginners welcome with “scaled” versions
• Cost in Australia:
  $50–$70 per week; many CrossFit boxes offer 3 classes/week or unlimited options.
• What You Need:
  Flat trainers or CrossFit shoes, and chalk for heavy lifts.

4. Spin (Indoor Cycling)

What it is:
A rhythmic, high-energy workout on a stationary bike. Set to curated music, classes involve resistance climbs, sprints, and sometimes upper-body moves with light weights.

• Health Benefits:
  • Great for cardiovascular fitness
  • Builds leg and core strength
  • Low impact on joints
  • Mental health boost from music and endorphins
• Difficulty:
  All Levels — You control resistance and intensity
• Cost in Australia:
  $20–$30 per class. Gyms like Fitness First or Anytime Fitness may include it in membership.
• Hot Spot:
  Studios like Scenic Cycle (Sydney) offer virtual scenic rides—pedal through Tuscany or Tokyo!
• Calories Burned:
  400–800 depending on effort

5. F45 Training

What it is:
Australian-founded F45 offers 45-minute functional HIIT classes that rotate daily. No two workouts are the same. The program blends strength, cardio, agility, and circuit training with group motivation.

• Health Benefits:
  • Rapid fat loss
  • Total body conditioning
  • Boosts metabolism
  • Mental focus and teamwork
• Difficulty:
  Moderate to Advanced — Great for intermediates, scalable for beginners
• Cost in Australia:
  $55–$75 per week for unlimited classes
• Why Aussies Love It:
  The “no thinking” format—you’re guided through screens and trainers support each station.

6. Zumba

What it is:
A fun, Latin-inspired dance cardio workout combining salsa, reggaeton, and merengue moves. Set to lively music, it feels more like a party than exercise.

• Health Benefits:
  • Improves coordination and agility
  • Elevates mood and energy
  • Supports cardiovascular health
  • Burns 500–800 calories per class
• Difficulty:
  Super Beginner-Friendly — Just keep moving!
• Cost in Australia:
  $10–$20; often included in community programs or gyms.
• Cultural Bonus:
  Zumba classes in multicultural areas like Melbourne’s west often include Afrobeat and Bollywood-style tracks.
• What to Expect:
  No choreography skills needed. Instructors demonstrate every move.

7. Yoga

What it is:
A holistic mind-body practice. There are many types—Hatha is slow and steady; Vinyasa is flowing and strength-based; Yin is deep stretching; Ashtanga is structured and advanced.

• Health Benefits:
  • Stress relief and emotional balance
  • Strengthens muscles and joints
  • Enhances breathing and lung capacity
  • Promotes better sleep
• Difficulty:
  All Levels — Choose a class style to suit your pace
• Cost in Australia:
  $20–$30 drop-in; many studios offer intro passes or $100/month deals
• Why It’s Growing:
  Australia’s wellness boom has driven a surge in yoga retreats, beach yoga, and even dog yoga (“doga”).

8. Boxing Fitness

What it is:
A non-contact, full-body workout using boxing combinations on pads, bags, or air punches. Often paired with cardio drills like skipping, burpees, or sprints.

• Health Benefits:
  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Builds upper-body and core strength
  • Excellent for coordination and reflexes
  • Powerful stress release
• Difficulty:
  All Levels — Just learn basic combos: jab, cross, hook, uppercut
• Cost in Australia:
  $15–$30 per class; memberships are around $50–$65/week for unlimited sessions
• What to Bring:
  Gloves, wraps, and a towel. Most gyms have loan gloves but owning your own is more hygienic.
• Extra Motivation:
  Hitting something (safely) is deeply satisfying!

9. Pilates (Mat & Reformer)

What it is:
Pilates focuses on slow, controlled movements targeting the core, posture, and spinal alignment. Reformer Pilates uses a spring-loaded bed for resistance training, while mat Pilates is bodyweight-based.

• Health Benefits:
  • Strengthens pelvic floor
  • Prevents back pain
  • Tones abs, legs, and glutes
  • Enhances posture and body awareness
• Difficulty:
  Beginner to Advanced — Mat is more accessible; Reformer needs some orientation
• Cost in Australia:
  Mat: $15–$30; Reformer: $25–$50. Packages offer value.
• Popular Studios:
  KX Pilates and Studio Pilates have studios in most major cities.
• Who It’s For:
  Desk workers, dancers, postpartum mums, rehab patients, and athletes alike.

10. Barre

What it is:
Barre combines elements of classical ballet, Pilates, and strength training using bodyweight and small props (light weights, balls, resistance bands). Movements are tiny but intense, with an emphasis on form, posture, and flexibility.

• Health Benefits:
  • Core and glute toning
  • Enhances posture
  • Improves balance and flexibility
  • Great for joint health
• Difficulty:
  Beginner-Friendly — Low-impact but challenging with repetition
• Cost in Australia:
  $20–$35 per class; unlimited passes range from $40–$80/week.
• Why It’s Popular:
  It’s a favourite among dancers, office workers, and postpartum mothers looking for a non-impact, full-body burn.
• Gear to Bring:
  Grippy socks and a water bottle. Some studios provide mats and props.

Comparison Table: Which Group Workout Is Right for You?

Tips for Success in Group Fitness

• Start Slow: Try beginner classes or slower formats first
  
• Ask Questions: Instructors are there to help—don’t be shy!
  
• Stay Consistent: Results come from showing up regularly, not going all-out once a week
  
• Cross-Train: Mix yoga with strength, or cardio with Pilates to stay balanced
  
• Track Your Progress: Fitness apps or journals can help motivate you
  
• Bring a Friend: Having a workout buddy increases adherence by up to 76%

Safety Considerations Before You Start

Before diving into any new group workout program, it’s essential to prioritise your safety to prevent injury and ensure long-term progress. Whether you’re just beginning or returning after a break, here are key safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Get Medical Clearance

If you have any chronic health issues (heart conditions, joint problems, asthma, diabetes) or you’re over 45 and new to vigorous exercise, consult a GP or physiotherapist before starting. This is especially important for high-intensity formats like Bootcamp or CrossFit.

2. Choose the Right Intensity

Be honest about your current fitness level. Many classes offer modifications—take them! Don’t jump into advanced Barre poses or heavy CrossFit lifts without mastering the basics first.

3. Warm Up & Cool Down

A proper warm-up prepares your body and reduces injury risk, while a cool-down helps manage lactic acid and muscle soreness. Even if the class skips it, take a few minutes to stretch and mobilise on your own.

4. Hydrate and Fuel Properly

Dehydration or low blood sugar can lead to dizziness or fatigue mid-class. Eat a light snack 1–2 hours before and bring a water bottle—especially for sweaty classes like Spin or F45.

5. Listen to Your Body

Sharp pain, light-headedness, or nausea are red flags. Never push through serious discomfort. There’s a difference between muscle fatigue and injury risk—learn to tell them apart.

6. Use Proper Gear

Wear the right shoes (supportive runners, boxing wraps, grip socks) and bring a towel. If you’re unsure, ask the instructor beforehand.

Final Word: Find Your Tribe, Find Your Flow

Group workouts are more than just fitness—they’re about community, motivation, and having fun while getting healthier. In Australia’s thriving fitness culture, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether it’s the burn of Barre, the fire of CrossFit, or the zen of yoga, there’s a class waiting to empower you.

So lace up, show up, and try something new. You might just discover your next fitness obsession—and a few new friends along the way.

Please Note: The information provided in this article are the opinions and professional experience of the author and not all activities are recommended for the beginner or participants with underlying health conditions. Before following any advice or starting any fitness, health and wellbeing journey please consult with an Allied Health Professional and / or General Practitioner.

• Bio

Steve Irwin

Steve has spent the last 20 years in the Australian Fitness Industry as a Group Fitness Instructor, 1-1 Coach, State Manager, Business Owner and is currently an Educator for the Australian Institute of Fitness. A lifelong fitness enthusiast he started his working life in the Military which guided him into the fitness industry where his passion for helping others on their health and fitness journey has been realised. Steve believes that for anyone thinking about getting fit or healthy they should “just get started” as “doing something is better than doing nothing”.