11 Great Group Fitness Classes for Guys

Post CrossFit photo via Tony Felgueiras/Flickr

Just because a bear hibernates in winter doesn’t mean you have to. With spring on the horizon, it’s time to work on your body—and yourself. Yes, the group fitness scene is dominated with females (not a bad thing), but we found 11 great group fitness classes for men, perfect for beginners or even the most experienced gym-goer.

Below, our picks on where to work up a sweat.

1. Tabata Burn at Burn Fitness Studios

Specifically tailored to boost athletic performance and endurance, this class utilizes the principles of Tabata, which is 20 seconds of high intensity interval training (HIIT) followed by 10 seconds of rest. Every second counts in this speedy session, and the constant swapping of exercises keeps it interesting.

$25 drop-in, 547 Columbus Ave. 617-284-6088, burnfitboston.com

2. Sports Conditioning at The Training Room

Utilizing a variety of workout tools (rowing machines, bikes, treadmills) and sport-related drills, this high-impact class is the real deal. Note: It’s so intense, the gym recommends eating a “champion’s breakfast” the day of your class.

$20 drop-in, 691A Somerville Ave., Somerville 617-284-6088, thetrainingroomboston.com

3. “Bells Out” Kettlebell Training at Soul Train Fitness

Originally designed and used by the Russian military, kettlebells utilize both the muscular system and the cardiovascular system. This “Bells Out” class incorporates kettlebells into a variety of sequences for a total body workout.

$15 drop-in, 1180 Broadway, Somerville 617-764-3345, soultrainfitness.com

4. Body Pump at Commonwealth Sports Club

Body Pump introduces new ways to assimilate traditional weights into your everyday workout. Featuring a variety of techniques that use light to moderate barbells and free weights, this class gets your reps in while increasing endurance.

Membership prices vary, 1079 Commonwealth Avenue, 617-254-1711, commonwealthsportsclub.com

5. Broga at Borealis Community Yoga

Broga takes traditional yoga postures and infuses it with active fitness exercises. Think of it like yoga’s testosterone-infused cousin.

$15 drop-in, 34 Salem St., Medford 781-350-4299 borealisyoga.com

6. Taekwondo at C.W. Taekwondo

Known for its wide variety of kicks, Taekwondo is one of only three martial arts to be a part of the Olympics. At C.W. Taekwondo, you will have the opportunity to learn the Korean martial art from some of the nation’s best. Many of the club’s instructors have won both national and international competitions and some have even competed with the U.S. National Team.

$189 for three month registration, 285 Green St., Cambridge 617-876-4853, cwtkd.com

7. CrossFit at CrossFit Southie

If your biggest barrier to joining a box is the fear that you won’t be able to keep up, CrossFit Southie offers classes of varying levels, so there is something for everyone. This box says it focuses on “community over cult” by ensuring everyone gets the attention they need.

$20 drop-in, 385 Dorchester Ave. 617-269-0003, crossfitsouthie.com

8. Kickboxing at Redline Fight Sports

Combining traditional western kickboxing with the martial arts of San Shou and Muay Thai, this class utilizes every part of the body as if it were a lethal weapon.

$24 drop-in, 614 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 617-868-2275 redlinefightsports.com

9. Boot Camp at Beantown Bootcamp

With outdoor sessions held all year long, Beantown Bootcamp braves Boston’s coldest winter days for its intense workouts. This class is definitely for the bravest among us.

$25 drop-in, 90 Canal St. 617-259-6955, beantownbootcamp.com

10. Vélo Cycle at Vélo-City Studio

The very nature of indoor cycling classes makes it hard to differentiate one from the other, but at Vélo-City the bikes are more spread out than at other studios, which gives riders some personal space. Complimentary shoe rental makes the studio welcoming for all fitness levels.

$35 drop-in, 43 Fairfield St. 617-536-0919, velo-citystudio.com

11. Fighter Conditioning at Peter Welch’s Gym

Peter Welch’s Gym offers a fighter conditioning class that features exercises like jumping rope, sprints, punching a heavy bag, shadow boxing drills, partner work, and more. The class is a sweat-inducing good time, even if you’ve never stepped foot in a ring.

$25 drop-in, 371 Dorchester Ave. 617-269-4641 peterwelchsgym.com