Nearly 40% Of People Love This Type Of Group Fitness Class

We all know the benefits of working out, but sometimes it can be hard to find the motivation. Whether you're feeling burnout from your old fitness routine or you simply don't know where to begin, finding the right workout can be intimidating, especially with the ever-changing fitness trends you see as you scroll through social media. If you need a new workout routine, but weight lifting and jogging simply don't appeal to you, let us introduce you to the wonderful world of fitness classes. According to Human Kinetics, fitness classes have been around since the 1970s, and have only grown more popular over time, allowing you to work out in a group environment while an expert instructor coaches you through your entire workout.

But with all the popular fitness classes to choose from these days, which class really has the fullest signup sheets? A survey conducted by The List asked 573 people, "Which is your favorite type of group fitness class?" We weren't surprised to see that one beloved class was the top choice with nearly 40% of the vote.

Unlike your memories of high school gym classes, fitness classes strive to be inclusive and informative for people of all body types and skill levels. But which class do people prefer to attend? According to The List's survey, the most popular fitness class is yoga. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that yoga classes promote physical and mental health, with a focus on healing, balance, and strength through various poses and stretches. Yoga classes are also super accessible, with over 7,000 studios registered in the United States, according to The Good Body. Many gyms also offer yoga classes led by seasoned instructors, for those with a gym pass looking to shake up their daily workout rituals.

In second place, with nearly 30% of the vote were cycling classes — a popular option for people looking for an intense cardio workout. Peloton workout bikes and classes have become a popular option for those who love fitness classes but prefer the comfort of their own home. In third place was pilates with 15.36% of the vote, followed by High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with 8.20%, and Barre classes in last place with 7.33% of the vote.

Yoga's origins can be traced back nearly 5,000 years. According to Yoga Basics, civilizations in Northern India created techniques now recognized as yoga and recorded their mantras in sacred texts for Vedic priests to read and practice. Over the years, yoga has been shared and appreciated worldwide, transforming into "a spiritual discipline . . . which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body." (via MEA). In addition to the many mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits, yoga also promotes healthy living and is a great form of physical exercise. Per Healthline, some of the major health benefits include flexibility, increased strength, heart and bone health, and better sleep. Practicing yoga also helps reduce inflammation, stress, and anxiety.

Whether you're practically a beginner or a seasoned pro, yoga can be practiced and enjoyed by anyone. Attending yoga classes is a great way to begin your journey, and there are always opportunities to advance once you get the hang of it. Find an instructor that makes you feel comfortable and remember that everyone in the class is there for their own health, not to judge you. But if the thought of rolling up to your local yoga studio is still a bit intimidating, there are some great yoga classes available online for you to practice in the comfort of your own home, as you work up the confidence to attend your first in-person class.