More Than the Workout: How Group Fitness Builds Confidence and Community
Fitness That Sticks
“It’s not always so much about the physicality of working out, it’s about our mental health as well. It’s about going to a place where we feel like we can make mistakes, where our bodies don’t need to be perfect, where we go and we have our gym friends.” – Lois Miller, FFC Director of Group Fitness
There’s a powerful shift that happens when you stop working out alone and start showing up together. Group fitness isn’t just about exercise, it’s about connection, confidence, and community. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, building strength, or just trying to clear your head, being surrounded by like-minded people who share a common goal makes all the difference.
Lois sees it every day: people walk in with different goals, but they leave with something more. “We make you feel better when you leave than when you came in,” she says. “And that to me is a job well done.”
It’s that emotional shift, not just the physical effort, that makes group fitness so impactful.
Lois Miller, FFC Director of Group Fitness, Instructing FFC’s “WTF!” Class
Inside the Studio: How FFC Group Fitness Instructors Build Community
Becca Russo, FFC’s 2024 Instructor of the Year, began her fitness journey teaching Zumba in Cleveland and has been leading group classes in Chicago since 2012. Now an exclusive, full-time instructor at FFC, she teaches a variety of classes, including cardio, spin, strength training, aqua aerobics and Pilates. Becca brings a positive, welcoming energy to every class she leads.
“By far my favorite part is the community building. It really is more of a social emotional experience teaching a fitness class than it is anything else,” Becca says. “It’s about reading the room, figuring out the dynamics between myself and the students, and celebrating life’s moments with people.”
Becca builds community with intention, starting with something as simple as learning names and taking song requests. “Getting to class early and staying late, that’s where the magic happens,” she says. Her classes are uplifting and inclusive spaces where connection takes center stage. That sense of belonging is also shown through her social media, where Becca keeps the energy going and the community connected.
Something special about Becca’s style is that she uses her classes to spice up the ordinaries in life. Whether it’s celebrating city anniversaries, turning holidays into themed workouts or creating fun challenges like her Saturday “Tribecca” series- where participants who complete all three back-to-back classes earn a custom button and a social media shoutout- Becca finds creative ways to keep people excited, engaged and coming back for more.
Becca Russo, FFC Exclusive Group Fitness Instructor, Teaching
Why FFC Group Fitness Keeps You Coming Back
Lois has been in the fitness industry for over 40 years, and since 2013, she’s served as the Director of Group Fitness at FFC. Her passion goes far beyond workouts. It’s about creating experiences that are welcoming, energizing and deeply human.
The variety of class formats and the creativity of the instructors helps keep group fitness new and exciting. Whether it’s cardio, strength training or hybrid classes that mix different styles, there’s something to fit every goal and preference.
“One of the best things we can do for our bodies is to cross-train, not just formats, but instructors. Go to our different clubs, experience different instructors and realize that there’s not just two or three hot instructors. We have 200 incredible ones, and I want you to experience them all.”
She believes that the emotional and social aspects of group fitness are just as important as the workouts themselves. It’s a space where people feel supported, seen, and safe to be themselves, especially when starting out.
“All it takes is just that one class for them to feel like they went from new to now being seasoned where they can walk into any class. And I always tell members, it may feel new to you for the first time, but you’re not alone.”
At FFC, that sense of belonging is intentional. From creative programming, inclusive training and standout signature formats, every element is built to help members stay consistent and excited to return.
FFC Spin Group Fitness Class on the FFC Gold Coast Rooftop
Science Backed Benefits: Why Group Fitness Works
Research shows group fitness isn’t just more fun, it helps people stick with their workouts and see better results. Here’s why:
- Accountability: Knowing others expect you to show up keeps you consistent.
- Peer Motivation: Seeing and cheering on others pushes you to work harder.
- Expert Guidance: Instructors provide structure, support, and safe progressions.
- Positive Pressure: Friendly competition encourages you to challenge yourself.
- Mental Boost: The social connection reduces stress and improves mood.
Group fitness brings together variety, connection and fun, which is what helps people stick with it as a routine and keep making progress.
FFC Themed Group Fitness Class
What’s Hot Right Now at FFC
- Formula 94: This cardio based, calorie-torching format is performed barefoot, however shoes are optional, in a 94 degree studio with 40% humidity. The use of light to moderate hand weights will help you incinerate body fat as you define your body from head to toe.
- WTF! (Work Till Failure): This full body, strength training workout tackles every major muscle group with the use of heavy weights for eight exercises. Each exercise is performed for 45 seconds with your heaviest weight selection then immediately dropped to slightly lighter weight for the last 45 seconds. Following this 90 second set is a 30 second rest. Once all eight exercises are completed, the circuit will run for one more round.
- RockSTAR Ride: This high energy ‘party on the bike’ workout will get you moving to the beats of your favorite recording artists and (almost) anything goes! RockStar RIDE is a safe and effective calorie burning workout where you will experience jumps, tap backs and fun choreography.
Alex Castillo, FFC Group Fitness Manager, Taking Lois Miller’s Class
Join the Community… Your First Group Fitness Class Awaits!
Curious about group fitness? Getting started is simple! Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro, there’s a class that’ll fit you.
How to Get Started:
- Browse the full group fitness schedule by location here.
- Choose the class that fits your style and goals
- Register online through the FFC+ app!
- Not an FFC Member? Schedule a tour today, and try a complimentary Group Fitness Class!
- New to group fitness? Let your instructor know! They’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident from day one!
Take that first step and discover why so many people keep coming back. Your best workout and new fitness friends are just a class away.
