GROUP FITNESS CLASSES: ONLINE VS. OFFLINE – A REAL TAKE FROM A 44-YEAR-OLD MUM AND FITNESS INSTRUCTOR

Hey there! As a 44-year-old mum and a group fitness instructor, I want to discuss how the online vs offline group fitness classes differ. I’ve also got two kids: a 10-year-old son who keeps me on my toes and a 4-year-old daughter who adds her own brand of chaos. Balancing my own fitness, my job, and my kids’ energy isn’t always easy—especially with the cost-of-living hikes we’ve all felt over the last year or two. So, I’m here to give you the scoop on the pros and cons of online vs. in-person group fitness, with a bit of perspective on how budgeting has influenced our options too.

The Online Fitness Boom: Working Out from Home

When the pandemic hit, online classes weren’t just a novelty—they became the way to keep moving, mentally and physically. Living rooms turned into makeshift studios, and suddenly, the whole world of fitness went digital. Now, as costs keep going up, many people are sticking with online classes because, let’s be honest, they can be a major money-saver. Here are some of the highs and lows.

Pros of Online Group Fitness Classes

1. Budget-Friendly

• With the cost of living on the rise, online fitness has become a more affordable option. Many platforms offer pay-per-class or monthly subscriptions that give you access to dozens of classes for the cost of one or two in-person sessions. This is a win for families trying to keep expenses in check while staying active.

2. Time-Saving

• Between school runs, work, and juggling all the “mum duties,” online classes save precious time. No need to get in the car, find parking, or pack a bag. Just open your laptop or TV and hit play, even if it’s in between making lunches or helping with homework. The flexibility is golden.

3. Workout Without the Crowd

• For some, the comfort of working out from home is a huge plus. No one sees you if you’re offbeat, taking an extra breather, or if you’ve gone full-on mum-mode with a messy bun and yesterday’s leggings.

4. Diverse Options

• Online fitness opened a world of choices—dance classes, yoga, HIIT, Pilates, you name it. You can literally find an instructor halfway across the world teaching a style you love, and you don’t have to leave your living room.

Cons of Online Group Fitness Classes

1. Distractions Galore

• Let’s face it—home is full of distractions. Kids need help, the dog barks, or that laundry you meant to fold is staring at you. It’s all too easy to pause a video and then never get back to it.

2. Loneliness Factor

• Online fitness lacks the social interaction you get in a class. There’s no friendly high-five or post-class chat. For those of us who thrive on community, this can feel isolating.

3. Motivation Dips

• At home, it’s easy to hit snooze or say, “I’ll do it later.” Being in a group can push you to give that extra effort, but online classes rely entirely on self-motivation, which can be tricky on a busy day.

4. Tech Troubles

• Whether it’s a Wi-Fi glitch or fumbling with camera angles, technology can add its own set of hurdles. There’s nothing worse than being in the zone, only for your internet to buffer.

The Comeback of In-Person Classes: Getting Back to the Studio

Once we could head back to gyms and studios, many of us practically ran to get back to in-person classes. That rush of energy you get from being in a group is hard to replicate online. However, the cost-of-living squeeze is hitting hard, and in-person classes tend to come with a higher price tag. Here’s the rundown.

Pros of In-Person Group Fitness Classes

1. The Power of Community

• Working out in a room full of people adds a unique energy boost. The collective effort, the occasional bit of friendly competition—it’s motivating in a way that’s hard to replicate online. Plus, socialising over coffee post-workout doesn’t hurt either!

2. Instructor Guidance

• In-person classes let instructors adjust your form and give real-time feedback, which is invaluable for making sure you’re doing the moves correctly. Avoiding injury and maximising results? Yes, please.

3. Accountability Boost

• When you’ve got friends waiting to see you at class, it’s harder to skip. That accountability is huge, and as a fitness instructor, I see the difference in commitment when people attend in-person. The energy feeds off each other, and everyone works a little harder.

4. Proper Equipment and Space

• At the studio, you’re not bumping into the couch or using cans of beans as weights. Everything you need is right there, from specialised equipment to spacious areas to move freely.

Cons of In-Person Group Fitness Classes

1. Higher Costs

• With the cost-of-living issues, in-person classes can feel like a splurge. Between membership fees, fuel, and possibly childcare, attending multiple classes a week might not be feasible for everyone’s budget these days.

2. Limited Schedule

• Studios have fixed schedules, and if the class you want falls right in the middle of the school run or conflicts with your kids’ activities, it’s hard to make it work. Life with kids rarely sticks to a timetable.

3. Commute Time

• Unlike at-home workouts, in-person classes require getting there, finding parking, and then heading home—all of which eats into your day. For parents, that extra hour can be a deal-breaker.

4. Self-Conscious Moments

• While group energy is great, some people feel more comfortable in their own space. The gym mirrors, the idea of people watching, and being new to a class can make anyone feel a bit self-conscious.

Balancing Budget and Fitness Goals

Since the cost of living has gone up, finding ways to stay active without breaking the bank is more important than ever. Here are a few ways to strike a balance:

• Hybrid Approach

• Mix and match! Go for an in-person class once or twice a week, then fill in the gaps with online workouts. This way, you get the best of both worlds—the motivation and social element of in-person, plus the cost and time savings of working out at home.

• Subscription Services

• Online fitness subscriptions can be much cheaper than in-person classes, especially with family budgets in mind. Look for options that give you access to a wide range of class styles, so you don’t get bored.

• At-Home Gym Basics

• Investing in some budget-friendly home equipment like resistance bands or small weights can help enhance online classes and make them feel more effective.

• Family Fitness Time

• For mums like me with little ones around, some classes are fun for the whole family! Turn it into quality time—find a kid-friendly workout that lets everyone get moving.

My Own Routine: Balancing Both Worlds

For me, there’s no clear winner; it’s all about what works in the moment. When things are hectic with the kids or I’m watching the budget more closely, online fitness classes are my go-to. But when I need that boost, a proper workout away from home with friends hits the spot. Switching between online and in-person options also keeps me from getting bored and keeps fitness fresh.

So, whether you’re in your living room or at the studio, the important thing is finding what keeps you motivated and fits your family’s routine and budget. Because, in the end, the best workout is the one you enjoy and can keep doing—even with all of life’s little surprises.