What Is Group Exercise—and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

You might have heard someone mention “group exercise” lately—maybe your physio brought it up, or a friend invited you to a class that left them feeling stronger and more balanced.

But what is group exercise exactly? And why are more and more people choosing it over traditional fitness classes?

Let’s make sense of it all.

👯‍♀️ What Group Exercise Actually Means

At Southside Physiotherapy, group exercise isn’t about jumping around to loud music or trying to keep up with a fast-paced instructor. Our sessions are calm, focused, and led by physios who know how the body moves—and how it can move better.

These small-group classes combine movements inspired by Pilates with strength training, posture work, and control exercises. They’re designed to help your body function well, not just look fit. And every person gets a program that’s adjusted to suit their individual needs.

It’s movement with meaning.

💬 Why Group Exercise Is So Popular Right Now

There are a few good reasons people are swapping boot camps for something a little more thoughtful.

1. It’s about strength that supports everyday life.
We focus on the deep muscles around your core, spine, and pelvis. These are the muscles that help you sit, stand, lift, and move through your day with less effort—and less pain.

2. It’s gentle but effective.
There’s no jumping, racing, or lifting heavy weights. Movements are low impact and joint-friendly, making it a great fit if you’re dealing with stiffness, injury, or just prefer a calmer approach to fitness.

3. It’s personalised.
Everyone starts with a one-on-one assessment before joining a class. That means we tailor the exercises to match your body and goals, not just what’s written on a class schedule.

4. It’s supportive—and actually enjoyable.
Moving alongside others can be motivating without being overwhelming. You get the benefit of professional guidance and friendly faces, all in one session.

🏋️ So How’s It Different From a Regular Gym Class?

Good question—and one we hear a lot.

In a typical gym class, the instructor runs through the same routine for everyone. You might be asked to push harder or go faster, regardless of how your body’s feeling that day. There’s often little time to correct technique or adjust for pain or injury.

Group exercise at Southside is the opposite. It’s built around you.
The pace is slower, the movements are more focused, and we’re not chasing fitness for the sake of it. We’re helping you build strength where it matters, improve the way you move, and stay active without flaring things up.

It’s not about keeping up—it’s about finding what works for you.

The Takeaway

If you've ever walked away from a workout feeling sore, frustrated, or like it just didn’t suit your body—group exercise might be just what you need.

It’s safe. It’s smart. And it’s designed to help you move better, not just move more.

So if you’re curious, why not give it a try? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.