Interval and To-the-Beat Fitness Classes: Why You Need Both

If we had to classify our non-spin or indoor cycling classes into two major categories it would be interval and to-the-beat fitness classes.

Most often people tend to prefer one or the other when it comes to their workout. Though we are huge proponents of the idea that the best workout is the kind that you enjoy doing, we are also big believers in mixing it up.

So, if you’re someone who strictly takes to-the-beat fitness classes OR if you’re someone who thinks those types of classes are only for someone super coordinated, then we’re going to encourage you to expand your horizon.

Interval and To-the-Beat Fitness Classes: What Are They

First, let’s talk about what makes a fitness class interval-based or to-the-beat.

It’s right there in the title.

The "To-The-Beat Classes” are any classes where your movement is matching the music. Our cardio, barre, sculpt, and method classes are all to the beat. Though we’re not necessarily talking about spin or indoor cycling here, you’ll find spin classes where you will be encouraged to match your pedal stroke to the beat of the music.

Interval-based classes don’t follow the music. It’s more background noise. Instead, your instructor will give you movements and you’ll need to complete them in a certain amount of time or repetitions. Any time you see the word “bootcamp” in the title of a class, you can expect an interval class. Our Tabata classes, Lift or HIIT classes are also interval-based.

Interval and To-The-Beat Fitness Classes: Why You Need Both

Let’s start with To-The-Beat Fitness Classes. First, they are a lot of fun! There’s nothing like getting lost in the music when you’re taking a Barre or Cardio Class or Kickboxing Class. It becomes like a dance and it can take your mind off the fact that you are working out.

They are very motivating! When you need to get that last repetition in, it’s easier to do it with a really good beat to push you through. Those beat drops will help you push yourself to go faster and longer.

Moving to a beat helps your body be more efficient with energy. When you are moving to the beat, you get in a rhythm and it helps push you further (5 Benefits of Listening to Music While Exercising).

Finally, it challenges your mind. We will often get people say that they aren’t “coordinated enough” to participate in the to-the-beat fitness classes. Yet, how will you ever improve if you don’t work at it? When you work your body and your mind at the same time, it can help improve both, which is so good for you as you age.

Always love the music and of course the instructor’s energy!!! Motivating in every way!!!

-Chesla

What about interval-based classes? Interval-based classes are a great way to build your strength and endurance while working at your own pace no matter what the format.

Interval-based classes like our bootcamp class and tabata class put you, the participant, in charge. The instructor will give you exercises and a specific amount of time, but you get to decide how fast or slow you want to take them.

Interval-based classes are great for a range of levels because you can easily modify movements that work for you. They are great for someone just starting out because you can take them at a slower pace.

In addition, you can easily see your progress. If you’ve been taking our tabata class, for example, then you can see how many repetitions of an exercise you can get in 20 seconds and then try to improve on that amount the more often you take the class.

Seriously amazing! Great energy and a very encouraging instructor. Thank you for a great workout.

-Quintessa

Overall, BOTH to-the-beat fitness classes like barre, sculpt and method and interval based classes like bootcamp and tabata have incredible benefits for your health. Whether you like one or the other, as long as you are moving and taking time for you that’s really the most important factor.

If you would like to take your workout to the next level, then we would encourage you to mix it up and try both!

Ready to mix it up and can’t decide which class to take? Why not take an entire week?! Join us for a free week on us.