Are Fitness Classes for Men? A Dad's Honest Guide

Lots of dads have a picture in their head of what a fitness class looks like: a room full of women in matching leggings, a lot of choreography, and one bloke at the back trying to work out which foot goes where. So when a friend or partner suggests trying a class, the answer is often “nah, that is not really for me”. If you have ever wondered “are fitness classes for men?”, this post is for you. Short answer: yes, and many of them are a better fit for busy dads than the gym you are paying for and not using.

Let me explain what classes are really like, why the old stereotype sticks, and how to tell whether a particular class will suit you.

Where the “classes are for women” idea comes from

For a long time, the most visible group classes were aerobics and dance-style sessions, and they were mostly marketed at women. Meanwhile, men were sold the weights room. The result is that a lot of men grew up thinking classes meant step routines and the gym floor meant “real” training.

Things have moved on a lot. Bootcamps, circuits, boxing fitness and functional strength classes are built on squats, carries, pushing, pulling, punching and conditioning. That is exactly the kind of training most men say they want. If you are not sure what a bootcamp involves, read my explainer: what is a bootcamp class.

Are fitness classes for men? What a good class actually involves

Here is what you might do in a typical bootcamp-style session:

• Warm-up: 5 to 10 minutes of mobility and light movement to get joints and muscles ready.
• Strength block: squats, deadlift-style hinges, presses, rows and lunges with dumbbells or kettlebells.
• Conditioning: intervals like 40 seconds of work, 20 seconds rest, with moves such as slam balls, rowing-style pulls, step-ups or pad work.
• Core and carries: planks, dead bugs, farmer’s carries.
• Cool-down: a few minutes of stretching.

No choreography. No routine to memorise. If you can follow “squat, then press, then rest”, you can follow a bootcamp.

Five worries men have about classes (and the reality)

“I will be the only man”

Possibly, sometimes. It depends on the class and the night. But honestly, once you are 5 minutes in, nobody is counting. Everyone is focused on their own set. And the people in the room are parents just like you, who also had to sort out dinner and bedtime to be there.

“It will not be hard enough”

A good class should let you work as hard as you want. In my sessions, every exercise has an easier and a harder option. Stronger people can go heavier, faster or harder. If you think it will be too easy, come and try it. I would love to see your face at the end.

“I am not fit enough”

The flip side. Plenty of men avoid classes because they are out of shape and do not want to be seen struggling. Again, the easier options are there for exactly this. Everyone starts somewhere. My guide to your first bootcamp class as a beginner walks you through what to expect.

“I do not know the etiquette”

Turn up a few minutes early, tell the coach about any injuries, wipe down your kit and do not worry about the rest. My post on fitness class etiquette covers the basics.

“I would rather train on my own”

That is fine if it is actually happening. But be honest: how many times did you go to the gym last month? For busy dads, a booked class with a set time, someone expecting you and a session planned for you often beats a solo plan that keeps getting pushed back.

Why classes can suit dads particularly well

• No planning. You turn up, the coach has done the thinking. At the end of a long day, that is a relief.
• Coaching on form. In a small group, a coach can spot your rounded back on deadlifts before it becomes a problem.
• Accountability. You have paid, you have booked, people expect you. You go.
• Efficiency. 45 minutes covers strength, conditioning and mobility. No wandering between machines.
• Community. A lot of dads say their social life shrank after kids. Classes are a low-pressure way to meet other parents locally.

How to pick a class that will suit you

• Check the format. Strength, circuits, bootcamp or boxing fitness are usually a safer first step than dance-based classes, unless you fancy that.
• Check the group size. Smaller groups mean more coaching and less hiding at the back.
• Ask about options. A good coach will happily explain how they adjust exercises for different levels.
• Look at the coach. Do they explain technique, or just shout? You want the first one.

If you are looking around North London, my round-up of dad fitness classes in London may help.

Try a class built for this

If the idea of a “fitness class” still feels a bit much, start with something with a clear purpose. The SYP Box Fit beginner boxing class is pad work, footwork and conditioning, with no sparring, and it tends to win over sceptical dads quickly. Hitting pads after a long week is very satisfying.

FAQs

Are fitness classes good for men?

Yes. Strength, circuit, bootcamp and boxing fitness classes give men coached strength and conditioning in a set time slot, which is exactly what most busy dads need.

Will I be the only man in a fitness class?

It depends on the class and the day. In small mixed classes, everyone tends to focus on their own work, and coaches are used to mixed groups of all ages and fitness levels.

Can men build muscle in group fitness classes?

Classes that include proper strength work with weights, and let you progress the load over time, can help you build strength and muscle. For more specific muscle goals, combine classes with extra strength sessions or 1-1 coaching.

What should a man wear to a fitness class?

Shorts or joggers, a T-shirt and trainers with some grip. Bring water and a small towel. Nothing fancy needed.

Book your first class

The easiest way to find out is to try one. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes for mums and dads in a church hall in Archway N19, max 10 people, every level welcome, £15 a class. Book your £15 class here or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 if you want to ask anything first. If you live nearby and would prefer 1-1 sessions, I also work as a personal trainer for Tufnell Park.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.