If you're considering signing up for one of those trendy "group fitness classes" that you've heard about from a friend or seen advertised at your gym, you may not be thinking about exactly what will make these classes a plus for your personal routine.  But knowing a little about what goes into a group class can give you a better idea of what you might look for.

First, there's the issue of format.  Every group class has its own format, and when it comes to developing a good mix of physical activity, more detail is better than less.  Good instructors will fill in the blanks so that participants can see they are getting a "balanced diet" of activities.  For example, an instructor could use "cardio and strength intervals" to keep a class balanced.  For example, in a calisthenics type class, you might see cardio and strength building activities charted out as minutes are doled out to each particular category of activity, including things like running in place, side leaps, forward jumps, lunges and much more.

Lots of group classes have evolved into different categories to show what they consist of.  Aside from the regular spinning (stationary bike) versus aerobics or plyometrics (using the body as its own resistance) classes, there are 'themes' - for example, the "boot camp" class, indicating an amped-up set of exercises that are sure to get the blood pumping.

Along with the structure of the class, there's the feel of the session.  Some critical elements "make" a class, including music.  Think about what you hear 'on the floor' in a group fitness class and how it enhances (or hinders) your activity.  The music you might hear is based on several factors: compact disc versus mp3, generic rapid-tempo tunes versus a carefully chosen soundtrack from a personal music collection - and then there's the bogies of the vast music licensing and use consortiums that set the rules for what a gym can play on its premises.  All of this is taken into account when the group class instructor becomes the ad hoc disc jockey.

Yet another aspect of the group class is something educators would call "classroom management" - the instructor is "in charge", and that fact comes with its own wide range of practical realities.  It's up to the instructor to be, not just the DJ and motivator, but the "bouncer" as well (think of the Kristen Wiig character from SNL popping up in YOUR gym - and how weird and obnoxious that would be!) who takes matters into their own hands when a colorful personality threatens to derail the class.  That's right, it doesn't just happen on TV.  "Divas" and other unsavory characters walk into group class situations all the time, and dealing with them is, for instructors, a sink or swim kind of situation.

Not to put all of that pressure on the harried group course instructor, who, though they may be a proven fitness pro, may not have had experience in "management".  These are just things that newbies in a group class will and should take note of to figure out whether their classes will be a good investment of their time, and what they can expect while "in class".

Your FitnessFuture Correspondent.