Nov. 5, 2025

This piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

Work out how you want, when you want and in ways you likely had no idea existed when you connect with the growing number of fitness classes offered at GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.

With unlimited access to fitness centers across Sioux Falls and beyond, GreatLIFE members can tap into a broad schedule of more than 160 fitness classes every week. Almost all are included with your membership.

“There are opportunities for all ages and life stages, and the best part is that group fitness classes often bring them together,” vice president of fitness Randall Hill said.

“There are so many benefits. Mental health is actually the No. 1 reason people now join a gym, and 40 percent of all our members have told us that’s a reason they’re here. Group fitness is among the best ways to connect and build community.”

There’s also literally a class for everyone — from cardio, step, circuit, boot camp and group cycling to yoga, hot yoga, Pilates, barre and kickboxing. There also are signature GreatLIFE classes and a full lineup of aqua and dance-based workouts.

“One of my favorite things is the diversity we see in our classes. I’ve had moments where three generations — a grandmother, mother and daughter — were working out together,” said Gail Flaa, group fitness team lead.

“It’s powerful and reminds me that movement truly is for every age, every body and every stage of life. And with so many formats, times and locations, it’s easy for members to find something that fits their goals, schedule and personality.”

Wondering where to begin or looking for ways to connect? Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll discover:

Ready to take on your first class?

There’s no need to be intimidated if you’ve never taken a group fitness class.

Some great options for beginners include Gentle Yoga, All-Levels Yoga, Pilates Mat and Functional Body Movement.

“Those are really great for first-timers,” Flaa said. “They will focus on mobility, flexibility and balance in a friendly, supportive environment.”

That said, “we have about 80 instructors, and they teach to all levels, so you can feel comfortable anywhere,” she added.

Looking to reduce stress?

It’s an especially busy time of year, but making space for fitness can reduce your stress.

Some especially helpful classes for that include “any of our hot yoga classes, which are available for a small additional charge, as well as tai chi,” Flaa said. “Those are great classes to help members reduce stress and promote mental well-being through movement, music and mindfulness.”

She also suggests Sol Fusion, which is similar to Payo as a blend of Pilates and yoga, also incorporating weights, and kickboxing — a productive outlet for relieving stress.

“The biggest thing is that no matter which class you choose, you’re going to start building a sense of connection,” Flaa said. “That alone helps your mental health and is why members often say their class or classes are the best hour of their week.”

Connect with fellow seniors

Several GreatLIFE classes are designed for older adults. Flaa suggests checking out the Senior Fitness class, as well as Growing Stronger and Strength & Balance.

“These classes improve stability, coordination and overall strength in a supportive and social setting,” she said.

“I instruct Senior Fitness at Woodlake and teach to all levels. You know how your body feels, and you’re not going to hurt my feelings if you tone it down or take it up a notch. I tell people in all my classes I want you working out the next 30 years — not the next 30 minutes until you are injured.”

Senior Fitness and related classes are offered at several GreatLIFE locations, so there’s likely one close to where you live.

Work out to your own beat

You’ll definitely be motivated to get moving at Drum Core class — a fun, music-driven workout that combines drumming rhythms with core strengthening.

Find it at GreatLIFE Avera Fitness Center.

“Our instructor started by teaching Pound, which is a class where they use drumsticks and a mat and you’re pounding the floor and back up again, and it’s a lot of squatting, and up and down,” Flaa said.

“From there, she created Drum Core using a large stability ball set up for drumming, so you don’t lean over as far to pound on the floor, and they do cardio with it. So there’s a focus on the core, but you also get cardio, and we find people can’t wait to go to that class and say the time goes by so fast.”

Need to feel uplifted — or even spiritual?

Here’s a hidden fitness class gem: Aqua Praise, a Wednesday night class in the pool at Woodlake Athletic Club where members move to uplifting praise music.

“It’s joyful, inspiring and especially meaningful since it falls on a traditional church night,” Flaa said. “We just started this class, and I’ve wanted to do things like that, and we got the OK to do it, and they’re just loving it.”

Cycle studios

GreatLIFE cycling classes also recently expanded with a praise-themed class, plus there are several other options if you enjoy making cycling part of your workout.

Within GreatLIFE, there are two cycling studios: one at Avera and one at Woodlake.

“Most of our cyclers are the type out doing RAGBRAI, they’re the road bikers and trail riders, so these workouts involve hills, sprints and long roads, but we do have some instructors who include rhythmic riding in their classes as well,” Flaa said.

GreatLIFE also recently brought RPM monitors to the bikes at Woodlake, “so we’re excited for that upgrade,” she added.

Signature classes

Some classes you’ll find only at GreatLIFE — like signature classes from Les Mills, including Body Pump and Strength Development.

“We are licensed to offer these classes, and as far as I know, there’s nowhere else in town you can attend them,” Flaa said.

“There’s something about Les Mills routines and their music that’s absolutely phenomenal, so if you’ve not tried a class yet, these are great ones to explore.”

Pilates, barre — and child care

Some of GreatLIFE’s most popular classes involve Pilates and barre workouts at multiple locations, offering options for a variety of schedules.

“Our instructors are so talented and have so much passion and dedication,” Flaa said.

“If you’re looking for this type of fitness, you can have an amazing experience as a GreatLIFE member and access all the other benefits available to GreatLIFE members, including child care at our Performance Center. We see a lot of young moms who appreciate that.”

Water fitness

Aqua aerobics classes are a great way to fit in a workout and make new friends. They’re offered at Avera, Woodlake and downtown at EmBe as a GreatLIFE satellite option.

“Some of our classes are in all shallow water or all deep water,” Flaa said. “And you don’t have to be a swimmer because they have aqua belts, and our instructors will make sure you’re comfortable.”

Work out as a family

Depending on the class, kids can come with parents starting at age 10.

“I’ve seen kids really enjoy Zumba because of the dancing involved, and even step aerobics would be a fun one,” Flaa said. “It’s a great way to spend time together as a family and expose them to the benefits of being active at a young age.”

What next

Ready to take the next step in your fitness journey?

Stop in any GreatLIFE location, and if you haven’t done a GreatSTART consultation, start with that. It will help you make the most of your membership and help connect you with classes that might be right for you.

Prefer to browse online? You’ll find all classes here and on the GreatLIFE app.

“I always tell my classes they don’t have to be there — they get to be there,” Flaa said. “The hardest part is already done when they show up. We focus on progress over perfection, and the energy, encouragement and joy that fill those rooms are what make group fitness so transformational.”