Sep 25, 2026 | Which Group Fitness Class Is Right for You in Durham?

You want to try a class. Then you open the schedule and see 25 class names you don't recognize. BODYPUMP? Flowfire? HIIT the Bike?

Here's what each class is, who it's for, and how to walk into your first one without feeling lost!

Group fitness at O2 Fitness Durham - University Hill

O2 Fitness Durham is at 3103 Shannon Road, Durham, NC 27707, near University Hill. It has three studios under one roof:

• Main studio: strength, cardio, and HIIT classes
• Mind~Body studio: yoga, Pilates, and Barre
• Cycle studio: indoor cycling

Classes run from about 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and most last 30 to 60 minutes.

See this week's Durham class schedule →

Strength classes

These classes use weights, bands, and your own body weight to build muscle and strength. You don't have to plan your own workout.

• BODYPUMP: A full-body barbell workout set to music. You pick the weight, and the instructor calls every move.
• Core: 30 minutes on your abs, back, shoulders, and glutes. Easy to fit before or after work.

See all strength classes →

Cardio classes

These are for when you want to move, sweat, and not think about it. The music is loud, and the room keeps you going.

• BODYCOMBAT: Martial-arts-inspired punches and kicks. No contact and no experience needed.
• Zumba: Dance fitness that mixes easy and hard stretches. Nobody's grading your moves.
• BODYJAM: Dance-based cardio set to electronic music.
• High Fitness: An hour of nonstop cardio and toning, like modern aerobics.
• Cardio Step and Hip Hop Xtreme Step: Step aerobics. The Hip Hop version is exactly what it sounds like.

See all cardio classes →

Cycle classes

Cycle classes are held in the indoor cycling studio. They're low-impact and set to music, and everyone rides together.

• Ride: Music-driven cycling where you control how hard you go. This is the easiest cycle class to start with.
• RPM: Indoor cycling with climbs and sprints.
• HIIT the Bike: High-intensity intervals on the bike.

See all cycle classes →

Mobility and stretching classes

These help if you feel tight, sit at a desk all day, or want your other workouts to feel better.

• Stretch: 30 minutes of flexibility work.
• Gentle Yoga: Slower, low-intensity, and restorative.
• BODYBALANCE: Yoga, tai chi, and Pilates moves for flexibility and core strength.

Mind-body classes

These are for when you want to slow your breathing down along with your body. They focus on flexibility, breath, and control.

• Hatha Yoga: Breathwork, poses, and meditation at a steady pace.
• Vinyasa Flow Yoga: Poses linked to your breath, so it keeps moving.
• Power Yoga: Longer holds and more effort. Expect to sweat.
• Pilates: Core-focused strength and control.
• Define: Pilates-based mat work with props.
• Barre: Ballet-inspired small moves with lots of reps. You'll feel it the next day.
• Flowfire: Yoga-style flows mixed with strength and cardio. Good if you get bored doing one thing for an hour.

See all Mind~Body classes →

What are Les Mills classes?

You'll see a few class names in all caps on the Durham schedule. Those are Les Mills classes: set workouts built around music, taught the same way at gyms worldwide. At O2 Durham, they include:

• BODYPUMP: barbell strength
• BODYCOMBAT: martial-arts cardio
• BODYBALANCE: yoga, tai chi, and Pilates
• BODYJAM: dance cardio
• RPM: indoor cycling

If you've taken Les Mills classes somewhere else, you'll know the format here.

See all Les Mills classes →

Classes for beginners and older adults

Every class at O2 is open to all levels. Instructors show modifications, so you can make any move easier or harder.

If it's your first time, start here:

• Ride: You set the intensity.
• Gentle Yoga or Hatha Yoga: Slower pace, lots of cues.
• Zumba: Easy to follow, and nobody's watching you.
• Core or Stretch: Only 30 minutes.

For older adults, O2's senior classes focus on balance, mobility, and strength for everyday tasks:

• Senior Fit: Focused on good movement habits and avoiding injury.
• Fit For Life: A total-body workout with bands and light hand weights.

See all senior fitness classes →

Which class fits your goal?

• Get stronger: BODYPUMP or Core. The lifting is guided, and you pick the weight.
• Get your heart rate up: BODYCOMBAT, RPM, or HIIT the Bike. The work is hard and the hour goes fast.
• Have fun while you work out: Zumba, BODYJAM, or Hip Hop Xtreme Step. They feel less like a workout.
• Loosen up: Stretch, Gentle Yoga, or BODYBALANCE. Good for stiffness from sitting or training.
• De-stress: Hatha Yoga or Vinyasa Flow. The breathing and the pace are both slower.
• Build core strength: Pilates, Define, Barre, or Core. Small moves, big burn.
• Short on time: Core or Stretch. Both are 30 minutes.
• First class ever: Ride, Gentle Yoga, or Zumba. They're easy to follow and easy to adjust to your level.

What to expect at your first class

• No reservation needed. Check the schedule and show up.
• Get there 10 to 15 minutes early. Find the studio and set up before class starts.
• Tell the instructor you're new. They'll help you set up equipment, like a bike or barbell, and point out the easier version of each move.
• Grab a spot near the middle. You can see the instructor without feeling like you're on stage.
• Take breaks. Getting water or slowing down is normal, and nobody's keeping track.
• Expect 30 to 60 minutes. Check the schedule for each class's length.

What to bring

• Water bottle
• Supportive sneakers (cross-trainers for BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, and step classes)
• Comfortable clothes you can move in.
• For cycle classes: you don't need specialized cycling shoes. Our bikes work with standard sneakers.
• Got kids? Bring them and drop them off in the Kids Club before class begins!

FAQ

Are group fitness classes included in an O2 membership?

Yes. Unlimited group fitness classes are included with membership. You can also take classes at other O2 Fitness locations depending on your membership type!

Can I try a class for free?

Yes. O2 offers a free 21-day trial where you can try as many different classes as you'd like before you join!

Do I need to reserve a class at O2 Durham?

No. You don't need a reservation, but we do suggest showing up 10 minutes before class to secure your spot and set up before class begins.

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?

No. O2 provides yoga mats and blocks!

What are Les Mills classes?

Les Mills classes are set, music-based workouts taught the same way at gyms worldwide. At O2 Durham, they include BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYBALANCE, BODYJAM, and RPM.

What's the best group fitness class for beginners?

Ride, Gentle Yoga, and Zumba. All three are easy to follow and easy to scale to your fitness level. Every instructor gives modifications throughout the class to help you tailor the workout to your needs!

How long are classes at O2 Durham?

Most classes are either 30, 45, or 60 minutes long.

Is there childcare during classes?

Yes. Kids Club runs mornings and late afternoons most days. Click here to check the hours.

Where is O2 Fitness in Durham?

3103 Shannon Road, Durham, NC 27707, near University Hill. It's open Monday to Thursday from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Find your class

Pick one class from this list and show up this week. You don't need to book. If you don't like it, try a different one next week.

View the Durham class schedule →
Start your free 21-day trial →