Dance, Yoga Were Most Popular Exercise Classes of 2023, Data Shows
Boxing, spin and Zumba also shined in 2023, with strength training ranking surprisingly low despite the modality’s resurgence
Along with a new year, data relaying the most popular exercise classes in the United States from 2023 has arrived, with some interesting findings. While a few familiar favorites made the cut, an array of fitness newcomers joined them as well.
Rhythm and rhyme reigned supreme this past year, as dance classes were deemed most popular, averaging 668,389 monthly Google searches, according to data compiled by Set for Set, which ranked exercise classes based on their average monthly search volume. Dance was followed by yoga classes, which posted a search volume of 454,664 per month. However, the gulf in searches (213,725) between yoga and dance stood larger than any of the other two activities in the top 10.
Boxing classes took the bronze with a 263,754 monthly search volume. Spin, Zumba, Pilates, barre, kickboxing, gymnastics and tai chi rounded out the top 10, in that order. Spin, Zumba and Pilates were right behind boxing, all accumulating a search volume of at least 137,211. After that, a steep drop off occurred as none of the remaining exercise classes reached six figures.
“Exercising is beneficial for so many different reasons,” Set for Set co-founder Kiel DiGiovanni said of the list. “Whether you participate in classes to improve muscle tone, flexibility, strength, or to be more active, they are the perfect way to stay motivated. The key to great physical health is a positive mindset. Group exercise triggers the release of endorphins and can lead to stress relief and mood enhancement; they are a great place to make new friends with similar interests and are likely to lead to further attendance.”
The Most Popular Exercise Classes of 2023 (according to average monthly search volume):
- Dance (668,389)
- Yoga (454,664)
- Boxing (263,754)
- Spin (202,018)
- Zumba (143,484)
- Pilates (137,211)
- Barre (61,128)
- Kickboxing (57,615)
- Gymnastics (48,984)
- Tai Chi (27,959)
Breaking Down the Results
The least popular exercise class in the country was cross-training, which received a monthly search volume of just 199. However, the most surprising finish came from strength training. Despite the exercise modality experiencing a reported surge in popularity this past year, it ranked 22nd in terms of monthly search volume. Classes pertaining to strength training averaged just 4,486 monthly searches, falling behind CrossFit, rowing, hiking and bootcamp just to name a few.
Dance’s spot at the top of the list checks out, given the workout’s ease of access and wide range of health benefits both mentally and physically, While companies built entirely around dance like DanceBody thrived in 2023, organizations with broader offerings also dipped deeper into the activity.
Les Mills recently made virtual reality dance classes accessible to the masses after launching its XR Dance app on Meta Quest 3. LG also upped its dance offerings, agreeing to a partnership with 305 Fitness.
As for yoga classes, YogaSix helped lead the charge in its overall popularity. The boutique yoga brand topped 600 signed franchise agreements earlier this year, making expansions into New York, Los Angeles, Long Island, and Boston. CorePower Yoga has also seen much success in 2023.
For boxing classes, UBX and Rumble stand out as noteworthy contributors to the modality’s popularity. UBX expanded into new continents this past year, including locations in New York, Tokyo, Manchester, and Dublin. The brand also agreed to partner with Warner Brothers and Universal Studios during the release of box-office hit “Creed III,” featuring events and workout methods that play off the film. Rumble has assisted in breaking down the gender barrier that held back boxing classes for years.
The research cited in this article was compiled by the fitness experts at Set For Set, who gathered Google search volume for keywords such as “classes near me” and “class near me” combined with the name of each exercise.