Today’s operators and fitness programmers continue to ride the wave of “tribal” group training. Whether they are the larger variety of group sessions, such as one of the 29 variations of classes from Les Mills International, or small group training (SGT) that’s more associated with studios and brands like Orangetheory Fitness and Basecamp (both from Purpose Brands), these instructor-led sessions continue to drive much of the growth of the global industry.

Ahmar Azam, CEO of the Pakistan-based TriFit chain and an HFA board member, named his brand partly in tribute to the concept of tribes.

“When you work out with tribal members in group classes, you have fun, get to interact with like-minded people, work out, and achieve group and individual fitness goals,” says Azam. “As a result, the brain releases chemicals closely associated with happiness and emotional well-being: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.”

As with a lot of fitness modalities, specific demographics favor group workouts, but the dedication to class dynamics endure. According to the 2025 US Health & Fitness Consumer Report: Expanded Insights, “Small group training saw broader reach, with 32.3% of members participating, up from 28.1% in 2019, though unchanged from last year.”

In addition, group training increases retention. Data from Les Mills International reveals that group exercisers are 26% less likely to cancel memberships than gym-only members. That’s a huge spike in membership stickiness.

Create tribes in your facility and reap the benefits.