First Time in a Group Fitness Class - What to expect and what to do

First Time in a Group Fitness Class
What to expect and what to do
By Gemma Rayne Hughes, BS

For all you group fitness virgins our there I’m writing to implore you, beg you and entice you to give a group class a try.

From the outside, group fitness classes can look scary and intimidating. All new and unfamiliar things can appear this way. If you have been considering trying a fitness class but have been procrastinating, this message is for you.

Why Group Fitness Classes?

Contagious energy – competitive spirit – camaraderie – Just Let Go! – Be pushed to new heights – Learn new skills – achieve greater fitness levels

·         The dynamics of a group setting are unique in many ways. In fitness there is a “we’re all in this together” energy as you sweat, burn and groan in pain together. This makes the process more fun!

·         The competitive spirit is awakened! When exercising alone you may quit when it gets a little tough. In group fitness you may push yourself a tiny bit more. This will help you reach your goals sooner.

·         A good instructor will cue you on different levels, form, safety and technique. This information is extremely important for injury prevention and results.

·         Having a specific time to be at class can help with fitting your workout into your schedule. Having that class start time cemented on your calendar leaves no leeway for rearranging workouts to the point that you just say, “forget it, I’ll work out tomorrow.”

How to Ease into Group Fitness

YOUTUBE AND DVDS – workout with videos at home first to get comfortable with the ideas, terminology and format or the class you want to take. Videos at home are great but there’s nothing like a live class!

WATCH THE CLASS – ask if you can watch the class first. Absorb everything: the instructor, the participants, see how people modify moves and exercises based on their own abilities. Chat with the instructor before or after class and let them know you would like to try the class next time.

FIRST CLASS! – get there early and introduce yourself to the instructor, let them know it is your first class and that you are a little nervous. Don’t hide in the back of the room, you will have more trouble seeing the instructor, and vice versa. Station yourself in the front, but off to the side so you can still feel out of the way, but are close enough for the instructor to keep an eye on you, your form and technique.

LET GO – everyone had a FIRST class! Give yourself permission to mess up. You will not be perfect and that is OK. Have fun and be able to laugh at yourself. Don’t let frustration creep in. Take breaks and watch it class gets too complex.

DO NOT GO ALL OUT – take it easy your first class, you do not know how your body is going to respond to this new workout, so go easy. Do low impact options, lift light weights and take breaks. Ease your body into it and be safe.

DON’T GIVE UP – Go to the same class with the same instructor for a while at first. Each instructor has his or her own style, own cueing language and own rhythm. The more exposure you have to the same instructor the better you will become at following their lead. Once you are comfortable branch out to other classes and other instructors.