Hints for Group Fitness Novices

I have a confession to make. I am not just an ordinary woman constantly searching for fun ways to stay fit. Nope. I’m actually considered a fitness professional—or at least I used to be. For seven very enjoyable years I was a group fitness instructor. I probably would still be instructing if only there were more hours in the day. It was a truly gratifying experience and I miss it.

This brings us to our first topic...Group Fitness—the Basics.  I have to admit that I’m pretty biased when it comes to group fitness. It’s a passion that started long before I got my certifications to teach. It goes back to taking aerobics class at about the age of 11 at the Nautilus gym in Phoenix, AZ. This was back when we worked out on carpeted floors and jumped around in leotards, tights, and, yes, leg warmers.  Poor fashion choices aside, the energy and fun of the group fitness classes has continued to be one of my favorite ways to stay in shape.  

For those of you who are new to group fitness walking into your first class can be a bit daunting.  Maybe you’ve stood outside a class at the gym thinking, “Wow, that looks like fun but there’s no way I can do that.”  My answer is—you won’t know until you try. Here are a few pieces of advice to make you feel more comfortable joining in a new class. 

Step Into the Room—This is really the first step. You have to take a deep breath and go inside. Sure, it may be intimidating and it seems like everyone else has been taking the class forever but, remember, everyone in that room had to step inside the room for the first time, too.  You’re only going to be new this one time.

 

Introduce Yourself—Most instructors get to class a little early to set up and cue up their music. Walk up and introduce yourself and let him or her know that you are new. This serves a couple purposes; it lets your instructor know to pay a little, quiet extra attention to you throughout class and the instructor can let you know up front what to expect and what equipment you may need for class. A good instructor will make you feel welcome and help ease some of your anxiety.

If the instructor is late, pick a person near you and ask a few questions. If the class involves equipment go ahead and ask what you’ll need. Most students I’ve met are more than willing to help out newbies. They are always happy to have a new member to their fitness team.

Get a Good View—It’s important to find a spot where you can see the instructor. You may not want to be up front and center but don’t hide in the back of the room where you can’t see or be seen. From a student’s point of view, you’ll want to be able to see what is going on in the front of the room. If you’re in a group weight class or yoga it’s important to see good form. If you’re taking a class that moves like Zumba or Kickboxing you just want to see what the steps are.  

From an instructor’s point of view, our job is to make sure individuals are following good form and make sure everyone is safely moving through the class. If you are hiding in the back the instructor may not be able to give you needed corrections or verbal cues that can help you out.  

 

Return to Class At Least Two More Times—I was taught as an instructor to encourage a new person to come to class at least three times before they decide it’s not for them. It’s almost a guarantee that the first time in class will be more about figuring out what is going on than working out and having fun. It may be very frustrating and you may leave feeling a little discouraged. Go back for two more tries. You’ll be more familiar with the mechanics of the class and be able to concentrate on your body and how it’s feeling. Hopefully less frustration will equal more fun.

If the Class Isn’t For You, Move On—The cool thing about group fitness is there is a variety of classes out there. If the class you picked just doesn’t make you happy after putting in an honest effort, feel free to move on. Check out the schedule, ask around, and find something that fits you better. Even if you do like the class you picked, it’s good to mix up your schedule and try other classes. Variety is good for the brain and body.

Jessica Smith, a personal trainer and group fitness instructor adds a couple extra tips in an article posted on FitSugar:

"If there is something you cant do yet, please don't do it."--If something is too complicated or outside your current fitness level, do not attempt to do it. Look for modifications (most instructors will offer some). "Avoid injury," Smith writes, "by progressing slowly..."

"Listen to your body--the whole class"--She wisely advises not to get swept up in the excitement and the music and ignore how our body is feeling. Take breaks, drink water, and pay attention to your breathing.
 

Remember it’s about having fun and getting fit at the same time. Go out, find a class and give it a try.

References:

Smith, J. (2012, January 16). "From the Community: New to Group Exercise Classes? 4 Helpful Tips From an Instructor." FitSugar. Retrieved from http://www.fitsugar.com/Beginner-Tips-Taking-Group-Fitness-Class-21280065