From the outside group fitness classes can look scary and intimidating, all new and unfamiliar things can appear this way. If you’ve been considering trying a fitness class but have been procrastinating, this article 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 – makes the process more fun!
• The competitive spirit is awakened! When exercising alone we will often quit when it gets a little tough, in group fitness people tend to push themselves that tiny bit more helping you reach your goals a little sooner.
• A good instructor will cue you on different levels, form, safety and technique – these are extremely important for injury prevention and results.
• A good instructor will also motivate you and encourage you to keep reaching toward your fitness goals.
• Having a time to be at a 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 workout tomorrow.”

How to Ease into Group Fitness

YouTube and DVDs – workout with videos at home at first to get comfortable with the ideas, terminology, format of the class you want to take. I love videos at home, but there’s nothing like a live class!

Watch the class – ask if you can watch the class first. And absorb everything, the instructor, the participants, and 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’d like to try the class next time.

FIRST CLASS! – get there early and introduce yourself to the instructor, let them know it’s your first class and that you’re a little nervous. Don’t hide in the back of the room, you’ll 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! So give yourself permission to mess up, you’re not going to be perfect and that’s ok – have fun and be able to laugh at yourself. Don’t let frustration creep in – take breaks and watch if it gets too complex/

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

DON’T GIVE UP – I strongly recommend going to the same class with the same instructor for a while at first. Each instructor has their own style, own cueing language, and own rhythm. The more exposure you have to the same instructor the better you’ll become at following their lead. Once you’re comfortable then branch out to other classes and other instructors.