It’s almost over people. It’s day five of the Mini Blog Challenge and I refuse to “hit the wall!” Must. Keep. Blogging. Do they have energy chews for this?
I won’t keep you in suspense for today’s topic. Actually, you already know it if you read the title. It’s LISTS! Boy is Dana at Kiss My List going to be excited. Does she get a “pass” on this one?
So it’s either another post about the kids or one about exercise. I figured you’ve had enough of the former – Lord knows I have today – so you’re getting a healthy dose of the latter. Free your mind!
(Group EXercise = Group X)
10 Things You Should Do In A Group Fitness Class
10. Have an open mind. There’s nothing worse then when I’m setting up for a class and maybe have a medicine ball out and the first person walks through the door and whines “Oh I hate using the medicine ball! Is that what we’re using today?” No. I thought I would put it up here as my friend like it’s Wilson. Stop whining and get a medicine ball. A heavy one.
Will you be my friend?
9. Wear sneakers. You would be amazed at how much this does not happen. You cannot wear flip flops and do Power Sculpt people. When a weight hits your foot you will know why. Also, don’t wear the same ones you bought 10 years ago at Target. Good sneakers are much less expensive then the physical therapy you will need when you wreck your hips, knees and ankles from crappy shoes.
8. Walk in like you own it! I know that it can be scary to walk into a fitness class for the first time. You may have thoughts that everyone in the class is super fit and that I have a mouth like Jillian Michaels. This is not the case. I have never been in a hostile group fitness environment and I don’t think yelling obscenities at you is motivating. I save that for my blog posts, obviously.
A man who knew how to make an entrance! I give you – Mr. George Jefferson.
7. Speak up! If you have reservations about the class or are not sure what equipment is needed, please ask! I can only read the minds of my children and husband. I’m working on others but I’m just not there yet – sorry. A good instructor will seek you people out and see that you need help but some don’t. Use your voice.
6. Bring water. I hate to drink water as much as the next person but when you’re sweating off body parts you will want water. Badly. Just bring it! If nothing else you can use it as a weight when your arms refuse to even lift the 5 pounds ones anymore.
5. Bring your game! Why are you there if not to challenge yourself? I know everyone has their own reasons but if we’re being real then it’s all about getting FIT, whatever that means to you. Getting fit hurts. A lot. It also has great rewards so suck it up and dig deep. It will all be over in an hour or less and you can do anything for an hour. At least that’s what I tell my classes.
I am Cuban and therefore cannot keep calm. The rest I can handle and so can YOU!
4. Stretch after class. I cannot stress this enough. I know you think getting out of class 3 minutes early will change your life…you’re right, you won’t be able to sit on the toilet tomorrow. Good luck with that. If you want to be able to pee and poop AND stay injury free – you should stretch.
3. Be flexible. No, not with your body. I don’t want you to break in half. Be flexible with your “spot.” In some gyms people can get very territorial with a spin bike or specific spot on the floor for a class. You would never believe this actually happens but it does. This is not preschool. If you think “your” bike or spot is taken…hmmmm, let me see…what can you do? Oh! I know! Pick another one.
2. Give constructive feedback! I absolutely want to know what you like or dislike about a class. Have a great idea for an exercise or theme? Let me hear it!! If it sucks I’ll just announce it to the class so we can all have a good laugh so there’s no downside.
Don’t be a fool but give it to me straight.
1. You can do more then you think! The mind is a very powerful tool. YOU have the control. YOU have the power. Instructors are there to show you that you can push past the limits you create for yourself. It’s an illusion. Use your mind to your benefit. Thing STRONG thoughts and you will become strong.
That is all.
What can you add to the list? Do you like group fitness or prefer working out alone? What tips do you have for the instructor?
Great post- some people are so scared to try group classes. I have so much teaching them I wish more would come join the party. Have been trying to get feedback from clients but no one wants to say anything bad! The bad stuff needs to be pointed out in order to improve!
I know!! It’s hard getting newbies in there but each and every time, they’re glad they did and a lot of times they make life long friends!! I completely agree about getting good feedback (obviously) and I seem to get it from the people who don’t work that hard in class or show-up every month or so. Not helpful!!
Very helpful list Allie! I loved your first one, especially with your Wilson picture!! Awesome! I have not done a group fitness in forever, but you have given me some motivation to try one with this post! :)-Ashley
Yay!!! Go Ashley – get your fitness ON woman!!:-))
I love this list!! So cool getting this from an instructor. It absolutely drives me crazy when people leave early and avoid stretching like those 3 minutes are going to end the world! Plus it causes a distraction to class when they are putting away equipment! So annoying!! And yes people please wear sneakers, this is not Pilates and I won’t get yelled at if my weight accidentally hits YOUR toes!! Haha
Spoken like a true instructor!! The sneaker always gets me!? Crazy!
I LOVE group fitness classes! Since I started them, I rarely workout alone (only to warm up and/or do strength training). I love the classes because I feel that I don’t have to try to figure out what to do to have the best burn, because the classes are already proven to be effective. I love that the instructors always come early to help any beginners. I take a class almost every day.
That’s great Britton!!! I also love TAKING classes just so I don’t have to think…& for the extra motivation!
Love the photo of Wilson! I’ve never taken a group fitness class, but I’ve done tribal dance and the need to be in the same spot is the same.
Wilsonnnnnn!!!! Ha ha! Yes we’re creatures of habit & I understand it but people get crazy over it!! Glad you can relate.
Really to flip flops? I can barely wear them all day. I can’t believe someone would TRY to wear them for a fitness class. #3 for me, that’s the comfort zone – the back row, where nobody can see me in the mirror but me, and the people peeking through the window at the class can’t see me. And the instructor can’t see me. 😉
Oh we see you Kenya! That’s a great one to add to the list!! Stop going to the back!! Walk in and OWN it!:-)
hahaha wilson! i LOVE group exercise classes- its my favorite way to workout. at my usual bar method 6am class theres a girl who always gets there super early to get her favorite spot. but one day she was a little late and there were 2 girls who, well, the way they were spaced out had made her spot obsolete… til she crammed herself between them with a straight face and started doing the exercises like it ain’t no thang. the other two girls spread out and all was right with the world i suppose- but yeah- people are territorial!
I’ve seen that move a million times and it never ceases to amaze! People are nuts.
This is the perfect list! And stretching after class is sooooo key. I’ve learned the hard way!
I know! My husband learned the hard way too. Thanks Ilene!!
I completely agree with number 1. Quite a few years back when I was into heavy weight lifting I can clearly remember my girlfriends mention that they could never even think of lifting as heavy as I did. I think we are our biggest road blocks when it comes to what we think we can and can’t do. I told them that you just have to jump out there and try your hardest. Most times you’ll be surprised at what you can do.
It’s so true…for everyone, including me. The only barriers are the ones we set – every goal is attainable!!
First, congrats to you for FIVE days of blogging in a row! Major props my friend. Can I selfishly say that I’ve enjoyed seeing your posts everyday??
Second, I love this list! I want to come take class with you! My favs are be flexible with your spot. I hate it when I go to a new class and get the third degree from them because I’ve inadvertently taken “their” spot. See point on mind reading. This actually happened to me when I was quite young (like in high school) and had just started going to classes. Some 30-something guy was totally rude and started saying mean things about me to another woman in class. Um, hello! I’m half your age! Maybe not appropriate!? Clearly I have not gotten over this.
I also like the constructive feedback point. This is something I don’t do enough and will try to do more. I also didn’t like it when I was teaching and people would leave comments for the manager rather than approach me. I know it’s awkward but that is kind of like tattling to your boss, ya know?
I also love the open mind point. So many times people will say “Oh I don’t know how to dance so I can’t go to Zumba” or “I don’t like spinning, so I won’t like that class” or “I’m not strong, so I can’t do BodyPump.” Just give it a try, you actually might end of liking these classes!!!!!
Obviously I had a lot to say about this post! 🙂
Thanks so much Britt!! I’m glad someone is enjoying a post everyday – ha ha ha!!
I completely would have held onto the rude guy thing too. That is way inappropriate and totally awkward!! WTH?
As for the “suggestions” people leave, it can be so frustrating – which is why it’s on the list. If you just talk to ME I can explain why I’m doing that. Having a conversation is 1,000 times better then being “tattled” on and now I have to explain it to my boss. Ridiculous!!
I’m nodding my head with your last paragraph. There’s so many excuses and I’m like – just TRY it!!! Of course the spin bike is going to hurt your butt the first time. So??? You may love the class and your butt will build up a nice tolerance.
We really need to get together so we can hash all this out:-)!!!
I love that you drew your own Wilson on the ball. Or should I call Wilhemina since it’s pinky red? LOL Great list and reminder. Girl you didn’t try to wear flip flops did you? My toes get tired in them so fast cause my toes grip the shoe. I can’t wear them for extended periods at all. I’d probably fall on my face trying to work out in them.
HA Ha!! No, I absolutely don’t wear flip flops but people actually come into my classes with them! It’s crazy!!
I wish I could take credit for the Wilson drawing but it’s a Google image from the movie!! Busted!
I am complete agreeance with number 1. Lots of times we put boundaries on ourselves without even knowing what we are capable of!
And just a little fyi: I type comments from my work computer but for past few days it’s been acting up. So my comments weren’t showing up on your last few posts. 🙁
I’m glad you fixed that!! Yes, number 1 is probably the biggest obstacle for so many people…including myself! That’s why you really have to work on your mental game as much as you work on your physical. Thanks for commenting!!
Love this list! Isn’t it hilarious how territorial people get about their spots in a fitness class? I see the same thing at work, especially with some of the uptight PhD chemists I have the joy of working with. Want to mess with them really bad, go into a meeting after lunch or day two and change seats. Watch the confusion as they try to figure it out. Hilarious! There’s no assigned seating people. Live a little!
We are definitely territorial creatures and the way it manifests itself can be hilarious!! I love that you mess with the brainiacs!! They need order Nicole!! Ha ha ha…
Great blog, once again. I love group fitness classes. I find it very motivating. I’ve been a regular participant for three years. One pet peeve I’ve noticed is some who come to a class and do their own thing. Why bother coming? And I don’t mean a modification. I agree about the end stretching part. That’s the best part!
Good point Karen! The only class it doesn’t bug me in is spin because so people don’t have the core strength to stay in 2 or they have back issues in 3. One guy comes in and does an endurance ride but he told me what he was doing, sat in the very back corner and it was fine. Try that in a strength or cardio group class though and it’s just rude. Thanks again for reading and commenting!!!
Love this list-great job and great job all week-it has been fun for us-although I am sure stressful for you!
I would add, especially for Spinning, if you are new and need to get your bike setup for the first time, please come at least 15 minutes early! It is very important and I can’t do it all as the instructor in 5 minutes and I won’t start class late! Your body will thank you and I thank you!
Thanks Shannon!! It’s not over yet though…don’t forget Saturday and Sunday:-)
That is a GREAT addition to the list!! It’s always those that need the most help who walk in with 1 minute to spare.
I prefer to take a class, especially for strength training. It’s easier to have someone else motivate me because I am lazy 🙂 And mixing it up challenges me; otherwise I’d be on the elliptical everyday. I particularly liked “be flexible.” We actually had a whole spinning drama at my gym because people were coming in the night before and saving bikes for themselves and their friends. Really? I do have my “spot” in classes, but if someone is there before me I pick a new spot and enjoy the change of scenery.
The ‘ol “save my bike” trick happens a lot! People will put almost anything on a bike to save it. The more disgusting (think sweat towel) the better it works!
I agree about the motivation of a class environment. I love that aspect as well!
Great list!!! I don’t do group classes much anymore (except teaching my own boot camp) but I did try Zumba this summer – not sure that I walked in like I owned it but I gave it 100% and laughed at myself plenty.
And, do people really show up in flip flops?
When you do Zumba you must go big or go home!
Yes, sadly, people have shown up in flip flops. *Insert eye roll*
These are great. I am amazed that people come into classes wearing flip flops! Seriously–what are they thinking. And then the whine–why show up if that’s the attitude?
Congrats on blogging every day. I find the more you do it, the easier it becomes. That said, time is limiting me to 3x/week these days.
Seriously!!
I’m getting to like blogging more, the more I do it – if that makes sense? I was only posting twice a week but I think I’m going to up it to three. After this week, I know I can handle it.
Thank you!!
You seriously have got to be one of the funniest girls EVER!!! I would love to have you as a teacher. I would hate to have you as a teacher:))
That is precisely how most of my clients feel!!! Thanks Leah:-)
I don’t like group classes ever since my brother watched me in dance class years ago and told me I was the most inflexible person in the class. That stayed with me! What a punk.
The Wilson comment made me crack up. Maybe you should draw Wilson on a medicine ball? And stretching is so key. So is water. I’m not great about either and I suffer the consequences.
Punk indeed!! I like your idea for the medicine ball. That would freak ’em out for sure!
I’m horrible about drinking water but I’m working on it…
This is awesome! Flip flops…seriously! Actually though, my husband and I coach soccer and had a kid show up for practice in flip flops!…granted it was a 4th grade kid…but still, you’re kidding right!
I have also seen my fair share of adults behave like preschoolers 🙂
I love the bring your game too…actually I love it all! Way to “bring your game” for day 5!
Thanks Jen!! Yes,those 4th graders have parents who should know better…at least give the kid a once over before he heads off to soccer practice. Poor kid!
I love group fitness and this list is perfect! It’s designed to help the reader and not chastise them! I can workout alone but much prefer the group atmosphere. I can’t say I’ve had anyone come in without sneaker on, that would be awkward. I terribly hate when people leave before stretching and I look out the window and see them throwing their kid in the car. I’m like geesh people, you are gonna hurt later but what can you do! Excellent list!
It’s a fine line between setting people straight and yelling at them!! Stretching is probably on top of the list for most instructors pet peeves! What can you do?…except keep telling them how important it is!
My only group class is my yoga class, but these rules definitely fit. The territorial people wear me down. It’s like, dude, this is a class, not your home! What is up with that? LOL!
They suck the life out of everyone. That is definitely not a “namaste” attitude!
Going next week to my first group class in a really, really long time. This tips are very timely. Thanks! #mbc
That is GREAT! I hope you blog about it!!