Is it normal to feel awkward going to an exercise class on your own?

jadejo63

i am going to go to a fitness class tomorrow! I actually feel a bit scared to go on my own lol as I don't know anyone, does anyone else get like this lol x

Delilahhhhhh

Perfectly normal to feel a little nervous and new situations are never as bad as we first feared. I am a great believer in painting on a smile and walking boldly forward. Good for you for signing up for a class.

tostaky

To be honest, most people go on their own so thats no big deal. Enjoy!

hill8570

Yup, perfectly normal. You always feel like everybody else in the room are all best friends and you're the newbie. Just go anyway -- there's always a few new folks in a group class (and this time of year, more than than a few), and you get to meet some interesting people.

ninerbuff

Everyone practically started the same. Eventually if you're consistent enough, you'll build acquaintances when you attend. It's not often that people who attend classes, still do them with someone who also went with as friends.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

SueInAz

Oh, so normal! Rest assured, though, either the other participants are feeling as awkward as you or they aren't paying attention to you (as long as you aren't doing or wearing things to bring attention to yourself, that is!). Also, you burn more calories flailing around whilst trying to figure out the routine than you will once you have it down pat.

Have fun!

dbmata

jadejo63 wrote: »

i am going to go to a fitness class tomorrow! I actually feel a bit scared to go on my own lol as I don't know anyone, does anyone else get like this lol x

No.

cstevenson86

Of course it is normal! Not to worry. You will be just fine - and you will make friends! Which is great, because they will be on the same path as you. I love my "Zumba girls!"

picnic2day

I'm sure everyone feels like that ... but you only have to do it once 'cos next time you'll have already been before and will at least know someone ... no-one will be judging and they'll pleased to see a new face and you'll soon have a whole load of new friends from your class

picnic2day

ps: what class you doing? let us know how you go on x

Khovde07

I'm so glad you posted this! I just switched gyms and signed up for classes as well (part of the package). I haven't had time to make a class yet but I'm planning on going tomorrow. I'm so nervous! It makes it harder to get motivated because I don't want to look silly or out of shape. I'm sure no one will be judging, but it's hard to not feel like they are.

Scott_2025

Perfectly normal. I was real nervous about going to the local pool to swim laps the first time. After making the plunge, I have never looked back... I have made several new friends and love my time in the pool.... Go for it. Make some new friends...

Ohwhynot

Yup. Even if I've been a ton, I have leftover fat kid anxiety like everyone is watching/staring/making fun of me. Ex: tomorrow is my BodyFlow class. I hate it. I'm one of the few chubby people in the class and, while I'm experienced with yoga, I don't like pilates and I suck at the "flow" part. I DREAD it... but it's a good workout and I can't make the yoga class I love. All day tomorrow I will make excuses in my head why I shouldn't go.

Beautifulbridgittlee7

I still go, just to have fun, I'm an introvert, and there's no way I'm changing because of some cliques. It can be a real good workout, get to hear some good music,etc

johnnylakis

sounds like an excuse not to go

999tigger

What the others said. Fear of the new,what others will do. Please remember nobody will be paying much attention to you. Enjooy the class, do your best and its importnat you stick it out for about 5 times and then you should feel comfy. Dont put yourself off by worrying.

Kimberly_Harper

I am phobic about taking classes. I even had a panic attack in one once. The only ones I can do without too much anxiety are yoga classes (still slightly nervous), and barre classes...not sure why those are different than the others, but when they move us from the barre to the floor I leave because I panic again. I know that no one is really looking at me, but I still feel like it and no matter if I go to the back of the class, the teacher inevitably turns everyone around and poof! front of the class! One day I may conquer this fear, and I'll bet you get over your nerves and have fun - my friends who take classes love them!

opalsqueak007

I've only been to an exercise class a few times in my life, and only to a public gym once. I could not bear to exercise with a bunch of strangers, so I have always done it alone. I know people who love it though, they go alone and make new friends, running partners and tennis partners!

hill8570

Ohwhynot wrote: »

Yup. Even if I've been a ton, I have leftover fat kid anxiety like everyone is watching/staring/making fun of me. Ex: tomorrow is my BodyFlow class. I hate it. I'm one of the few chubby people in the class and, while I'm experienced with yoga, I don't like pilates and I suck at the "flow" part. I DREAD it... but it's a good workout and I can't make the yoga class I love. All day tomorrow I will make excuses in my head why I shouldn't go.

Try being the only guy in the class I'm about as flexible as a 4x4, but keep trying in BodyFlow. Gotta start somewhere (straight yoga would out-and-out leave me on the floor crying like a baby.)

allaboutthecake

If you want a tip, go early & get in the back. Lots of new people hang there. Then you can find people new like you and perhaps will help develop a common interest & look for each other the next class. It gets easier. Good luck. Have fun.

JoRocka

Kimberly_Harper wrote: »

I am phobic about taking classes. I even had a panic attack in one once. The only ones I can do without too much anxiety are yoga classes (still slightly nervous), and barre classes...not sure why those are different than the others, but when they move us from the barre to the floor I leave because I panic again. I know that no one is really looking at me, but I still feel like it and no matter if I go to the back of the class, the teacher inevitably turns everyone around and poof! front of the class! One day I may conquer this fear, and I'll bet you get over your nerves and have fun - my friends who take classes love them!

you know not for nothing but people probably give you way more attention for you leaving than if you just stayed.

And yes- line changes are normal for a regular dance based class- I'd say get over it- because you're more likely to learn more and focus on yourself and your grown if you aren't in the back A. fighting to see or B. worried about what other people think of you.

jadejo63

Thanks everyone! Still going tonight, it's a ladies only boxercise class xx

picnic2day

have fun

mirandagod77

totally, i'm sure you with get comfortable after a class or two

goddessofawesome

hill8570 wrote: »

Ohwhynot wrote: »

Yup. Even if I've been a ton, I have leftover fat kid anxiety like everyone is watching/staring/making fun of me. Ex: tomorrow is my BodyFlow class. I hate it. I'm one of the few chubby people in the class and, while I'm experienced with yoga, I don't like pilates and I suck at the "flow" part. I DREAD it... but it's a good workout and I can't make the yoga class I love. All day tomorrow I will make excuses in my head why I shouldn't go.

Try being the only guy in the class I'm about as flexible as a 4x4, but keep trying in BodyFlow. Gotta start somewhere (straight yoga would out-and-out leave me on the floor crying like a baby.)

I used to take a couple of aerobics classes where there were a few guys in it. It was pretty cool to see them there. One guy was taking a step class for the first time. I was a little annoyed at the instructor because he didn't know any of the moves and she didn't take the time to show him. When I first took step the instructor could see I was lost and she put her step next to mine and coached me through the class which I thought was nice.

Of course there was this one guy who would stand behind me and check out my backside as I was doing my thang but I was ok with that (he was also a friend though).

goddessofawesome

jadejo63 wrote: »

Thanks everyone! Still going tonight, it's a ladies only boxercise class xx

Have fun and don't worry about it! EVERYONE started off the same place you are.

dougpconnell219

I want to go to the les mills body combat class at my gym. I just don't know if I'm ready to keep up yet.

hill8570

dougpconnell219 wrote: »

I want to go to the les mills body combat class at my gym. I just don't know if I'm ready to keep up yet.

Only one way to find out. And there's nothing wrong with taking a little breather -- it's all about improvement, not perfection.

sofaking6

dougpconnell219 wrote: »

I want to go to the les mills body combat class at my gym. I just don't know if I'm ready to keep up yet.

I went to one and I could *mostly* keep up - but there were people of ALL levels in the class and it was so fun and interesting that it really didn't matter who was doing what around me. I wouldn't say this about most classes, but don't deprive yourself of the body combat for any reason, it's really awesome.

dougpconnell219

sofaking6 wrote: »

dougpconnell219 wrote: »

I want to go to the les mills body combat class at my gym. I just don't know if I'm ready to keep up yet.

I went to one and I could *mostly* keep up - but there were people of ALL levels in the class and it was so fun and interesting that it really didn't matter who was doing what around me. I wouldn't say this about most classes, but don't deprive yourself of the body combat for any reason, it's really awesome.

Thanks. I'll check it out!

ErinK09

I know I did, have fun!