Group class issues

lostgrl85

I've been going to Zumba on a regular basis the past couple of months, and I always stand in the back row near the exit because my lower body is a little weak and it would be easy for me to walk out if I need to sit down for a minute. It has worked for me most of the time, but then twice this week (out of 3 classes) I've had these stupid girls invade my space! Earlier this week, one girl was right in front of me, and as the class went on, she kept getting closer and closer to running right into me. She would just back up when the whole class did without even looking at where I was. There is a mirror and I was a little to her side, so it's not hard to spot me. I could only go so far back anyway, being pretty close to the back wall. Then tonight, that same girl and another come walking in a half hour late and stand right behind me against the wall! One almost hit me in the head when she stretched out her arms doing a move, and they both prevented me from doing the moves the way they're supposed to be done because my space was so crowded. I didn't say anything because I would have gone off on them. I'm about to explode though because it is so ridiculous and rude. What do you do in a situation like this? Moving wasn't an option either because the class was full and there was nowhere for me to go without doing the same to others who had the brains to show up on time and get their own spot.

anemoneprose

Haha, I don't know. That is one reason I avoid popular classes. There should be a cap on the class, though, really (even just for fire safety reasons). Maybe mention it to the instructor.

SusanB148

If you see those girls again, I would mention it to them before class starts. If they do it anyway, tell the instructor.

A guy was asked to leave a dance type exercise a few months ago because every time the choreography said to jump, he jumped up high in the air like a basketball player and was almost knocking people down when he landed.

gloria348

I would not avoid the class. You have just as much right as anyone else to be there at whatever level. It's really great that you are respectful of others by being in the back since you still need to build up to their level. I do compliment you also on being calm and not "going off" though that was an understandable emotion. In your position, I would have just have told the girl that hey I'm back here and you almost running into me during the class. Or afterwards, I probably would have told her I think she's really great and has lots of stimulate, but you should be aware that others are in the back of the class that are not there yet. Flatter helps these types of situations at times. She may not realize that she's that close and would be respectful. If she does not respond like a kind hearted soul, don't deck her, but I suggest you speak with the leader to get suggestions on where you should be or how to address this concern.

Most of all. DO NOT QUIT GOING. You are doing a lot of burning off calories by your postings.

RunnerElizabeth

I get why you want to be in the back near the door, but that is always going to be a crowded popular spot, especially since late comers can more easily squeeze back there then make their way thru the whole studio. You can voice your concerns to the instructor and gym management that the class is too crowded. But if I were you, I would just move up to the front of the room, you may have more space there since people do have the tendency to crowd the back. And do you often have to leave the class? Or is being near the door more of a comfort thing for you?