Classes at the Gym----phobia

Sugs94

Love classes. I'm pretty sure I look like a tarantula who had a stroke in Zumba....arms/legs very non-coordinated...but who cares...there to exercise!!! And in Yoga I still can't do the harder poses....but that is ok....our gym has instructors that are very good at coaching and telling you to go at your pace...they emphasis not overdoiing it to try and look like a pro when your body isn't ready for it. Hope you enjoy whatever class you try. I will also say that I work harder in most classes...not overdoing it...but not quitting or walking away if I don't feel motivated like I have done sometimes with equipment.
Good luck!!!!

Porcelain1981

I am pretty much terrified of classes. I have no idea what to expect. What equipment I should bring? How I should dress? Do I need to sign up? What if I embarrass myself because I'm not coordinated enough? I want to take the Body Flow and/or Yoga classes and then maybe branch out to some of the "dancier" stuff. But I'm so freaking scared I can't seem to bring myself to talk to anyone about it.

What should I bring/wear to a yoga pilates type class?

Normally the gym provides you with mats, blocks and belts, stuff you need for the yoga. The instructor most likely will ask you to take your socks off, so you don't slip, so I like to make sure my nail polish is nice, but that's just me.

Wear something non restrictive, like leggings and a top that won't come up when you hang head down, so you don't feel embarrassed about your tummy showing, as some positions require you to bend over deep and support your weight with arms and legs. Other than that just yourself, so don't worry too much. If in doubt ask the receptionist, they should be happy to help you.
Yoga can be hard if you never done it, but you will improve really quickly, so don't give up after the first class. I do yoga at least twice a week for 1 1/2 hours.

Enjoy!

Also for standing poses some instructors might ask you to roll your trouser legs up to, to improve your grip on yourself. Defuzzing before hand might be a good thing to do - also applies if you in other classes where you might be asked to do things on your back with your legs in the air (trousers fall down!).

If you can, turn up to sessions early, so you can ask questions of other people waiting for it and get a decent spot. Always let the instructor know you're new and of any health problems you may have.

Do take a bottle of water and a towel (your are expected to sweat and that's ok, buuuuuuuuuuut not so nice for others if you sweat over equipment and don't clean up after yourself).

Ask at reception for which classes would be best for you to start off with, for example...
- Do Hatha/Iyengar Yoga rather than Ashtanga / Power if it specifies
- Ask if there are specific beginning classes (spinning usually has a 15-20 min class for beginner to get the moves)
If that's a lil spooky doing it face to face, call them, they don't even have to know who you are so you can ask as many questions as you like!

Or you could just hang around walking on a treadmill to checkout people in the classes!

Classes are a great way to have more fun out of the gym, feel like you're really learning things and progressing, plus it's a great motivator (either via the instructor, or eyeing up a regular and aiming for what they can do!). If you go regularly you can get to know people too (turn up early for more chat time).

mikey1976

I go to a YMCA Zumba class. Besides sticking out for being a guy in a class of 20-30 women, it doesn't help that I suck but I don't care. I'm there to have fun while working up a sweat. Most people that are there don't care either. Just go.

just bring your self. phone the gym and see how the sign up sheet works some require 24 hour notice others just have it that you show up before class and sign in. we have all felt out of place at first but you get the hang of it and sweat a lot which is what your wanting to do any way. just go have fun

monharri

I don't belong to Gold's Gym, but I did have some of the same fears when I joined LA Fitness. I was nervous about sign-ups, and how rigorous the classes would be, and if I'd look like a complete idiot cause I was really out of shape. But I ultimately went because my will was stronger than my fears, and slowly but surely, I learned how things worked. Mostly everyone is very friendly in the classes, and it's okay to strike up a conversation with the instructor beforehand to let her know you're new so you can get extra tips. They're there to help you get the best workout possible so feel free to approach them. And if you feel like being in the back of the class starting off, that's fine--I enjoyed watching everyone so I could learn the ropes and it allay many of my fears. But I would just encourage you to push yourself to go and you'll learn your way. That's what I did, and now I'm addicted to the stuff, and I've lost 26 pounds in two months because of those classes (step, strength training, boot camp fitness, cycling). The hardest step is always the first one. After that, IT'S EASY! You can do it! Good luck!

Kelleinna

Know what? I'd never been to a gym class before, but I'd heard so many positive things about Zumba that I just took the plunge and went.

It's freaking awesome.

I just wore sweatpants and a t-shirt. Wear what you're comfortable in, loosen up and have fun. I got my best advice from a 70 year old lady standing next to me in the class. I commented to her, "I don't feel like I have the first clue what I'm doing!" and she joyfully responded, "It doesn't matter! Just flop around!"

And you know what, she's right. Just keep moving, do the best you can, and have fun. I've been going twice a week for about two months now and just finally got the courage to move up one from the back row, but I'm still in there and I'm catching on to the steps. And just FYI, I weigh 240 and I'm only 5'4'', so if I can do Zumba (and if the 70 year old grandma next to me can do Zumba), ANYONE can do it!

csheltra26

As a group fitness instructor, I love seeing new people come into class! Its a great way to build a network of friends a the gym who are like you - trying to get into shape or staying in shape! I would suggest bringing a towel and water to class. And lots of energy! You don't need any other special equipment - the gym should provide all that you need. As far as dress, it would depend on the class. Dance type classes you could wear what you wear on the elliptical machine. For yoga or spin, I would suggest at least knee length tighter pants and a tighter shirt. During yoga you don't want to be doing a downdog and worry what you are flashing people Also for spin, the tighter pants help you not get stuck in the pedals. I also don't like shorts for spin, they tend to ride up on me and I like the extra coverage of longer pants on the bike.
Always go at your own pace. If you need to take a break, do it. No shame in needed to recharge and then get back into it. Good luck!!

soaps54

I would totally recommend you try it out. When I first joined the gym at work, I was terrified about taking classes (let alone with co-workers and people I know!) so I stuck to the equipment. Later on, I felt confident enough to try and now I LOVE them. It seems like the time passes by so much faster and I truly enjoy it. I do step, cardio sculpt, and circuit training. It's a blast.

Just dress comfortably depending on the class, bring a towel, water, and of course yourself. Hope you give it a chance! :-)

hararayne

I WENT!!!! And I go for my first Zumba class on Saturday and am returning to the pilates/yoga/tai chi class on Sunday!

Thank you for urging me to go. I did get a hold of my friend and she went with so we planned out more sessions to go to together.
YAY MFP!