Advice for starting gym classes

lausa22

I had to go to a physiotherapist recently and she told me because I have a gym membership I should look into taking up pilates and yoga to help my lower back muscles. And because I'll be doing these I thought I might as well take up some other classes, such as zumba, kickboxing and such.
Now I know my gym has these classes, and that you have to book in advance to attend some of them.

But other than that I know nothing! So I have a few questions for those who attend classes at their gym!

1 ) For yoga, am I expected to bring my own mat? On my gym's website it doesn't say, it just says 'wear appropriate clothing and shoes'. So does that mean they provide the mats?
2) Do I just show up to the class?
3) Do I have to introduce myself to the instructor and say it's my first time in a class?
4) Any other advice on starting gym classes for the first time?

What if everyone in the class is a regular and the instructor does an 'advanced' class because of this? My gym doesn't specify if the class is suitable for first-timers, it just says 'all abilities welcome' for ALL the classes.
I'm so worried, I don't want to make a fool of myself :laugh:

JenMc14

1 ) For yoga, am I expected to bring my own mat? On my gym's website it doesn't say, it just says 'wear appropriate clothing and shoes'. So does that mean they provide the mats? - Many gyms provide mats, but you may want to bring your own. You can get a good one for fairly cheap at Target, then you'll have for some yoga at home, too.

2) Do I just show up to the class? - Find out your gym policy. At the gym I have attended classes at, yes, you just show up.

3) Do I have to introduce myself to the instructor and say it's my first time in a class? - You don't "have" to do anything. With something like yoga, it's a good idea to let the instructor know you're new, not only to the class, but to yoga as well. (s)he will likely then show you modifications if something gets a little advanced. There is a good chance, especially if it's a smaller class, that the instructor will see you, know you're new and approach you first.

4) Any other advice on starting gym classes for the first time? Get there a bit early to she what you need and get set up and also to talk to the instructor. I would think most gyms would label a class as 'advanced" if it was, but if you're concerned, ask the instructor ahead of time. If it says all abilities welcome, I would guess that the instructor always has suitable modifications ready to show you.

lausa22

Thanks for the answer

I'm thinking I'll hang at the back of the room, just in case I make a fool of myself!
I've tried pilates (well pop pilates) at home and it was SUPER hard. I couldn't do more than 5 minutes of a 30 minute tape
Do you think I'd get kicked out if I took a break in the middle of the class? I just have a feeling that because I'm new everything will be super hard.

Have you had any experiences with zumba/yoga/pilates/kettlebells/kickboxing/ any classes at all? :laugh:

JoRocka

agree with what was posted.

Most places HAVE mats- but if you are going to do it regularly- bring your own (target has them for like 20 bucks) I'd go once or twice and deciede.

I always introduce myself- I go early- introduce myself and if I have a concern express it.

My gym has a sign up sheet for spin class b/c it's so busy- check to make sure you don't have to pay extra (at my old Bally's Zumba instructors had to come to the gym specifically- they were not bally's employees- which meant you paid 5$ for the class)

Just double check the front desk- ask for teachers to avoid- we have one yoga instructor - he is so incredibly off putting- I hate him- and I always make sure I never recommend him. He's so rude and condescending. The front desk will know these things (or they should)... that and make sure you show up at least 5-10 minutes early.

Alexandra289

I do pilates at my gym. They have mats you can use and at the start of each class the instructor asks if there's anyone new and explains the basics. She also does different levels - so there are easier options for beginners. Obviously it's different at each gym but I think most instructors would help you go at your own pace.

lausa22

Thanks for the answers everyone
I was leaving the gym the other day and there was a really really long line of people 'signing in' for a class (not sure what class it was!) So that must be a good sign? haha

I think I'll introduce myself to the pilates instructor, just because of my back problems and see if they recommend anything. Better safe than sorry!

It will only be an extra £3 on top of what I'm currently paying, and non-all access and non-gym members pay £4-5 per class!


Do you think classes help with weight loss? Say if I continued to do my normal gym routine 3 times a week, and did pilates/yoga twice a week.

ninerbuff

The Basics

Pay attention to the instructor, don't get caught up with what others around you are trying to do.

Don't try to do EVERYTHING perfectly. You may not be fit enough. If possible ask for modified versions if it's too hard.

Enjoy.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

bluntlysally

i actually recommend finding a spot in the front but to the side. if you are at the back you won't be able to see/hear the instructor very well and have a good chance of having to just copy another person attending the class. the instructor will be able to give/show the proper form and such. esp if you are new to the type of activity, use that instructor!! it is fine to mess up, just make sure you try.

lausa22

Thanks for the advice!

Near the front, but to the side it is! Haha.

I deffinitely think I won't be fit enough! I'm hoping they show quite a few modifications, because when I tried pilates online I was put off because they didn't do any modifications and it was too hard for me.


Thanks everyone, I'm feeling better about attending my first ever gym class! Luckily the pilates and yoga classes I want to attend are in a different gym (which is on my route home from work) so even if I do make a fool of myself, I probably won't see them anywhere other than the class! Haha

Ready2Rock206

Thanks for the answer

I'm thinking I'll hang at the back of the room, just in case I make a fool of myself!
I

For yoga I hang out by a wall in case I start to fall over I can reach out and balance myself - :laugh: - I have terrible balance. I've only been twice and I suck - but it's all good.

Also I realized something in the middle of class last time - a lot of people brought their own mats but put the gym's mat underneath so they had extra padding. I totally am doing that next time! I just had my own mat but not the extra layer.

lausa22

Thanks for the answer

I'm thinking I'll hang at the back of the room, just in case I make a fool of myself!
I

For yoga I hang out by a wall in case I start to fall over I can reach out and balance myself - :laugh: - I have terrible balance. I've only been twice and I suck - but it's all good.

Also I realized something in the middle of class last time - a lot of people brought their own mats but put the gym's mat underneath so they had extra padding. I totally am doing that next time! I just had my own mat but not the extra layer.

Haha, I will be next to a wall for sure!
And that's a clever idea! I have a mat, but I still find my hands hurting if I stay in certain poses for a while, so I might take my own and do that

Scorchy

Don't worry about sucking at first. I've been going to pilates for a month and I often have to do modified versions of moves or stop for a minute to recover while everyone else is still going. No biggie. Nobody cares because they are all focused on their own bodies.

ParrosFan

Jump right in and enjoy yourself. this advice coming from a very overweight person who avoided the gym because I "knew" everyone would be staring and pointing at me. Nope. Most people are involved in what they are doing and dont pay attention to what you are doing. I have had a few people ask me if I liked a particular class when I've been new or if I was coming back etc.

Here are my answers to your questions:

1 ) For yoga, am I expected to bring my own mat? On my gym's website it doesn't say, it just says 'wear appropriate clothing and shoes'. So does that mean they provide the mats? My gym does provide mats, I do take my own mat tho and place it on top of the gyms mat. If it isnt asking you to bring your own, I would guess its a safe bet that they provide them.

2) Do I just show up to the class? For the most part, yes. At my gym, Zumba is extremely popular so we have to get a pass (laminated card) that we hand to the instructor upon walking in, there is a limit so if there are no more passes you can't participate. I also do a belly dancing class and that one also requires a pass but only because its held in a smaller room.

3) Do I have to introduce myself to the instructor and say it's my first time in a class? No not necessarily. The instructors at my gym typically ask if there is anyone new in the class (which I always found to be embarrassing since I"m trying to avoid attracting attention) but you need to let them know, they can offer modifications for a beginner or an area to be careful of.

4) Any other advice on starting gym classes for the first time? Just have a good time and go for it. Really this took me a while to feel comfortable and go for it. Now I go to classes 5 days a week and I love it and I see the same people in classes so that makes it fun.

What if everyone in the class is a regular and the instructor does an 'advanced' class because of this? My gym doesn't specify if the class is suitable for first-timers, it just says 'all abilities welcome' for ALL the classes.

I think if they ask if there are any newbies, then they will be able to show modifications for the beginners.

lausa22

Thanks everyone! I'm feeling more confident about attending a class now