Intimidated about taking a class

Get there early and have a quick chat with the instructor beforehand, explaining your position and your worries. They should keep an eye on you, and maybe offer easier options to some of the routines.

And have fun!

If you're not embarrased to strength train at the gym, don't be embarrased by a class full of women! Try water fitness, it covers you up when you fall over.

Get in there and try it out! I was in your shoes just weeks ago, and now I only go to classes! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them and they are for EVERY fitness level. There are many times when I have to modify what I'm doing so I can rest a little bit, but who cares. Some people look ridiculous because they have no rhythm, but who cares! It's about burning calories and having fun!! Good luck!

I think that you owe it to yourself to go and forget about what other people think and think about yourself and only yourself. Get there a little early and talk with the instructor and explain to him/her that this is your first and that you really want to try it. The instructor will appreciate that and may be able to offer you some ideas or hints on how to keep it low.

You definitely want to keep it low no matter what. Modify anything and everything you can throughout the class. Don't try to keep up with all the skinny people---they have been doing it a while.

You are right though....if this is your first time you may not be able to finish, but remember to not let that discourage you because you have to keep going back and in a matter of a week probably you will be able to finish.

YOU CAN DO THIS

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if I were in your class I would be happy to see you in there trying to take care of your health---You'd be surprised that most fit-looking people really don't think about overweight people as mean as we think they do. Everyone is there for the same reason. Put a smile on your face and go for it.

I had this same panic when I took my first yoga class. Like...major MAJOR anxiety. And, it turned out to be one of my favorite things in the world. I just pushed myself and went to the class. If you're really feeling nervous about taking a class, I think there are three choices.

A) Suck it up and go- what is the WORST that could happen?? You can always excuse yourself and hit the road if you're hating it and try something different the next time. You could do fitness videos @ home-( lovingggg the 30Day shred!!!!) or C) You could skip it altogether and miss out.

Maybe plan to be at the gym and casually approach the teacher after the class you want to go to is letting out one day and tell her you'd love to do the class but you're nervous about it. Ask what you can expect and if she thinks it'll be a good fit for you as a first timer and if there are modifications that you can do for the moves during class if you're having trouble keeping up. There are in yoga, and my teachers routinely show them to me since I'm a curvy girl!!! (And by curvy I mean a size 18 currently).

I think you will find that in any setting, the instructors will want to help you enjoy and do well in their classes. Good luck!!!

Take it from someone who used to go to classes about 5 times a week - no one is looking at you. The people in the classes are all there for the same thing - to get a great workout. If you are really self conscious - stand in the back of the room. While you may not have the best view of the instructor - everyone else will not have the best view of you. But seriously - no one is watching you, everyone is watching themselves in the mirror instead - or watching that super fit girl in front!

Oh, and another piece of advice, even though this probably goes against EVERYTHING your body and mind are telling you...... get right up front in front of the instructor. You will learn so much better watching him/her than you will following others in the class.

I was the EXACT same way you were about 6 weeks ago! Finally, I just came to this conclusion....WHOI CARES what other people think! You are doing this for YOU and the rest of YOUR life! Good instructors always give modified ways of doing all of the exercises...and you will be suprised how many people do them! Also...I was worried that others would make fun...but its been the oppisite...I have gotten a lot of encouragement from others in the classes. Remember...they were once new to the classes too!

Hey,

everybody who starts a new class has these thoughts!
Nobody was born fit and "know-it-all"!

One thing I always did when attending classes: once you're out of breath, or really too tired to do one more step, or it's just too complicated, step aside, take your bottle of water and drink! This gives you a moment to breathe, to rest, and to watch.

I admit, I was drinking A LOT at the beginning ;-)

Btw, this is best done when you have one neighbour only, and are not surrounded by people. Step aside, so that you don't hinder anybody next to you.

MM

Final thought: think how many of the 'skinny' people there have been through weight loss themselves, and know what it's all about already, and are currently in maintenance. I doubt everyone there will have gone to a fitness class if they didn't need it in the first place.

One of the non-intimidating things about the gym is that no one goes there to look good...everyone is sweaty and tired. Just remember that...

I love spin, but it is HARD so just wanted to add that another good class option might be mat pilates. Most of class, you're lying down and focusing on yourself and the basic moves are pretty simple. Plus, it's a great way to start getting connected with yoru body and gently convincing your muscles to work for you.

Ask yourself which is GREATER- your desire to succeed and meet your goals or your desire to avoid embarrassment? Going into an unfamiliar situation can be intimidating, but that intimidation can't overpower or undermine your desire to meet your goals.


Nothing ventured, nothing gained....

I go to the Y and they offer a whole bunch of classes that I'd like to try. I am SO freaking out of shape though that A) I don't think I'll make it through a class - ANY class and regardless of whether I do or not it won't be a pretty site. I think that's what's stopping me from even trying it.

Any words of wisdom from used to be newbies at working out?

I wish I could go with you!!! I joined the Y last month and I look at this huge list of classes and I, too, am intimidated about breaking into one of them! Another thing that really complicates things for me while working out in public is that I get really red. Like REALLY RED, and even though I'm fine, people start asking me if I'm okay, and I have to explain to them that I just get really red, and that there's nothing wrong with me. When I'm swimming laps and the lifeguards see this, they come and stand by my lane. It embarrasses the crap out of me.

I also don't have any work out clothes or shoes, and don't know where to find them in my size.

I wish we could go together.