Can't keep up with people in gym classes

DodgerBlue19891 wrote: »

When you first started going to a gym class, could you keep up with everyone?

No! Even after 3 months I barely keep up. But some people are very fit and have been working out for years. Me, a year ago I could barely walk upy own driveway. So I try focus only own progress.

Should say: Very few offerings

Haha don't worry! When I first started, I can barely keep up. Now nearly 3 months on, there are still times I have to stop to catch my breathe but I've been able to do more and more each time. I think once I can go and push myself to the max without stopping for a breather, it will be time to find a harder class.

P.S. I'm doing Zumba most days, interspersed with some Beam or Mat Pilates, and some Body Pump classes.

I personally do better doing my own thing (just started a c25k). I don't do well in classes either because I'm too uncoordinated or just can't keep up - I have tried cross-fit through a work initiative a few years ago but ended up feeling worse about myself and struggling with a bout of depression. So I stick to solitary activities although when I do go to the gym am fine with a programme, just not group classes

Just remember, even if you are the "slowest" one in class, you are still faster than everyone who isn't there!

Ooh another uncoordinated one here. Not a natural athlete by any stretch of the imagination either.

I do/ did mostly solitary work, but found aqua fit - this really is a go at your own pace and no one can see you are uncoordinated. After a couple of months floating away and turning the wrong way I had the moves down and could really concentrate on exertion.

I did belly dancing as my first land class, land classes scared me. Went all the wrong way, still do, but boy did I love it, and did it ever help me with posture and abs.

Loved the look of the Zumba classes, but they were way to fast and intense, and I knew it. Found Zumba gold. All the same moves, but a little slower and alternates shown. Perfect, I love it even though I still can't coordinate after 6 month. No one cares and everyone is incredibly supportive.
One class I over did it so much I went white, one of my classmates pulled me aside and sat me down before I fell, another rushed for water and a wet towel. They were great, as was the instructor, no one laughed or thought me a wimp. They were much more concerned as to why I had nearly toppled over ( a heavy day Christmas shopping without lunch, but refusing to miss class)

Wanted to lift, signed up for women on weight class. The class was all women half my age and a lot more used to weights. I said I was interested in compound lifts and while others enjoyed the machines the instructor came up with free weight moves that could transform into a 5x5 programme. Everyone enjoyed the twofold approach, and no one cared that I could only move half the weight I could. They were supportive of my effort.

It most certainly is a different way of exercising but I have found that if I go in friendly, open and put the effort in the class supports me when needed and don't care if I am not performing at their level.

I have gone from someone who eschewed group classes to someone who looks forward to what class I can try next. I, and people who know me, can't believe that I will throw myself into the unknown so willingly.

Sorry that was soooo long, just had to tell you- go for it, put your heart and soul into it, and you will get the rewards of friendship and a better fitter you.

Cheers, h.

My first day at a boot camp class, I puked. A couple months in I could do jumps onto a weight bench, 6 months I could jump over the weight bench. Keep going, you'll catch up. And it's supposed to be hard, even for people that are fit. Only gym bunnies go to be seen. I want to go to sweat!

We may have been doing it a lot longer now. But a few of us ( me) started with no inclination/ background in any kind of activity, entered into exercise with fear and loathing in our hearts, and found it wasn't half as bad as we expected.

Try Zumba. We have 3 guys in our class of 16. They were well accepted, and once they got the feel of it, really joined in the ongoing banter. One is a supersize Father Christmas ( 6'9) and really throws himself into it though he giggles through the more ' feminine moves'. He is a hot- damn at belly dancing.
Another brought his wife, a native Hawiian, now we have hula for cool down some days.

Sorry, bit if a chatterbox there.

Cheers, h.