Group fitness question - what would you do?

Unfortunately smokers usually don't comprehend how bad they smell and how it affects others. I don't see it going well if you try and tell her to pick a side. Hopefully she'll lose interest soon and you can enjoy your class again.

Other than asking the instructor to open a window, if this is an option, I doubt you can do much more. I have only heard once of an instructor having a talk with a client, because this client clearly had a personal hygiene problem and there were several people complaining repeatedly and in groups (I did not witness the talk obviously, but after several complaints the instructor promised she would handle it, and the problem was in fact solved). But it was like people loudly complaining during the class about the need to open windows, and then groups of 5-6 people waiting after the class to complain to the instructor. I cannot imagine that a single person complaining about cigarette smell on clothes would be something an instructor would interfere with.

Is there a fan? Can you position yourself near the fan?

Or ... in the old days when people didn't bathe, the wealthy used to carry a small bouquet of flowers if they had to be out and about among the masses. Can you spritz yourself with a no-smoke air freshener?

I think this is one of those things you just have to put up with.

Sounds annoying, but I don't see a way of tackling it without upsetting someone and making the atmosphere in the room worse than it is for you now.

Maybe there are others that are bothered too but also afraid to say anything? In a group setting like that, I think it is rude of a person to show up reeking, whether it's from cigarette smoke or BO, or whatever.

Move away from her. She smokes. Deal with it.

As an instructor for 18 years, and one of a very sensitive nose, there isn't much that can be done. We welcome everyone to our classes, our facility. We try not to pinpoint one person and ask them to leave because they smell. We never know the story of why they come to us. We may be the only positive thing happening in their lives, they may be in a horrible and stressful situation and smoke to calm themselves down. The class they are taking may be the boost they need to feel good about themselves and stop smoking all together. If they are approached, they will feel embarrassed and never come back. It doesn't matter how nice you say it, it will be hurtful to them. Most everyone who smokes knows how bad it is for them. Maybe this class is their turning point and you may be the person who inspires them to come back. Each time a person works out, they feel better. If this person stays with exercise, most likely they will start to slow down on smoking and may not smoke one before they come in because of how well they feel. It's hard for a person to smoke and get 100% out of their workouts, some people it just takes longer to realize it. Maybe try to get to class and find a spot at the furthest part of the room before that person even walks in. At lease you won't be behind their path. This is a very touchy subject for many. It is irritating, I myself, can't stand the smell of smoke and is bothered by it too. I have never asked someone to leave a class because they have an odor. I would turn the exhaust fan on to circulate air out of room or open a window