Exercise classes at the gym

I've never done one, but even the people who walk in looking nervous and hang out in the back look like they are having fun.

i did zumba for awhile last year and enjoyed it a lot. (and im as coordinated as a drunk hippo)

a lot of places also offer beginner classes.

I used to belong to a great Y with a lot of classes and I remember my first feeling apprehensive. But I met so many people and had a great time. It was a great experience and met new friends. It got to the point if I didn't show up for a couple of days peopled called and text me to make sure I was ok! I have sense moved and now have a gym on my work campus, they have classes that I take and enjoy. I still miss the Y but I really enjoy classes. Right now we are doing a 10 week, new year new you program, with clinics, weigh ins, classes and workout classes. Try a couple of classes. You might like them!

Yoga is one I'd recommend (I love yoga). People have such different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to yoga that you only stand out if you look perfect And the philosophy encourages folks to not worry about anyone else there or competition, etc, so the beginner classes tend to be very, very welcoming.

It's also so good for you and helps your body (and even mind, yes!) in ways that you can't picture until you've done it for a little while It's hard to explain, but I think it must do something unusual for the nervous system. I'm not big on metaphysical explanations.

And then of course it helps so much with flexibility, balance, some strength and that sort of thing, too!

Just go. There's always at least 5 people who are in the same boat.

Love them! I am not one who is self motivated when it comes to cardio especially so classes keep me on schedule, accountable and engaged with others who are working hard too. Just stand in the back until you figure out what is going on. No worries as there will be lots of people standing back there with you!

Pick something that is beginner-friendly if you are just starting to exercise. Ask which programs are good for beginners, and give it a try. Try a few different classes and different instructors so you can figure out what is more interesting. Do not worry, there are beginners coming and going in every class, you will not be the first person who is trying to figure out what to do, and everyone has started as a beginner.

Classes are great fun once you get there. It took me a long time to get to that point, now I try something new a couple of times a year.
I am a bit older and have a bit of a problem with the mobility in one of my legs so I always go early, introduce myself, and explain my limitations and how I cope.

I was incredibly unfit when I started so I did aqua fit. Good for flexibility, mobility, posture, balance and coordination. It is still my fall back class.
I moved on to-
belly dancing, great for the belly.
Pilates
Core strengthening
Aerobics
Zumba
Yoga.

Yoga I would second as a good place to start, eventhough I have only just started doing it myself.
Like aqua fit, it really works all of your body, but in a gentle manner, making you much more body aware. Good for assessing where you would like to progress to.

Zumba too is a good choice. There are Zumba gold classes. They are a little slower in the movement and have less high impact moves. They are aimed at those new to exercise or a little older. Highly recommend this if you have little experience in dance coordination. I am still hopeless at it, but doing the ZGold class really helped as it went slow enough that I had chance to figure out the basic moves- these then transfer over to the faster moving Zumba.

Just sign up and go with a smile on your face. Every one who is worth knowing is very friendly, and everyone is concentrating so much on what they are doing to worry if you are going left instead of right.

Cheers, h.

UnicornAmanda1 wrote: »

I want to start taking exercise classes at the gym but i feel anxious! I know its silly but i need to be nudged... Tell me your experience with exercise classes at the gym!!

Probably the best way of starting gym training, really. And it'll probably keep you motivated to keep attending.

Just go in the back, do what you can, attempt to avoid being competitive with the regulars, and have fun.

Using yoga as an example - we are not born yogis and yoginis. It takes practice. I've often gone to classes that were above my level and just did what I could and observed what I couldn't.

Nobody cares what you are doing or what you look in a group class except you. They are all focused on themselves, trust me on this. Go, learn the steps/routine, have fun, and soon you will be totally comfortable with it. Everybody is a beginner at the beginning.

I have been doing a few over the past 4 months just get in and move and have fun!

Go! It's pretty much my only form of exercise. I do Zumba, Burlesque Dancing, Spin & Meta-Fit. Each one is different, with a different agenda for me. The instructor is very important, you'll probably find you gel more with some than others, then you can drop the ones you don't like! Tell them it's your first class at the beginning and they will generally always help you.