Took my first step class...

Rosie5230
Rosie5230 Posts: 14 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Was supposed to be for beginner through moderate level...I was uncoordinated, out of step, and clearly stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the other very fit people....I almost left 2 minutes into it out of embarrassment. Anti-social me said I will come back next week and try again but now I'm wondering why I would put myself through that again. Any recommendations for a good class led workout that doesn't involve a lot of coordination :)

Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Indoor cycling class? I hate step class for that very reason, I have two left feet. Indoor cycling requires no coordination whatsoever. And it's fun.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Keep going, you'll soon learn the routine!
  • mandy462
    mandy462 Posts: 17 Member
    I tried my first barre class last night ... it was also supposed to be beginner level, low impact, safe for my lower back pain ... and yes, the instructor was very solicitous and helpful ... but I stupidly tried to keep up and now my back is killing me and I'm fearful of another episode. Also I was near tears midway through and thinking in my head (every time she threw another horrific pilates move at us) "Are you freakin - ok maybe not 'freakin' - KIDDING ME???" Honestly. I don't know how I made it through. I am so so so out of shape!

    On the plus side, this has suddenly made the treadmill (collecting dust in my living room) and my measly little 5 lb weights and my workout bands look MUCH MORE appealing! I know for myself, I have to be doing something that makes me feel GOOD after. Mentally even more than physically.

    Maybe you can try a Zumba class or video? They're fun and you can pretty much just give up following 10 minutes in and do whatever moves you want. But at least you're MOVING and perhaps sweating a bit.
  • BeeerRunner
    BeeerRunner Posts: 728 Member
    Just know that everyone was a beginner once, and although you were probably self conscious about it, no one would think anything bad about a new person learning the ropes. Most instructors would rather see people keep moving, even if they are out of step. Just go more towards the back until you get it.

    You could try a Spin class...no choreography involved!! Turbo Kick Box is a class I've enjoyed. You work on some moves and gradually build on them, but there's definitely steps involved. I think it's probably easier to learn the moves than step. I take Body Pump regularly, which is kind of a strength/cardio class. It's about lifting with endurance, not lifting heavy. Zumba and Cize are both really dancey, so if you have a challenge learning steps, I would avoid those. You might ask someone at the gym on their recommendations because gyms have different offerings.

    Also, group classes aren't for everyone. You can always get cardio in on the treadmill, elliptical, bikes, stair climbers, etc...
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    I honestly don't think you stuck out like a sore thumb to anyone but yourself. It can take awhile to get used to a new class, but it's fine to find a spin class or something else that you like better. I don't care for any type of choregraphed class.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Rosie5230 wrote: »
    Was supposed to be for beginner through moderate level...I was uncoordinated, out of step, and clearly stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the other very fit people....I almost left 2 minutes into it out of embarrassment. Anti-social me said I will come back next week and try again but now I'm wondering why I would put myself through that again. Any recommendations for a good class led workout that doesn't involve a lot of coordination :)

    Not a class, but if you really want to learn step aerobics there is a full length Gin Miller DVD called Everybody Steps on YouTube. It's a primer - very simple. Gin was the creator of step aerobics & her cueing is spot on.

    I will never be very skilled at step so I do DVDs exclusively. Some of my favorites (check your local library): Kari Anderson - Go!, Christi Taylor - Mission Possible, and Cathe (Friedrich) - Basic Step.
  • MsAmandaNJ
    MsAmandaNJ Posts: 1,248 Member
    Any choreographed class is going to be insane on your first try - you simply don't have the muscle memory for the moves that everyone else has developed through practice, so you will not be in sync and it will feel awkward. It will take a few sessions to get a good grasp of the moves.

    A friend once dragged me to her step class and said, "If I can do it, you can do it". The room was hot, smelled a lovely mix of feet/B.O./sweat, and was packed. I toughed it out for about a minute, then walked out and discovered the elliptical (which I didn't like at first, the woman next to me told me to give it 5 minutes before I made up my mind). I may give step another chance someday, but for now I'll stick with the group classes I love - yoga and BodyFlow. BodyPump is a good one too, low weight, high reps.
  • VegasFit
    VegasFit Posts: 1,232 Member
    queenliz99 wrote: »
    Indoor cycling class? I hate step class for that very reason, I have two left feet. Indoor cycling requires no coordination whatsoever. And it's fun.

    Just don't sign up for the choreographed cycle classes! They are taking over!

    I don't consider myself coordinated at all and I have always loved step because it just came down to counting. Jazzersice also was not a problem for me because, again, counting. I don't know what the current step classes are like as there aren't any in gyms around me but the style I prefer is the athletic step versus the dancier style. I agree about Gin Miller. Her older videos are really good as are Kari Anderson. Even Cher's old step video is a classic.

    I think most people are sympathizing with the new person as they were once one versus judging them.
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