Group Exercise Anxiety

ambywams328
ambywams328 Posts: 22 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm just getting back into the gym routine. I'm trying all the group fitness classes my YMCA has to offer. Today is the first day and I'm trying BodyCombat. I can't shake the nervousness. Any tips on how to focus on the workout rather than the anxiety?

Replies

  • ambywams328
    ambywams328 Posts: 22 Member
    Thanks to both responses!
  • MikePTY
    MikePTY Posts: 3,814 Member
    Most people are way too caught up in their own stuff to worry about what everyone else is doing.

    The first few classes will be tough, you'll feel like a spazz and like you're super out of shape. That's to be expected. But everyone else felt the same way their first time, so nobody will judge you for it.
  • OkieGina
    OkieGina Posts: 126 Member
    Years ago I taught various group exercise classes. What I always told new or nervous students was that they didn't really need to worry about other students watching them - everyone was too busy watching me! And even as the instructor, I messed up plenty of times! You'll do great!
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,674 Member
    Everybody was new once . . . and the ones who aren't totally self-absorbed remember what it was like. It's normal to feel awkward and even incompetent at first. Embrace it. ;)

    Hope you had fun!
  • ceiswyn
    ceiswyn Posts: 2,256 Member
    Way to go! Sounds like you threw yourself into it properly :)

    You get the hang of the moves eventually; just before they change. Are you feeling a bit better about trying other classes now?
  • tashanic2
    tashanic2 Posts: 24 Member
    Oh, I LOVE combat! Such a good cardio workout and half the time I am in la-la-land with the moves. A good instructor will make you feel like a million bucks even when you are totally off track. It does get easier each time!
  • runnermom419
    runnermom419 Posts: 366 Member
    Way to go! I've been the newbie and the experienced person. Let me tell you, no one is focusing on anything besides themselves. There is only *one* time in my 7+ years of fitness classes that I've ever paid attention to what someone else was doing. And that was when someone was on the verge of seriously hurting themselves by jacking around.
  • ambywams328
    ambywams328 Posts: 22 Member
    At first I was worried because of the giant mirror on the wall, but that worry left quickly. I was either looking at my beet red face or the instuctor. I assumed all the other people did the same. The class wasn't packed either which is nice. The instuctor had good energy and a decent taste in music. I'm definitely going back.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,674 Member
    ambywams328 wrote: »
    Oh yeah! Definitely better. I did these classes before a few years ago with a friend. It was easier I guess with having someone with me. But now I'm not waiting on anyone to make time to go with me. So I just did a good ole fashioned "sink or swim" scenario haha!

    Love your attitude: You'll go far with it!

    Glad class was a positive experience. Do a little stretching, drink enough fluids, keep moving - those sore muscles will unkink a bit. :)

    Good show! :flowerforyou:
  • ambywams328
    ambywams328 Posts: 22 Member
    I'm keeping up with 8 glasses of water a day. Could do a bit more stretching I think. I swim in the mornings so that helps get my body moving for the day. Thanks for all the advice.
  • ceiswyn
    ceiswyn Posts: 2,256 Member
    edited May 2019
    ambywams328 wrote: »
    At first I was worried because of the giant mirror on the wall, but that worry left quickly. I was either looking at my beet red face or the instuctor. I assumed all the other people did the same. The class wasn't packed either which is nice. The instuctor had good energy and a decent taste in music. I'm definitely going back.

    Your assumption is 100% correct. The first time I ever did a class I too was scared by the mirror; and then I spent the entire time looking at myself in it to try and figure out the moves. Almost forgot there was anyone else IN the class, except for the feeling of energy and 'we're all in this together' and the instructor's encouragement!

    (Now I spend the entire time looking at myself in the mirror because I'm admiring my deltoid definition. But shhh.)
  • jabari18
    jabari18 Posts: 12 Member
    Great job!!!! I remember how nervous I was for my first combat class thinking people will be judging my unfit unathletic self. Turns out no one judged. The environment was super encouraging. I’m glad you enjoyed it
  • lollie1285
    lollie1285 Posts: 239 Member
    I’m a group fitness instructor and trust me, nobody is even paying attention to anyone else. You do your thing and get your workout in girl! Bodycombat is my FAVORITE! It takes a little while to get the steps down but once you do, any combo they throw at you is no biggie.
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    ambywams328 wrote: »
    I'm just getting back into the gym routine. I'm trying all the group fitness classes my YMCA has to offer. Today is the first day and I'm trying BodyCombat. I can't shake the nervousness. Any tips on how to focus on the workout rather than the anxiety?

    I'm autistic so for me going to group classes was a big hurdle.
    I made sure I got there nice and early (still do that now, I don't do late) .
    I spoke to the instructor about how nervous I was and then found myself a place at the back I was very self conscious the first few months, but it gets easier. I'm now at the front for around half the classes. Maybe I'm lucky but I've found the regulars in the classes I go to are mostly a great bunch, welcoming and supportive (and very accepting of my quirkiness) and we all socialise together.
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