Beginner wanting to take classes?

I would most definitely recommend Zumba.

I started with doing a couple of yoga classes to get over my initial worries. Then I took a couple of step classes. The trick is to ask a trainer or someone who works there about the kind of instructors teaching the class. The trainer was able to tell me which teachers were a bit more hard core (usually the early morning classes). A 5am step or spin class usually has the same people in it every time and the instructor ramps it up to keep them motivated. The 9 am step class was by an instructor who also taught Zumba and was more about varying the workout and making it fun. Also, maybe peeking in on the classes you are interested in might give you a better idea as to what to expect. I would love to take a Body Pump class but I'm not there physically yet. My plan is to buy myself classes this spring as a reward. Good luck!

Ok- so I'm looking for some advice & encouragement here. I joined a gym a few weeks ago and have been going pretty regularly. I usually hit up the elliptical for about 40 min and then walk & run in intervals on the treadmill for about 30 min. By that time, I usually head home because I have 2 small kids & a busy schedule. (I've also been doing 30DS everyday so I'm getting some strength training in also)

Here's my question: I would like to take some (or a) group exercise class. I'm nervous to go to a class for the first time!! I really do think I'd push myself more by trying to keep-up but I'm so nervous I'd embarrass myself if I wasn't able to do all the moves. I can barely get through the 30day shred ones at home! I know, I know- who cares what other people think....but what was your first time like joining up with a new class? Do newbies stick out like a sore thumb? I just need a little push I suppose.

OH- and there are only 2 classes this month that are 'beginner' ones and both are ones I have no interest in doing. I'm interested in taking a step or spin class and MAYYYYBE zumba?

Just so you know..I was once a beginner and the first 3 minutes I was maybe a little shy but it passed immediately!! Honestly most people arent even paying you attention. I have met some good friends in my group classes and now I am always in the front....I still mess up...and I really dont care!!! Do yourself a favor and try it!! You will love it!

Talk to the instructor at the beginning of class. Pretty much any group exercise move can be modified to a beginner's level. If the instructor knows you are new, they can offer modifications. Treadmill and Elliptical are great, but maybe try changing it up for a strength training class (BodyPump, Pilates, Yoga, etc) a few days a week.

There is no shame in working at your own level. When I took my first pilates class, even the most basic exercises were tough. I just worked at my own level and kept going to class. Once I had mastered each level, I moved on to the next modification, making each exercise more challenging. My core strength has improved tremendously.

It was the same for spin and then running. The first workout is the toughest. But, every workout is really self paced so you can push as much or as little as you need to.

We all have to start somewhere. I took my first class which was group power-- a muscular endurance class-- and the instructor saw me and explained everything we would be doing and helped me set up my weights and weight bench. Go early to class, and the instructor will usually be there to greet new folks. If you are still unsure, hang out in the back for a couple classes.

Another thing..... trust me... if there are mirrors in the classroom..... people will be too concerned about how THEY look to YOU, and will be checking themselves out in the mirror, not you. I quickly learned that when I was the biggest person in the class. I even made friends by taking classes.

I am a group fitness instructor - I teach step aerobics and I also teach ZUMBA 4 times a week. The thing you need to do is just DO IT !!! Any good fitness instructor is watching and giving modified moves for "anyone" that needs them... not just newbies. Maybe there is a veteran that is a little "sluggish" that day... a modified move is what they need until they are able to go back to their normal pace. I would encourage you to introduce yourself to the instructor - If they have large classes that are a constant turn-over the instructor might not know what you need or where you are starting. Having said that I would also say that a good instructor is giving modifications for EVERY move they are teaching.....

My class of preference is the ZUMBA classes. It is the most fun and it is amazing how time FLIES.... at the end of the hour you are just really ready to get it all going. AND Zumba is a class that you can work at your own pace. I have 3 generations in each class. The people range from 16 - 78. No other class I have ever taught has been that way. I love that we ALL can get fit together.

Unless the class says ADVANCED you should try it out. If you can talk to the instructor before class let him/her know your fitness level and they will show modifications to the exercises. I had not done fitnesses classes in almost 10 years and started going last year. Each of the instructors gave modifications throughout the class. FYI Keep your stepper on level one lol