Classes at the Gym----phobia

My suggestion is this. Call your gym. Talk to whoever answers the phone. They do not have to know who you are. Just say I am a memeber and I want to start attending this yoga class or whatever class it may be. Ask if you have to sign up or just show up, what equipment if any you need to bring and if there are any other bits of info you may need to know. They should be able to help you. I am not a member of Golds gym but that is what I did when I started going to the classes at my gym. Also, I am too busy trying to concentrate on myself that I don't have time to see how everyone else in the class is doing. GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Just do it! I was scared too but now that's all I do now is classes! It's so much more fun than the elliptical!

I swear after you go the first time you'll be fine!

Ugh! Then answer her questions! What should she bring? How should she dress? Does she need to sign up? I don't know, I wouldn't do classes if you paid me, but if you think it would be something she'd enjoy encourage her by helping her with the things that are worrying her. That she won't have the right stuff or clothes, or she'll find out she needed to sign up and she didn't!

Wow! :grumble:

Anyway, I was trying to be encouraging! :flowerforyou: I don't go to Gold's Gym so I don't really know if you need to sign up for classes. Some others have given you good ideas for clothing options. I've sen people wear all kinds of outfits at teh gym. I agree that you should wear something that makes YOU feel comfortable. Also, I always like to bring a little towel to wipe my face off every so often.

I wish you good luck! I hope you find something you really love, it makes it so much easier to get to the gym when you are looking forward to the workout!

I love classes!!!! I have more phobia about going on the floor then taking classes. You will be fine just focus on your goals.

I had the same phobia - had never been to a group class in my life!

but dont worry about it - whats the worst that can happen?

If you are worried about equiptment - call and ask ahead of time what you should bring
If you don't know what to expect from the class - go early and ask the instructor, tell him/her you are new and they will show you modifications if you need them.
If you are worried you will look stupid - think about how awesome you will look in that goal dress one day - and also - everyone in the class is doing the same thing you are so you can't look stupider than they look!

I know this because I thought ALL of these things about group classes - and did all of those things to allay my fears. Now i love group clases - its a GREAT way to keep in shape and do something different than the same old cardio

Classes are a lot of fun, so get in there and try one. I'd suggest that a spinning class may be the least intimidating as you are just sitting on a bike. It can be a very hard workout, but there aren't a bunch of different moves to learn, and the clothing is pretty basic...just some comfortable biking shorts or even longer type sweats & a Tshirt...doesn't have to be anything special.. That might get you over the phobia of taking that first step into a class.

I am pretty much terrified of classes. I have no idea what to expect. What equipment I should bring? How I should dress? Do I need to sign up? What if I embarrass myself because I'm not coordinated enough? I want to take the Body Flow and/or Yoga classes and then maybe branch out to some of the "dancier" stuff. But I'm so freaking scared I can't seem to bring myself to talk to anyone about it.

What should I bring/wear to a yoga pilates type class?

Normally the gym provides you with mats, blocks and belts, stuff you need for the yoga. The instructor most likely will ask you to take your socks off, so you don't slip, so I like to make sure my nail polish is nice, but that's just me.

Wear something non restrictive, like leggings and a top that won't come up when you hang head down, so you don't feel embarrassed about your tummy showing, as some positions require you to bend over deep and support your weight with arms and legs. Other than that just yourself, so don't worry too much. If in doubt ask the receptionist, they should be happy to help you.
Yoga can be hard if you never done it, but you will improve really quickly, so don't give up after the first class. I do yoga at least twice a week for 1 1/2 hours.

Enjoy!

Also for standing poses some instructors might ask you to roll your trouser legs up to, to improve your grip on yourself. Defuzzing before hand might be a good thing to do - also applies if you in other classes where you might be asked to do things on your back with your legs in the air (trousers fall down!).

If you can, turn up to sessions early, so you can ask questions of other people waiting for it and get a decent spot. Always let the instructor know you're new and of any health problems you may have.

Do take a bottle of water and a towel (your are expected to sweat and that's ok, buuuuuuuuuuut not so nice for others if you sweat over equipment and don't clean up after yourself).

Ask at reception for which classes would be best for you to start off with, for example...
- Do Hatha/Iyengar Yoga rather than Ashtanga / Power if it specifies
- Ask if there are specific beginning classes (spinning usually has a 15-20 min class for beginner to get the moves)
If that's a lil spooky doing it face to face, call them, they don't even have to know who you are so you can ask as many questions as you like!

Or you could just hang around walking on a treadmill to checkout people in the classes!

Classes are a great way to have more fun out of the gym, feel like you're really learning things and progressing, plus it's a great motivator (either via the instructor, or eyeing up a regular and aiming for what they can do!). If you go regularly you can get to know people too (turn up early for more chat time).

I don't belong to Gold's Gym, but I did have some of the same fears when I joined LA Fitness. I was nervous about sign-ups, and how rigorous the classes would be, and if I'd look like a complete idiot cause I was really out of shape. But I ultimately went because my will was stronger than my fears, and slowly but surely, I learned how things worked. Mostly everyone is very friendly in the classes, and it's okay to strike up a conversation with the instructor beforehand to let her know you're new so you can get extra tips. They're there to help you get the best workout possible so feel free to approach them. And if you feel like being in the back of the class starting off, that's fine--I enjoyed watching everyone so I could learn the ropes and it allay many of my fears. But I would just encourage you to push yourself to go and you'll learn your way. That's what I did, and now I'm addicted to the stuff, and I've lost 26 pounds in two months because of those classes (step, strength training, boot camp fitness, cycling). The hardest step is always the first one. After that, IT'S EASY! You can do it! Good luck!

As a group fitness instructor, I love seeing new people come into class! Its a great way to build a network of friends a the gym who are like you - trying to get into shape or staying in shape! I would suggest bringing a towel and water to class. And lots of energy! You don't need any other special equipment - the gym should provide all that you need. As far as dress, it would depend on the class. Dance type classes you could wear what you wear on the elliptical machine. For yoga or spin, I would suggest at least knee length tighter pants and a tighter shirt. During yoga you don't want to be doing a downdog and worry what you are flashing people Also for spin, the tighter pants help you not get stuck in the pedals. I also don't like shorts for spin, they tend to ride up on me and I like the extra coverage of longer pants on the bike.
Always go at your own pace. If you need to take a break, do it. No shame in needed to recharge and then get back into it. Good luck!!