Intimidated by group classes

You have to start somewhere. So it's intimidating, standing outside the door isn't going to change that.

Jump in.

I'm sort of with you in that boat. Last year I would go to the kickboxing class all the time but really wanted my friend to go with me. She doesn't go to classes because she says shes not coordinated. Now that we are on this journey together I will not go to a class because she won't go. Its really not a good thing because I know how much fun the classes are. They really push you. I say if you want to go then go. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and JUST DO IT!!! hahaha. One of these days when the gym offers a class when I can go maybe I will do it to.

Here's something to ponder:

Everyone in the room had their "first class". Everyone. No one was born doing spinning or yoga or whatever. . .

Take the plunge! You literally have nothing to lose but your fear and some weight.:flowerforyou:

edited to add: Ah, Kat. . .great minds post alike!

One of my favorite quotes is "Move and your heart will follow"

a few more good ones:

~When in doubt, just take the next small step.

~Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

~No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

~Always choose life.

~Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.


...and of course,
Just Do It.


The people at the gym are all there for the same reasons, and they all had to start somewhere. You'll make new friends in the classes that enjoy doing the same things, and who knows: maybe your friend will see you having so much fun and decide to try it too. Be the inspiration!!

When I was an instructor at the gym... I LOVED seeing new faces! Especially when those new faces show up again and again...and then become "regulars". Honestly, most people don't watch those around them because they are focusing on their own form and their own workout. Have fun! Take some classes!! A lot of those classes will help to work different areas of your body and give you a new workout and help beat the "plateau"!!! Good luck!!

I currently teach BodyPump and BodyAttack! I'll personally tell you that when new people come in, they are welcomed with warm smiles and encouragement. We have ALL been in that position of starting for the very first time. I promise you that when the music starts, all eyes are on the instructor (sometimes this freaks me out lol but i get over it). No one looks at you unless your doing something TOTALLY different like running when people are laying down, and I doubt you'll be doing that.

by the end of the class, you'll feel great! And over time you'll even make freinds and they can be gym buddies because they will start to notice if you haven't been coming to class.

Start with a simple class, like yoga where the lights usually turn off so you'll comfy. Then the next class you try, start in the back but make sure you can see what the instructor sees.

And always use lower options. I'm an instructor and even I get tired. Everyone is LOOKING right at me, so I can't hide in the back if I dont' feel like going crazy that day. Take advantage of that luxury .

Best of Luck!:happy:

:bigsmile: Thanks, guys I feel much better about it now.

I like to hear some people feel the same way, too. So what if I embarrass myself? Everyone had their first class at some point. I think I'll go to a class tonight!

Atta girl!!!!!!

Go for it! I just joined a gym last month and took my first class last week a cardio/tone class - I did the second one last night! I am a very big girl, and it seemed, at first, to be a class of very fit folks, but upon closer inspection, it really is all shapes and sizes.

I was very intimidated too, but I am learning to overcome that. My new motto is "Keep an open heart". Watching a few folks I know who seem to be able to do "stupid" things and then laugh them off, or do intimidating (to me!) things, I have discovered that this is their secret. When you open your heart, you think less about how you look and more about the fact that your intent was genuine.

With that in mind, the first thing I did was go up to the instructor and say "Hi I'm new to these kinds of classes - how intense is this and what do I do?" She was so helpful and it was so much easier admitting I was new than trying to look like I knew what I was doing.

Second - I modified anything I couldn't do - wall push-ups instead of on the floor, for example. I stayed near the back and outside edge, so that I could change up without interupting anyone else. I also told my instructor that I have really bad knees, so not only did she make some recommendations to modify when she showed a move...it also helped me feel better when I did something different, to know that she already knew why I was doing that. I know they expect people to do only what they can, but it helped me feel less like a stand out just to have her know that.

Third - close your eyes and think of the last time you were in a crowd of strangers. How many can you specifically remember in terms of what they were doing or how they looked. It helps to remember that we really are just one of the crowd.

p.s. last night at least 2 people fell off the yoga ball while trying an exercise - no one thought it was silly or embarassing - in fact our instructor pointed out that you aren't really doing the exercises, until you fall off at least once!!! Remember - Open heart!

I actually cried a little after the first class, it was such an adrenaline rush to get over that first hump and actually complete the class!

I was really scared to before I started but quicly realized lots of people feel the same way....I started in the farthest back that I could - now I am always front row!!

I totally know how you feel .. there is nothing worse than going to a new class by yourself and feeling like you stick out like a sore thumb!

That is why I just started spin classes ... yes, they are pretty hard but everyone is so focused on what's going on with their own bike so no one is looking at you! And no one in the class tell tell what intensity level other people are working on so it's perfect.

I get in there and challenge myself at my own level and don't feel one bit intimiated. If I need to take a minute and reduce the intensity I do - no one knows and it allows me to keep going.

It is the best workout ever!