Tips For Attending Your First Fitness Class

With the New Year in full swing, some people may be looking to start or switch up their fitness routines as part of their resolutions. If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, or even if you’re just making the switch to a new studio, it can be a bit intimidating. I turned to social media to ask some of my fit friends for their advice on starting a new fitness class (thanks to those people who responded!)

@beckyainsley To someone going to a first class: don’t make a decision until you’ve done a few classes!

— Cassandra Collins (@Choco_Collins) December 31, 2016

I think this one is important. Most facilities offer an introductory class or a trial week and I think it’s important to find something you love before making a commitment. That way, you don’t dread going and end up quitting, you’ll look forward to it and stick with it!

@beckyainsley get there a few minutes early and introduce yourself to the coach!

— Danielle Burger (@DanielleBurger) December 31, 2016

I always make sure I arrive early before a new class to fill out paperwork, check out the facility and get set up for the class. Giving yourself a good half hour before the class starts enables you to chat with the instructor, let them know about any previous injuries you may have, and get all the equipment you need out and ready without feeling rushed and frazzled. It’s great if you can even go in a couple days early to tour the facility and ask any questions you may have ahead of time.

@beckyainsley don’t be scared/intimidated. Ask for help as someone else may not know what they are doing either

— Leigh D. (@bestthingislove) December 31, 2016

Everyone has had a first time at some point. I remember during my first BodyPump class, I had no idea what weights I should be using for an upcoming track and had to ask people nearby what they recommended. The more you are able to ask questions, the faster you’ll be comfortable with the classes and pretty soon, a new person will be turning to you to ask a question!

@beckyainsley Instructors truly want you to have fun, be safe, and get a good workout. Don’t be intimidated – everyone had a first class!

— Kris Murray (@kriss_murray) December 31, 2016

Truth! And no one is going to be judging you for being new. If they are, it might not be the place for you. There will always be a supportive group to welcome you openly and help you have fun and achieve your goals.

Some more tips:

• No one is looking at you. Promise. Everyone will be focusing on their own workouts to watch what you’re doing.
• Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. I’ve laughed my way through my first classes many times because I wasn’t able to keep up or was too uncoordinated. And you know what? It made the experience that much more fun because I wasn’t frustrated or afraid that I wasn’t at the same level as the more experienced class goers.
• Chat up your fellow gym goers – you never know when you will find a new gym buddy. I have a handful of friends throughout the city that I’ve met from whatever gym I was attending at the time.
• Make sure you wear the right clothing for your workout. There’s nothing worse than showing up for a class that is high intensity when you were expecting low intensity and wore the wrong sports bra, or showing up for a class you thought was barefoot but you needed to wear shoes (been there, done that).

What tips do you have for someone heading to their first fitness class? 
Anyone have any first timer experiences to share?