8 harmful tips for group classes in a fitness club

Author: Vakhroshieva Elena - a fitness enthusiast.
2016-09-14

Fitness clubs always have rules for attendance, but not all clients follow them. Some rules aren’t even written down, and it would be good for those attending group classes to be aware of them.

Tip #1 - Systematically Arrive Late

Arrive 5-10 minutes after the start of the class, especially if it is your first session. Nothing ever starts on time anyway, and if you come in later, the trainer is already there, and the warm-up is done, so you can comfortably start the workout.

Tip #2 - Claim Your Spot

To have an effective workout, you need to claim your spot for multiple sessions in advance. Preferably, this spot should be near the mirror, as it is the most convenient place to admire yourself. If someone takes the best spot before you do—create a scene! You were the first one to claim it; it’s yours!

Tip #3 - Ask as Many Questions as Possible

Why try to replicate the trainer if you can always ask? Ideally, they should stop the entire workout to explain things individually. Understanding everything on the first try isn’t necessary; you paid for the class, so make the most of it!

Tip #4 - Keep Your Phone Nearby

During the entire session, your phone should be next to your yoga mat. There’s no need to silence it; otherwise, you won’t hear the calls. No matter how important your workout is, that’s not a reason to turn off your phone. Let it ring throughout the studio; you can answer when you’re free.

Tip #5 - Stand Close to Your Neighbor

If there are a lot of people, don’t trouble yourself looking for a spot that is comfortable for you and the other clients. Stand so closely that you touch your neighbor when making arm swings. And of course, there’s no need to maintain a staggered arrangement so that everyone can see themselves in the mirror.

Tip #6 - Attend Multiple Group Classes Back-to-Back

If you have an all-inclusive fitness club pass, attend several classes consecutively to justify the cost. After aerobics, go right into strength training, and after that, head to a dance class. Why not? You’ll get in shape faster.

Tip #7 - Stand by the Window and Ask to Close It

Forget that you came to a group class, not a personal one. If your spot is next to a window, be sure to close it, regardless of other participants' pleas. If someone wants to switch places and stand by the window, refer to the action plan in Tip #2. By the way, if there are no windows in the studio, the air conditioner works perfectly for this purpose. Stand right under the air conditioner and ask for it to be turned off because you're afraid of catching a cold.

Tip #8 - If the Trainer Shows Several Difficult Variations of an Exercise—Do the Hardest One!

Let everyone be envious! It doesn’t matter that this is your very first class and you’re struggling with your form; the main thing is to show what you’re capable of! If the next day it’s hard to climb the stairs or even move, it means you really gave it your all.

All the tips are based on real events.

Of course, after reading these humorous tips, I suggest doing the opposite: arrive on time, prepare your spot ahead of time, neatly lay out all the equipment you might need, carefully observe what the trainer is demonstrating, turn off your phone if you bring it, show respect for other clients, and remember that you’re not the only one working out. Regarding workload—spending 6 hours in a fitness club (yes, I know one such client), no matter how wonderful it is, can be dangerous for the body. It’s better to go for one hour every day—it will be more beneficial. Doing the hardest variations of exercises can be not only dangerous but also ineffective. First, start with the easier variations to feel the proper load.

The concluding thought is this—show friendliness and know your limits in your zeal for workouts; then your training will bring only positive emotions!