Are you considering a new fitness class? If you’re looking to increase your personal fitness and learn new and exciting forms of exercise, joining a fitness class is one of the best things you can do.
As with everything, there’s a learning curve to these classes and it can be daunting at first, but it will get easier with time. Here are 4 tips to help you get the most out of whatever fitness class you end up choosing.
1). Consider Your Options
You may think you have a good idea about what kind of fitness class you want, but have you weighed all your options? You may find that there are more options in your area than you thought.
One major direction in fitness is the combination of workouts and fun, motivational music. Box-in Haus, Haus spin, Zumba, and in-Haus high intense interval training (HIIT) are all good examples of popular fitness classes.
It’s well worth your while to consider these options in terms of the experience they offer and what they can do for you. Take in-Haus HIIT, for example, this is a class that offers intense workouts designed to exercise your entire body and maximize the number of calories you’ll be burning.
Or perhaps Zumba is more your style. Zumba combines dance moves and music for a workout that is both incredibly fun and incredibly satisfying. You’ll be amazed at the feeling of whole-body well-being that you experience after a good Zumba workout, and the positive feelings from all the endorphins.
Whatever you end up choosing, it’s well worth your while to take the time to figure out what the options for fitness classes in your area really are. That way you’ll be in the best possible position to decide what you want to take.
2). Approach the Instructor or Facility
If you’re interested in a class, why not do your research and then reach out to the instructor? Many people who teach these classes will be delighted to help you make sense of them and answer questions about what they do and the experience they offer.
You may be wondering about the format of the class, what level of proficiency you need to have, or other questions. It’s likely that the fitness instructor will be able to answer them and allay any concerns you may have before enrolling in the class.
This is particularly important because there may be some information that will help you make your decision.
Many times people who are thinking about doing a fitness class feel some level of uncertainty or anxiety, but this is the kind of thing that usually goes away if you talk to the instructor or simply take the plunge and enroll in the class.
3). Show Up Early
Once you’ve decided to enroll, make it a point to show up to class early. This will endear you to your instructor, and that is always a good reason to do it, but think about it like this: you are spending your time and probably your money on this class. Why not try to get the most out of it?
Showing up early will give you more time to get situated and get ready for the class. You may want to drink some water, change your clothes, stow your belongings, etc. before getting into the class.
Zumba is a particularly good example of a class it’s a good idea to be early for: it’s exuberant, fun, and the early songs and moves will probably be designed to get your heart pumping and your blood moving.
4). Don’t Stand in the Back Row
You may be tempted to hang out in the back row because you’re a beginner and you’re self-conscious. It’s a good idea to resist this temptation, though, because the instructor will be better able to help you if you are closer to the front.
It’s important to remember that it really is okay to be the new person and not know much about the class and the discipline yet. Everyone starts out as the new person and has to figure it out. As time goes on, you’ll probably start building a rapport with other participants as well as with the instructor, and this can lead to better progress.
Conclusion
Starting a new fitness class is an excellent step toward greater health and wellbeing. Hopefully, the 4 tips here will get you off to a good start. It’s important to keep in mind that while taking the plunge can be difficult and sticking with it can be a challenge, the rewards of fitness are considerable.
A regular fitness class can lead to stronger muscles, endorphins contributing to better mental health, and an overall increased level of confidence and a sense of wellbeing.
