I have always loved taking group fitness classes. Truthfully, that’s what first got me interested in exercise back in my 20s. Whether it was at a gym, rec center, or church basement, I didn’t really care as long as I was moving.
Along the way I’ve had some amazing instructors, too. From Wendy with her 80s sweatband and leg warmers to Sheila, who would even teach on Thanksgiving Day in the church parking lot since we weren’t allowed to go in on a holiday! Julie and Amy made it worth getting up for a 5:30 AM aerobics class, Millie and Karyn actually mad me enjoy spinning, and Chad made us all feel like professional hip hop dancers!
Even now, instructors like Kim, Abby, Lisa, Beth, and Karyn make going to class worth all the work and sweat. But like any of the wonderful teachers we’ve had in our lives, they move on, and we have new teachers. And, if you’re open to that new experience (keep in mind that ALL instructors have a learning curve), you might just find yourself another “Can’t miss her (his) class!” teacher.
The benefits of a taking a fitness class are numerous. First of all, just being able to keep up with the class is great motivation for pushing your personal boundaries and achieving goals, especially when the instructor is saying “just 5 more!”
Also,in a group fitness setting you have the opportunity to meet new people, and make new friends that you wouldn’t normally meet unless you were taking a class. Regularly scheduled classes are great for helping you stick to a routine, and, in most classes you work a variety of muscles throughout the class. You are more likely to complete a full body workout and challenge yourself if you are in a group setting.
If you find yourself in a class with a new instructor (either new to you or the gym), give it a few weeks. It might take a while to learn the routines and moves. Over that time, see if the instructor makes an attempt to learn who you are. Do you feel like the instructor really cares about your well-being? A good instructor will make an effort to build a relationship with regular and new students.
Also, a qualified instructor will be happy to explain moves you don’t understand. He or she should be eager to share health and fitness knowledge with you and provide advice on how you can improve your fitness level in class.
Most importantly, an instructor’s enthusiastic personality and manner should help you enjoy the class. Does he/she try to create a fun atmosphere in class? Because if you don’t have fun in class, you probably won’t stick with it for long. Sometimes the fun comes from the steps, sometimes from the music, and sometimes from the instructor’s sense of humor or warmth.
Fitness classes should push you, but a great class (and instructor) should not intimidate you, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re going to: die, throw up, keel over, cry, or run out! If you’re having fun working and sweating, the time should go by quickly. By the end of a great class, I feel good mentally and physically and eagerly look forward to the next one!
(And just a side note, I actually had a new teacher subbing in Zumba this morning. I know people were ready to complain about not having our regular teacher, but Carly just wowed us with a great class. I had so much fun that I can't wait to take another one of her classes!)
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