We've all been the new student in a group fitness class—while everyone seems to know the whole routine, you bounce around completely lost. But that doesn't mean you should give up immediately. Before you decide to leave early (or never go back!), follow some of these first-timer tips from fitness pros. Always Arrive Early "It's always a good idea to get to class early, especially if it's your first time," says YAS founder and instructor Kimberly Fowler. "You'll likely need to fill out a new student form. Also, classes can be packed and you will want to get a spot in the back row as most instructors know to look to the back row for newbies that might need a little extra help." Plus, in the case you really do need to leave early, you can sneak out without disrupting the class. Adding to that, Brett Hoebel, author and founder of the 20 Minute Body (and Biggest Loser trainer) says, "A lot of the time, the front row is the only place that's open in a class, so if you show up late, there may only be the slot next to the instructor, which is not really the best slot."
We've all been the new student in a group fitness class—while everyone seems to know the whole routine, you bounce around completely lost. But that doesn't mean you should give up immediately. Before you decide to leave early (or never go back!), follow some of these first-timer tips from fitness pros.
"It's always a good idea to get to class early, especially if it's your first time," says YAS founder and instructor Kimberly Fowler. "You'll likely need to fill out a new student form. Also, classes can be packed and you will want to get a spot in the back row as most instructors know to look to the back row for newbies that might need a little extra help." Plus, in the case you really do need to leave early, you can sneak out without disrupting the class.
Adding to that, Brett Hoebel, author and founder of the 20 Minute Body (and Biggest Loser trainer) says, "A lot of the time, the front row is the only place that's open in a class, so if you show up late, there may only be the slot next to the instructor, which is not really the best slot."
Hoebel adds, "You can talk to people that have been in there before so you can understand what to expect. Or ask the instructor a couple of questions on modifications you can do. You can tell me for instance, I have a wrist issue' and then I can give you the modifications and say, When we do the push-up I want you to do plank on your forearms.'"
If you're not prepared for a fitness class, you could walk into a situation you won't enjoy. Hoebel says, "Some people will come into a class and it's not their fitness level, and they've never even done the moves that are going to be in there, so be sure to check the website for class descriptions. Sometimes you have to bring the right foot gear or you may want to bring a type of mat or something else.
You can also look up videos of the class online. Fowler says she hears from many students that they watched videos ahead of time, "so they know what they are getting into. That's a smart idea."
"My advice for a new rider is to slow down and take breaks when needed," says Hickl, "but understand that cycling is intense and their stamina and endurance will increase overtime if they stick with it."
But if you're feeling sick or dizzy, and really need to leave, Fowler says, "You can always leave if you feel it's too much. Never feel like you are forced to stay." Though like all the instructors we spoke with, she says it's best to stick it out. In the case of a yoga class, there's always child's pose: "This is a pose you can use whenever you need or just want to take a break."
Finally, Hoebel adds, "Energy is contagious, so when people's expectations aren't met, they start getting upset and it spreads. Everyone's had a first class experience, so be open to it." Let the people around you motivate you to keep going.