Group classes?

[rustdoll]

I recently joined a gym and have only gone twice so far... I've only used the stationary bike because I'm too uncoordinated to use the other machines. (Elliptical especially... I just can't get the hang of it!)
I really, really want to try some of the group classes they offer. But I'm afraid I'll just look like a huge idiot trying to do those moves! I have zero coordination or balance, or strength for that matter. I know everyone starts somewhere but I'm so scared.
Does anyone ever go to those? Or have any tips or reassurance? I tried a bit at home (Step stuff) and I'm horrible. I always get confused and mess up.

[KoH.]

It'll take a big push to do something like this at first, and most likely you won't quite 'get it' when doing the moves. But with regular sessions, you will be pro at it in no time! Even if you don't think you will be. Some things really do take practise and rest.

[weightlessrunner]

I'm a group fitness instructor. Pick the class you want to attend and arrive 5 minutes before the class starts. Have a chat to the instructor taking the class and let them know it is your first class. Depending on the type of class, they will help you set up the equipment and/or give you a bit of insight as to what the class involves (at least they should). It will take a few weeks for you to get the hang of things but don't give up immediately. Stick with it. May I ask what class to we're contemplating on attending?

[rustdoll]

I'm wanting to try Body Pump and yoga the most. I think I'll leave the dance/step classes for later haha.
Thanks for your advice. I think I'll just suck it up and show up on Friday

[weightlessrunner]

I'm wanting to try Body Pump and yoga the most. I think I'll leave the dance/step classes for later haha.
Thanks for your advice. I think I'll just suck it up and show up on Friday

I don't teach yoga but I do teach pump so I can tell you about pump.

It's a 55 minute weights based class. You use a bar and weight plates. I'm not sure how it is in Canada but in the gyms at which I work, there are 3 different sizes of plates - 1.25kg, 2.5kg and 5kg. My suggestion for beginners is also stay with the lighter weights for the first 4 -6 weeks because you will need to learn different moves and the last thing you want is to do your back in or something while performing a move with heavy weights and doing it incorrectly.

So my suggestion is always stay with the 1.25kg on each end and maybe add another set of 1.25kg (total 2.5kg either side of the bar) for squat track.

In a full 55 minute class, there are 10 tracks and it is always in this order:

1. Warm Up
2. Squats
3. Chest
4. Back (in terms of technique this is the hardest one so make sure you listen carefully to what the instructor tells you to do with the clean and press move)
5. Triceps
6. Biceps
7. Lunges
8. Shoulders
9. Abs
10. Cool Down

I hope that helps. If you want more information, feel free to post on my profile or send me a PM.

[rustdoll]

I don't teach yoga but I do teach pump so I can tell you about pump.

It's a 55 minute weights based class. You use a bar and weight plates. I'm not sure how it is in Canada but in the gyms at which I work, there are 3 different sizes of plates - 1.25kg, 2.5kg and 5kg. My suggestion for beginners is also stay with the lighter weights for the first 4 -6 weeks because you will need to learn different moves and the last thing you want is to do your back in or something while performing a move with heavy weights and doing it incorrectly.

So my suggestion is always stay with the 1.25kg on each end and maybe add another set of 1.25kg (total 2.5kg either side of the bar) for squat track.

In a full 55 minute class, there are 10 tracks and it is always in this order:

1. Warm Up
2. Squats
3. Chest
4. Back (in terms of technique this is the hardest one so make sure you listen carefully to what the instructor tells you to do with the clean and press move)
5. Triceps
6. Biceps
7. Lunges
8. Shoulders
9. Abs
10. Cool Down

I hope that helps. If you want more information, feel free to post on my profile or send me a PM.

Wow thanks a lot! I was most interested in this class because I want to improve my strength + it doesn't have weird dance moves/require too much coordination...
I checked my gym website and yes it seems to be very similar to what you posted, from the pictures at least.
This was really helpful.

[weightlessrunner]

Wow thanks a lot! I was most interested in this class because I want to improve my strength + it doesn't have weird dance moves/require too much coordination...
I checked my gym website and yes it seems to be very similar to what you posted, from the pictures at least.
This was really helpful.

Great! Happy to help!

I teach, spin, pump, attack, boxing and basic training (circuit) so if you ever have any questions regarding those, feel free to ask. I would probably also be able to tell you about the other classes just not in as much detail.

[carebearkathy]

Go for it! I had a bad experience in the first class I ever went to, and that put me off for years. But when I finally started going back I wished I had done so earlier.

Instructors will ask if there is anyone new for that week and will give you a few tips.

Also, everyone is too busy worrying about themselves (or they should be!) to pay attention to what other people are doing. As long as you are not bumping in to anyone else, you should be fine.

Depending on the class (e.g. Attack) there will be high and low impact moves - just do what you feel comfortable with, and the more you do it the better at it you will get.