Sometimes just the mere thought of walking into a new gym can be so overwhelming that it prevents people from signing up. And when you take it a step further and sign up for a new workout class, it can seem so intimidating that you stay home!
Well, it’s time to stop worrying and start moving. Nervousness is completely normal, but it can be lessened dramatically by following these five quick tips to help you rock your upcoming workout.
Be on time: Better yet, show up a few minutes early just in case the class instructor is there. You can ask him or her a few questions to help ease your nerves and get a few tips. One of the worst things you can do when trying a new workout class is show up late. Not only are you unfamiliar with the instructor’s style, you probably won’t know what kind of warm up you missed and how to best jump into the routine.- Do some homework: Before showing up to your first class, don’t be afraid to ask the general manager or front desk coordinator to help you prepare. Ask questions about class setup, typical fitness level of participants and the best thing to wear. Remember that most gyms want to get their members into a class where they’ll have an awesome experience, so you should find the staff willing to assist you!
- Mention injuries: If you have an injury or some limitation preventing you from doing a particular move, make sure that your new class instructor knows about it. This will help the entire flow of the class and ensure that you stay safe as well.
- Be flexible: No, I’m not talking about being able to touch your toes (but that’s a good thing too). Rather, make sure you go into class with an open mind and hold your opinions until you finish a class. If you focus on what you don’t like about the class, you probably won’t get a great workout.
- Bring a buddy: Sometimes the simple act of bringing a friend is one of the best ways to help you prepare for a new workout class. A friend can encourage you to be more willing to explore something unfamiliar. Who knows? Maybe this buddy will have a blast with you, and this could become a healthy routine for the two of you!
