Fitness classes are little societies unto themselves, and there are some basic guidelines you should follow so you don’t become “that guy/lady.” Most people seem to know how to behave, but everything on this list has happened in my classes, so….
If you’re new to fitness classes, these tips might help you adapt to your new workout community.
Follow the instructor.
This is why you’re here: to participate in a program that someone else has designed. I have no problem if you want to hop instead of step or do high knees while everyone else is grabbing a drink–I’ve done those things myself. But you can make the workout more challenging or suitable for you without totally deviating from the plan. If there are certain exercises you need to avoid for your own safety, tell me in advance. I might be able to suggest alternatives, and I’ll at least know that you’re consciously doing what you’re doing, rather than doing it because you don’t understand what I’m asking of you.
One time, someone got a set of weights and started lifting in the middle of a step class. Not okay.
Don’t wear headphones.
In fitness classes we use music to keep the beat. It keeps you moving quickly and keeps the whole class together. If you’re listening to your own music, you can’t hear my instructions as well and the movements aren’t going to match the beat (which is more important in some classes than in others). It’s incredibly difficult to please everyone, music-wise. I’m sorry if you don’t like my choices. You can select and purchase the next fitness CD to add to my collection.
Be on time
It always makes me a little nervous when someone comes in 15 minutes late and immediately jumps into doing whatever we’re doing by that time, because skipping a warm up can result in injury. Life happens and we do run late sometimes, but if you’re more than five minutes late, maybe just do a workout in the gym this time and come to class tomorrow.
Side note: some yoga teachers lock the door when class starts to prevent late-comers from walking in. I actually don’t mind a late-comer in yoga as much as I do in other fitness classes. If it’s a habit, not cool, because it can be disruptive to the rest of the class. But if it’s a one-time, bad-traffic issue, and you can come in quietly, the truth is I’d rather have you there than not.
Don’t leave early.
Cooling down and stretching are very important parts of your workout, and every class I teach includes time for these things. Don’t skip them. You’re cheating yourself and asking for sore, tight muscles tomorrow.
Don’t bring your phone, or for the love of Pete make sure it’s on silent.
I can laugh it off when it rings in a yoga class. I’m not going to glare at you, because we all make mistakes and it’s just not that big of a deal in the grand scheme. However, it is disruptive and even jarring to students who are deeply focused in their practice. If you know you might receive a call you have to take, tell me ahead of time, put the phone on the quietest setting possible, and leave it right beside your mat. This should be for one of those emergency-type situations, not an everyday occurrence.
In general, I’ve found that participants in fitness classes are a welcoming bunch, so don’t be nervous about joining in. Avoiding the mistakes above is mostly just about common sense.
Have you ever done something not-quite-right in one of your fitness classes?