Group Fitness Dos and Don'ts

Dos and Don’ts of Attending Group Exercise Classes

Group fitness classes consist of two or more people performing exercises together led by an instructor. There are many different types of group fitness. Some of the most common are:

Aqua Fitness (or Water Aerobics)

Yoga

Barre

Pilates

Strength Training

Cycling

Boot Camp

Dance (for example: Zumba)

Spin

Everyone can benefit from the accountability and motivation of a group fitness class. A study performed on older individuals found that group fitness helped improve motivation, both due to the mental and physical benefits the individuals experienced and the impact of positive social interaction. (1) Having a set schedule and knowing the instructor as well as other participants are expecting to see you in class can help with adherence to a regular workout routine.  

As great as they are, fitness classes can sometimes feel intimidating to anyone new. It can feel scary to go into something not quite knowing what is in store and not knowing if it will be a good fit for you. Walking in, it may seem like everyone knows each other and knows exactly what to do and where to go. Don’t worry, they were all new like you at one point and they understand! I think you’ll find a friendly and welcoming environment in any group fitness class, but to help you feel more confident, here are a few things for both beginners and seasoned fitness class attendees to be aware of when heading into a class.

DO your research about the classes prior to attending. Ask your club or gym about the classes on the schedule. You may even want to do an online search to read more about the format of the class you are interested. Sometimes you will be able to watch a video of a similar type of class to give you an idea of what to expect. Or walk by the group fitness room while the class is going on and observe the class.  

DO arrive a few minutes early for class. When I say a few minutes, 15 minutes is ideal. It will give you a chance to find out if you need to gather any equipment for the class, find a spot in the room and get settled in. It is helpful to not miss the beginning of class in case of any announcements, to hear what to expect from the class and you do not want to miss the warmup! It also will give you chance to talk to the instructor.

DO let your instructor know of any injuries or medical considerations you may have. Take a minute before class to introduce yourself and explain any issues if you have them. This will help your instructor know what to look for in your form and help you with throughout the class. There are modifications for most exercises to accommodate every fitness level. If the instructor is aware of your situation, they can help you with those variations specifically. (Even if you don’t have a chance to speak with them prior to class, most instructors will call out different modifications for each exercise.)

DO scan the area around you to ensure there isn’t anything unsafe. For example, if you are doing side to side movements, ensure there aren’t dumbbells or your water bottle in the way.

DO stay for the entire class. Remain there the entire time, especially for the stretching at the end. This will give your body time to cool down and help to improve your flexibility and mobility. All things that mean a less likelihood of injury. If you do need to leave a class early, let the instructor know before class. Of course, if you are feeling unsafe in any way, leave when you need to.

DON’T interrupt the instructor during class while they are teaching. There may be a point in some classes where you can ask a question but if they don’t prompt for questions, don’t ask during the class. Most often the instructor won’t have time to give anyone personal attention in the middle of class and it may disrupt everyone’s workout. This is why coming in early to speak with the instructor prior to class starting is helpful. Follow along with other participants the best you can and then ask the instructor any questions you still have after class.

DON’T come to class if you are sick. If you aren’t feeling well, please stay home. Germs can be spread easily in a small room with lots of people in it. Plus, depending on what ails you, you may not recover as quickly from your illness if you exercise too hard. Come back when you are feeling better!

DON’T stand in the back! I understand you may like to hide in the back row, but doing so will make it more difficult for the instructor to see you to notice if you need help with your form. It also makes it harder for you to see the instructor to see what you need to be doing.

DON’T get discouraged! If you didn’t feel like you knew what you were doing or that you could follow along in that first class, that’s because it was only your first class! Don’t compare yourself to others who have been doing the class for months.   Stick with it and as you get more familiar with the format and the moves, you may really like it. That being said…

DON’T be afraid to try many different classes. Maybe you tried Zumba and realized you have two left feet. Or you went to Barre but want to try heavier weights with less reps like in a Bootcamp instead. There are many different types of group classes to choose from and not all are for everyone.  With so many kinds of classes, there should be something for everyone! Don’t hesitate to try different classes and different instructors to find your best fit.

With frequent attendance and these helpful tips, you will feel more comfortable in your group fitness class. Knowing the instructor and other attendees are expecting you to attend is a great motivator. Studies have confirmed that working out with others is more fun and can encourage you to push yourself harder meaning you will get more out of your workout. (2) Check out the LivRite class schedule and try a class today!

1. Stødle, I. V., Debesay, J., Pajalic, Z., Lid, I. M., & Bergland, A.The experience of motivation and adherence to group-based exercise of Norwegians aged 80 and more: a qualitative study. Archives of Public Health. 2019;77(1):26. doi:10.1186/s13690-019-0354-0
2. Graupensperger S, Gottschall JS, Benson AJ, Eys M, Hastings B, Evans MB. Perceptions of groupness during fitness classes positively predict recalled perceptions of exertion, enjoyment, and affective valence: An intensive longitudinal investigation. Sport Exerc Perform Psychol. 2019 Aug;8(3):290-304. doi: 10.1037/spy0000157. PMID: 31548915; PMCID: PMC6756792.