I’ve never been a big “fitness class” person. The schedules never worked with my schedule and I’d struggle to get to the classes consistently. I also always felt like I was two steps behind the rest of the class. I tried yoga, Turbo Kick, aerobics, and step aerobics to name a few.
My first successful fitness class experience was Spin. While I’d scoffed at whether or not it was a good workout compared to going outside on my bike, I fell in love with it immediately. It was a challenge and I could keep up which was crucial for me to like the class.
But how many mistakes did I make in all these classes I tried? I made a ton! Are you making any mistakes? See below.
You Aren’t Pushing Yourself To The Limits
If you’re just half-assing it at the class, you’re going to be disappointed with the results…or lack thereof. I definitely half-assed my fair share of classes. Which is probably what lead me to think they were a waste of time. But if you give it your all you’ll see results.
Going to a fitness class (whichever you choose) is a good way to find your working out mojo. Are you the type of person that needs that extra push of a personal trainer but can’t afford one? A class is your best bet. Take advantage of that “free” personal trainer!
When I first started spin class, I went VERY easy on the resistance on the bike. I ignored the instructor when they said to make it as hard as we could take it. I was concerned about my knee issues, but eventually realized I was wasting my time by NOT making it hard on me. It made such a difference and really helped me get through winter with a cycling base.
You’re In The Back
This is usually where I am at classes! I don’t want to be in the front. Yet, I struggle the entire class to see the instructor, figure out the moves and keep up. Why don’t I move closer to the front so I can see? Suck it up and move to the front.
You Have Bad Form
This is a trap I often fall into and need to remind myself frequently to check my form. I do this will running, hiking, walking, definitely with cycling. “Do I have good form?” No? Fix it.
You Have Unrealistic Expectations
If you’re expecting to go to a few aerobics classes and magically lose 50 pounds, it doesn’t work that way. It takes time and patience and consistent activity. Give yourself a break and enjoy it! It’s a process.
You Aren’t Stretching
I need to take my own advice. But to be honest, ever since my running injury in 2010, I’ve been much better about stretching after every workout. I also try to warm up before whatever class I’m taking. It could mean 20 minutes on a treadmill before yoga or lifting weights before spin class. Something.
You Aren’t Fueling Properly
Do you have a water bottle with you in class? Are you drinking from it frequently? (In spin class I have 2 bottles.) Did you have a small snack before the class? Are you eating a sensible meal or snack afterward to help with recovery? Depriving ourselves of fuel for a class will result in low energy and probably mental fatigue (at least it does for me).
You’re Doing The Same Thing
Switching things up frequently is the key to transforming your body. I find that I get too efficient in certain activities and I stop seeing the results I want (my heart rate doesn’t get high, I don’t burn the same amount of calories, etc). HIIT workouts are awesome (who doesn’t want to have a SHORTER workout but with the same calorie burn as a long one?)
Classes are a good way to get STARTED with your weight loss journey. You can get extra motivation to go to the gym consistently when it’s scheduled, you can bring a buddy along with you to class to make it more fun, and you learn something new. While sweating!
QUESTION: Are you a fitness class fan? Are you making any mistakes in class?
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