10 Tips on What Not to do in a Group Fitness Setting

Happy Humpday everyone! Most of you know that I am a group fitness instructor. I teach Barre classes at Inner Balance Studio in North Miami, take class regularly at Equinox and other studios around South Florida. I have taken classes all over the country, and for me, nothing motivates me more than the group fitness setting. I love going to Tabata class and hitting the interval training hard for 45-minutes with a partner. Sometimes it is a friend, but most of the time it is the person standing next to me in class. When I train in barre, I try to get there early so that I can set my mat towards the front, and in the corner. You see, taking classes is as much for my physical well being as it is for my professional. When I am on set I have to be able to be photographed doing a variety of activities from bootcamp and cross-fit to yoga and dance. Training is my honing my skill-set. I am there to work, and so are the majority of other people; however, there are those few people who never cease to amaze me.  So I thought I would compile a list of No No’s  for the next time you enter the group fitness setting.  This post is supposed to be fun and funny! So if you do any of these things, please don’t take offense, I still love you, I promise! And I hope you still love me too!

1-Get there early to set up if you know the class is going to be packed.  If you know someone in the class, and cannot get there early, have someone you know set up a mat for you. I try to get to class ten minutes early, but I know that is not always possible. If you come in last minute find a mat in an open space. Do Not throw your mat in front of someone who got there early just to get a spot in the front. There might be some Game of Thrones battle royale if you do that to the wrong person.

2-Don’t complain about the temperature until after you start moving! There might be a chill in the air or it may be a bit warm, but it is not all about you! Sorry! Wait until you are about ten minutes into class to request to lower the air temp or turn on the fan. Many studios and gyms are extremely aware of their temp controls. Within minutes the cool room may seem sweltering hot, so just give it time and dress in layers if you need to.

3-Stop checking your watch or glancing at the clock! Use the hour you got dressed, drove and showed up to the studio. An hour is more than enough time to get those endorphins and escape from the world. Everything else could and should wait. If you keep looking at the clock the class is going to go by so slow. Tick tock, Tick Tock. And, trainers take notice. Use the time to truly be present.

4-Keep the technology away! I know we may need to check on kids, work or you may be on call. If that is the case, do the instructor a favor. Set up your mat or workout space near the door or closer to the back. If there is a chance you may need to leave class, tell the instructor before hand, and instead of disrupting the entire class by putting your equipment away, I am sure they will say just leave it. Scrolling Instagram and Facebook can wait! PLEASE?!

5-Share the sandbox! You do not own the room. I have literally seen women get into fist fights over their space. Again, do not set up directly in front of someone, and block them from the mirror. Use the ‘window’ set up. Windows basically are setting up off someones shoulder so that you all can see the mirror. Put that negative energy into your workout!

5- Keep the primping in the locker room. It never fails that whenever the tough gets going in this one particular bootcamp class a few women, who also stand front and center, feel the need to take their massive braids out and re-do them. My top knot falls out and I have to adjust it quickly, but a 5-minute primp session to get out of sweating is just a tad bit over the top.

6-Save the conversation for the coffee shop and the loud,extreme,constant grunting for junk yard gym. While you may have to tell your girls ‘hell yea…this class is awesome’ (which we love btw) or ‘holy S+!T this is hard’, go right ahead. But talking about last nights antics, or family drama while the teacher is trying to do their job is a ‘No No’ that can wait. I know some of the exercises can be really taxing, and grunting and breathing are a natural occurrence that help us get through the pain. Try not to moan and groan the whole class. It takes away from other peoples ability to concentrate. Go to a few yoga classes, work on your breathing, and take the mind body connection to your other classes.

7-Try your best do mimmic your instructors movement. Your teacher is there to lead you through a workout that will give you a plethora of health benefits. By throwing in your own moves, using weight that is too heavy, or not listening to cues can lead to over use of other muscles and can lead to strain and even injury. If you need some help with alignment and form, ask your teacher after class to go over some basics with you. In barre, having proper form can lead to a greater caloric burn, and improper form can lead to major stress on the back, hips, knees and ankles.

8-Choose Your Workout Gear Wisely-Going to hot Yoga? A hoodie and sweats probably isn’t your best choice. Catch my drift? Try to choose workout gear appropriate to your workout. If you have a foot sensitivity, look into buying toe sox. Do not show up shoeless to a weight training class. The instructor may not let you participate.

9- Do not leave before cool-down- The warm up preps your muscles for work and the cool-down aids in recovery. They are possibly the two most important parts of class the will aid in reducing injury. So if you can, make sure to stay to lower your heart rate, increase flexibility and re-align your body.

10-Don’t hide your injuries: The instructor needs to know if you are dealing with an injury. This way he or she can differentiate instruction so that you do not injure yourself further, yet you can still benefit from class.

I hope these tips help! The most important aspect of a trainers job is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment to help you reach your fitness goals. Do not be afraid to use your trainers as resources to become a healthier and more physically fit person. We are here to help and spread the joy of movement to others. Have a great week everyone!