Work. It. Out.

Photo via ClassPass

I’m by no means a fitness expert. I’ve fluctuated from someone who could do high impact aerobics five times a week to a 20-something just trying to keep a normal workout schedule. Recently, I’ve tried to hold one down with ClassPass, and through it all – barre, TRX, cycling, yoga, etc. –  there are several things I’ve done to make sure that I’m performing my personal best in group fitness classes.

I thought I’d share my personal experience, for whether you’re leading on the Torq Board or just trying to get back into a fitness routine. These tips aren’t meant to be professional advice, but something that can help you have your own successful group fitness workouts!

1. Dress comfortably. This may seem like a no brainer, but there have been times when I wanted to look cute at class and ended up fidgeting with my clothes after every move. Now, if I know I’ll be doing something high impact, something with a lot of stretching, whatever it is, I dress for it – even if that means a baggy T-shirt. I don’t want to be worried about my shirt riding up when I should be doing jumping jacks as fast as possible.
2. Eat something beforehand. I hate when I’m running to a class after work and forget a snack. I can tell during that workout that my energy level isn’t where it’d be if I’d just had that yogurt or bag of nuts. Even if it means stopping in 7-11 and getting to class a few minutes late, make an effort to fuel up to make the workout worth it.
3. Tell the instructor if you’re new. Whenever I start a new workout class, I learn what I can about it before starting. That includes reading an online description, talking to the person at the front desk and getting face time with the instructor before the music comes on. Don’t be embarrassed to make it known you haven’t been there before. You need insight into what to expect and you may get the extra attention to ensure a killer first workout.
4. Don’t stop moving. Sure, doing a set of 50 burpees when you haven’t been to a workout class in weeks might be asking too much. But that doesn’t mean you need to stop and wait for the next move. Keep your heart rate up even if it means walking in place until you catch your breath. It will make it easier to join back in when you’re ready.
5. Remember – you can modify. In the same vein as #4, just because an instructor has given the class specific instructions doesn’t mean you have to follow them. For example, I have weak wrists, so I know that even if the rest of the class is doing tricep dips, blending in just isn’t worth the pain I’ll feel the next day. Instead, I grab light weights and do tricep extensions overhead. If I’m ever feeling self conscious or unsure of a good substitute for an exercise, I’ll call the instructor over to ask. If your instructor is any good, he or she will prefer you’re being safe instead of just following suit.

What are your strategies for doing your personal best in group fitness?