2 minute read
YMCA of Greater Omaha
First timer? Don’t sweat it
STORY Anna Stech, Armbrust YMCA Group Fitness Manager
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Wehavespentthe better partof the past weeks sending kids back to schooloroff to college.We have listened to their worries and tried to calm their fears.
We do not oftenconsider howthese same fears and anticipation affectadults as they make their waytotheir first group fitness class.
Formanypeople,the idea of working out with 20+ people can be very daunting. Sometimes it’s enough to get us rightup tothe door beforeturning around to head toatreadmill instead.Itmay be those selfconscious feelings... •WhatifIcan’t keep up? •WhatifI’m not strong enough or fast enough? •Whatifeveryone else knows each other?
Ifelt these same fears walking into my first group fitness class,which seems like foreverago.
Iremember walking directly to the back corner and then mimicking exactly what the person nexttomehad set up just hoping thatnoone would noticeme, and Iwould be able to completethe class with my dignitystill intact.
Oh, but thatwas just toomuch to ask.
Thegentleman who wasstanding next to me promptly announced my presence to the instructorand the rest of the class to let everyone know Iwas anewbie! I wasmortified,until the instructorpopped rightinand said,“She’s not new,I’ve knownher forever.”
It wasn’t true,but Icouldn’t have been moregrateful at thatmoment. Therest is history; as agroup fitness instructorI alwaysdomybest to welcome everyone and keep in mind thatanonymitymay be just whataperson is looking for.
Fortunately,thereare afew simple tips to help alleviate anxietyprior to your first group fitness class:
ARRIVE EARLY
Showing up afew minutes early will allowyou the opportunitytochoose a placeinthe room thatfeels best to you. Perhaps you’re like me and want that spaceatthe very back,ormaybe you prefer to be rightupfront so youcan see and hear the instructorwell.You will also have the time to chatwith the instructor quickly about whattoexpectaswell as anymodifications youmightneed.
TAKE AFRIEND
It’s always nicetohavea familiar face therefor supportand accountability. It will be much moredifficult to bail on the class when your friend is theretoo.It helps to have afriend who can laugh with you when youmiss asteporcheer youon when younail thatpushup.
REMEMBER EVERYONE ELSE IS THERE FOR THEMSELVES
As hardasitmay seem to believe, the other members in class aren’t thereto judge.They aretheretoworkout. They aren’t watching you; they arefocused on getting the most out of their workout. Keep in mind they were new oncetoo and would morethan likely love to offer you supportand encouragement!
COME BACK
Remember no one has their best performanceontheir first day. Show yourself grace and come back.Try out lots of classes and lots of instructors until youfind the ones thatmake you feel successful and motivated. Theonly workout we regret is the one we do not do.Group fitness helps to motivateus, keep us accountable,and allows us to be partofacommunity. We would love to welcome youtoclass!
Learnmoreatwww.metroymca.org.
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