How to Get Started ... Fitness Classes

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

27 Dec 2006 11:03 AM

With the 2007 approaching, you are likely looking into possible fitness classes and more that you might want to take to get into a healthier lifestyle. So let's take a few minutes to discuss how to get started on a fitness class. First and foremost, you'll need a gym membership to take advantage of the fitness classes they offer. Some fitness clubs will let you buy bulk passes to specific fitness classes, this may actually save you money if all you are interested in is taking an aerobics or yoga class two or three times a week and not interested in any of their other equipment.

Getting Into a Class

When you are looking at the classes you are interested n checking out, be sure that you take classes that have the words: introductory, beginner, starter or basic in the title. You don't want classes that are titled intermediate, advanced or more. The beginning level classes are going to involve a lot more instruction and they are also going to give you a better chance at success as you get used to the moves and you develop your muscle and muscle strength as well as your endurance.

Be sure to talk to the fitness class instructor on your first day. Most good instructors will ask for who the real beginners are in the class. They want to know so they can keep an eye on you and they can help correct your form or slow down the explanation if you aren't getting it. You also want to watch the teacher during the class, because it's important to follow what he or she is doing and not what your fellow classmates are doing.

Leave Your Ego At the Door

Don't get embarrassed if you mess up the moves or you don't interpret a command correctly. No one gets all the moves down the first time they do it. Your instructor looks perfect at what he or she is doing because they do it daily and they are the instructor after all. If you let your ego keep you from trying your best or let it urge you to walk out the door, you won't find that moment when it all comes together and not only are you getting that great workout and having fun, but you are also nailing the moves.

If you are overwhelmed or exhausted and need to slow down a bit form the pace, start walking in place. Listen to the instructor when they tell you the low impact way to perform a maneuver and be sure to bring water to hydrate with. If you stop cold and walk out, you may end up passing out or throwing up - neither of which is preferable.

Expect to be Wiped Out

Expect to be exhausted and wiped out when you first get started working out in a fitness class. Expect that you'll be dragging when you leave the class and that you'll experience some soreness afterwards. You'll be a little more prepared for your next class and for each subsequent class afterwards. Eventually and within the first five to ten classes, you'll find yourself a great deal more comfortable with the moves and leaving your class with a bounce in your step and considerably less exhausted than when you got started.

Do you enjoy fitness classes?

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Get In Step with Step Aerobics

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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