“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

Entering into a group fitness setting as a “newbie” can be terrifying and overwhelming. People moving at warp speed who ‘naturally’ know what is coming next; the strong sense of self worth and confidence they exude can seem untouchable and intimidating. Remember that these are skill sets they have earned, and once they were newbies too. With a consistent, committed effort to becoming better any newbie can ascend to great heights!

Just do it! Join that group class, and if you are already a part of a fitness community these are good reminders for you as well…

1. Be ready. Come prepared with the equipment you need and a willingness to learn. Newbies should always make contact with the class program director before attending. Email or text ahead of time, and give a few days notice so they have time to asses your situation, make sure the program is right for you, and discuss your history with the Coach of the class.

2. Arrive a few minutes early. Being late to a group fitness class is a bad idea. The warm up is essential to your injury free experience. The instructor has plans for the group and tardiness will break up the rhythm. #notcool
3. Show up. When you commit to doing it, DO IT. Often times just getting there is the hardest part. No one ever regrets a great workout, but they definitely regret not showing up. No excuses! You say it, you do it.
4. Check in. Check in with your body and express any soreness that concerns you to your Coach before class. Ask for modifications to exercises that aggravate any injury you are dealing with. If it is your first class, make sure the coach knows about your recent knee surgery or that nagging shoulder. Trust me, we want to know! A well prepared instructor will have modifications ready for you.
5. Stay present. Chatting, checking text messages and making phone calls is distracting unsafe and unacceptable. Big things happen when we are present. Spend time with your body wisely instead of frittering it away on small thoughts or small talk.
6. Stay positive. Lets be realistic….some days are not super fabulous! Life can be ROUGH. Sometimes a good plow through the workout is what we need, and sometimes moving slowly will create a balance that we didn’t know we needed. No matter what go to class. Life is an endless sea, an ebb, a flow. Try to ride it rather than fight it. There is always a reason to stay positive if you are looking for it.
7. Accept where you’re at. If you haven’t worked out in a while, enter slowly so that you create proper movement patterns and quality motor skills. Faster is not always better. Give your body time to build the strength and stamina it needs to go faster without injury. A special caution to the sedentary athlete…the ’93 NCS playoffs were over 20 years ago. How time flies and yes, how things change. Please don’t recreate your touchdown sprint on the first day of class.

8. Be cool. For those who have been in the class for years, remember how it felt to be the newbie. Be friendly and encouraging, smile and say hello. Introduce yourself before or after class and tell the newbie what you love about your class and how it felt when you were new. A few kind words can be extremely powerful and even life changing.
9. Know your limits. Take breaks when needed. At an outdoor class, a seated or lying position on your mat or a short walk is appropriate. In a group yoga class, child’s pose or mountain pose is always acceptable. In a gym setting, exit with care and step out of the room for fresh air.
10. Be patient. Change does not happen over night. Understand that your body and mind are going to need time to adjust to the rigors of a group setting. If weight loss is your goal, realize that exercise is but one piece of the whole health picture. Nutrition, hydration, rest and mental health will all need to be considered in your plan.

The benefits of group fitness are clearly remarkable. To be afraid is to be expected. Don’t let that fear stop you from getting your group fitness on. Use these tools, and you simply can’t go wrong.

Are you a Gumsaba client with a friend who wants to join in the fun? Click here to get them a free week and if they sign up you get your next month membership for 50% off!

Gumsaba Fitness Class schedule Friday 6/19/15

5:30AM Sunrise Danville Womens only class – Coach Michelle + Jentry – Cardio Fallout

5:30AM Sunrise Danville Mens only class – Coach Joel – Cardio Fallout

6AM Sunup Moraga Womens only Class – Coach Briana – Circuit Mash Up

8:15AM Sunrise Moraga Womens only Class – Coach Briana – Circuit Mash Up

9AM Sunshine Walnut Creek Womens only class – Coach Michelle – Hide and Seek

11:00AM Cytosport Boot Camp – Coach Michelle (private class) – Relay Circuit

12:00PM Cytosport Boot camp Benicia – Coach Michelle (private class) Relay Circuit