7 Thoughts everyone has at their first fitness class! You're not alone

Fear, it can be an extremely inhibiting emotion. Fear keeps us from enjoying the full potential life offers us. It keeps us from new experiences and stuck in the same old, same old box of complacency. So, how do we overcome our fears when it comes to starting a new workout class?

At AHP, we want to help you break out of your fear and get you on the path to shaping a healthy way of life that fits your lifestyle. It’s all about our Live Well to Age Well mindset! That's why we offer a wide array of group fitness classes that include a range of participants from beginner to advanced levels. These classes are held on several Tuesdays a month, lead by Melissa Goldring, RPT; ‎ and all of them offer a workout that will get you results!

For many new to fitness or just embarking on a healthy lifestyle, the peppy, loud and energetic sights and sounds of a group fitness class can be intimidating. Choreographed moves. Tight, form-fitting clothes. Sweaty hair. Group fitness appears as if it may not be for the faint of heart or the lightweight fitness aficionado, but that just is not so!

Group fitness is meant for everybody and every BODY!!

This article will walk you through several thoughts EVERYONE has when starting a new fitness class. You are not alone! But it doesn’t mean these fears should stop you! Our fitness classes are fun and we know these fears and promise, it's different here at AHP! Let’s take a look at some of these fears and how we CRUSH them!

1. "I'll just hide here in the back of the room."
You may think going incognito in the corner is a genius way to calm your nerves. The reality is, you're doing yourself a disservice by distancing yourself from the instructor. Take a deep breath and position yourself right in the thick of it, suggests Freeman. Go for a spot closer to the center of the room where you have both a clear view Melissa. And being in front allows her to check your form to help you get the most out of your efforts!

2. “I don't have the right gear! UGH! I must look like an idiot."
Although there are times when you need special gear, that’s not for our classes! Just wear what makes you feel strong and confident in a gym setting including comfy workout shoes/sneakers. Dress to make yourself feel good! Psychologists believe this idea of dressing the part--dubbed "enclothed cognition"--may actually improve your workout performance. So dress to make you feel comfortable but powerful and ready to dominate this workout!

3. "This instructor is terrifying!! They’ll judge me!"
Some coaches/trainers boast big muscles and a big attitude--but those are job requirements, not scare tactics. With a quick introduction to Melissa, you'll realize she doesn’t bite. Her goal is your goal, to get you moving, feeling good and losing weight!

Melissa is not only an experienced, top-notch instructor but she is an empathetic healthcare provider at AHP and our Director of Physical Therapy. She is not a drill sergeant, we promise. She will usually ask if anyone is a first-timer and privately inquire about whether you have any injuries or limitations, Melissa adds, "I want to get to know you so we can work together!"

4. "I don’t want to deal with a super-toned clique of mean girls."
It's true, lots of fitness trends attract a cult following of sorts, and BeachBody programs are no different. People know them and love them because they are fun and deliver results. So, yes, we have some clients that may know the program better than you. They may look “video-ready” while you feel like a flappy fish out of water. Trust us…it’s all in your mind. Now one else sees you that way! Remember, even the best workout participants were once newbies too! As you get to know everyone, you’ll learn that we are a close-knit team helping everyone succeed in their goals! We pick you up, not tear you down…ever!

5. "It’s only the warm up and I’m the only one gushing sweat! How embarrassing! I hate this."
Don't let the first 10 to 15 minutes make you fear the rest of the session or feel out of shape. If you've never tried that type of workout, you're likely putting to work different muscles, and your body will need to adjust to the challenge. If you are sweating too much, just lessen the intensity of your movements and let your body catch up. Rome wasn’t built in a day – start slower and in future classes you can and will build up your ability to increase intensity. Trust us – you are your worst critic. We’re all here to sweat…so sweat away! No judgments from us! We applaud your effort!!

6. "I am so uncoordinated I should just leave this class."
Not trying to be harsh, but news flash: No one is looking at you. So just do your best! What matters is that you're moving, not that you're moving in perfect sync with the entire class. We actually dig those that march to their own beat! Just keep moving! It’s all good!

7. "It's over, and I survived."
Whether you hated your first sweat session or quickly grew to love it, you did it, so congrats! After class, regroup with Melissa and let her tell you her thoughts on your first class. We bet you’ll be shocked by what she tells you based on her expertise! We know the first class can be overwhelming! But you did it! You are now part of our group, our tribe! You belong here and we want you to come back. We are your new workout family and we’re here for you!

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Our goal at AHP is to bring you the information you find interesting, relevant and thought-provoking. Our motto is the way we live...“Feel Well. Live Well. Age Well.” And that’s what we want for you! If you have a question about this article or want to learn more about us please visit http://www.ahp-health.com and reach out to us! And look for more from AHP in the near future as we post more on The Patch. If you liked this article, please give us a ”like” and share it with your friends!

About AHP
Since 1990, Advanced Health Professionals [AHP] has helped thousands of patients recover from pain and injury. AHP is Norwalk and Fairfield County’s leading provider of Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Massage services. We specialize in sports injuries, auto accident injuries, worker’s compensation, work injury, sport injury, auto accident injury, massage therapy, post-surgical, pre-surgical, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, joint pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, rehab, neck pain, whiplash injury, rehabilitation - please call us for an immediate appointment. Our office is based in Norwalk and serves the surrounding areas of Fairfield County, Westchester County and other suburbs of New York City.