What will that new fitness class really be like?
Ever attended a class that didn't match the description? This one's for you.
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Hey, FTWer!
Like anything, there are pros and cons to fitness classes.
On the one hand, attending a class means you can just go when it’s on and do as you’re told—you don’t need to plan your exercises or choose something from the million available online; you don’t need to pour over your hectic schedule to pick the best time to hit the gym.
On the other hand, attending a class means you have to show up exactly when it's on and do as you're told ... which is why so many of us end up cancelling or quietly deleting past sign-ups from our schedules.
It's frustrating to spend time and money making that decision, only to find out when you get there that the class you chose is not as advertised.
A yoga class labelled “beginner” has you doing forearm balances and binds without offering modifications or blocks.
An "all-levels strength class" offers no dumbbells over 5 pounds and spends half the class on an aerobics step.
Whatever the disconnect, here are three questions to ask or search next time you’re considering a class, to help you suss out what you’re really going to get:
- What kinds of classes does this studio teach in general? If it’s a Pilates studio offering a yoga class, it’ll often be a Pilates-leaning yoga class. If 80% of the classes are barre, a strength class likely uses lighter weights than you might want.
- What is the instructor’s specialty? You’re looking for whether this is the type of class the instructor generally teaches or something new/different. If they’ve been doing this particular class for a couple of years, there’s a good chance the description has come to match it and their programming has evened out.
- Is there a sub teaching this class? This one is tricky, since instructors have life stuff come up suddenly like anyone else, and the swap could be last-minute. While a sub is going to do their best to match the usual style of the class, especially if it’s weekly with lots of regulars, it’s probably not going to be exactly what you’d usually get (in fact, sometimes it’s better…).
- Bonus: Ask a friend or coworker for a recommendation. Even if it’s not exactly what you wanted, at least you have it on good authority that it won’t be a waste of money or time!
Now, what if the answers aren't readily available, or you need to make a quick decision? Think about what you want to get out of the class you’re attending.
If you've been more sedentary this week than you like and just want an excuse to move your body with instruction, how “ideal” the class is might not really matter. You’ll move, you might sweat, you’ll hopefully smile. Those are all checks in the win box.
If, however, you're set on getting 2 to 3 workouts of a specific type per week and this is taking the place of one of them, a mismatched description is bound to be a bit more frustrating. In that case, maybe you settle for a YouTube video or a class you've attended before that you didn't love, but that did the trick.
A friendly reminder:
Join Fit to Work Plus and unlock these awesome power-ups:
- Full access to 50+ how-tos in the Exercise Library
- One guided fitness video every month
- Online training and nutrition coaching discounts
- New perks added as more people join (so tell your friends!)
- The always-free Fit to Work newsletter
I'm curious: What’s your stand-out fitness class story, positive or negative? Hit reply to this email to share, and I'll try to touch on your experience in a future issue!
Til next time, stay strong, calm, and kind 💪 🧘♀️ 💚
Cheers,
Shannon
