The 8 emotional stages of a group exercise class

Joining a gym can be a big step for anyone, and it can also be super awkward. From not knowing where any of the equipment is and having no clue how to use it, to the confusion surrounding appropriate gym wear – there’s a lot to deal with. Then you’ve got group exercise classes, a whole new ball game! Walking past that fitness studio filled with enthusiastic, regular class attendees is enough to strike fear into the heart of gym newbies everywhere. Here are the emotional stages of doing a group exercise class…
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#1 False confidence
OK, so you’ve never done this before but you’re totally on board with this fitness thing and willing to give it a go (this lasts approximately 3.5 minutes).
#2 Hesitation
Your activewear is on point, you’ve been giving yourself pep talks in the lead-up but now that you’ve arrived at the fitness studio, doubt sets in and you do an awkward dance at the door deciding whether to actually go in. This is when you realise the confidence from #1 was indeed, false.
#3 Confusion
Why does everyone in here seem to know each other? And why do they all seem to be mates with the instructor? Where do I stand? Do I need equipment? Am I wearing the right thing? Should I ask someone? That person looks friendly… oh wait no she’s with another friend and also seems to know the instructor…
#4 More hesitation
The instructor asks if anyone is new to the class and you’re not sure if you should admit it or just stare at the ground and hope it’s all over soon. You timidly raise your hand from the back row and are told not to worry if you can’t keep up. Which leads to…
#5 Panic
You’ve chosen the back row because it feels safe but five minutes into the class the instructor moves and you’re now IN THE FRONT ROW and can’t keep up with the moves. Why is there so much jumping? Why are there rhythmic arm movements involved? And why did you wear your tightest tights and you all of a sudden feel unfit and uncoordinated and assume everyone else in the class agrees? Side note: why is there so much sweat on the floor, surely this is not hygienic...
#6 Rhythm
OK, so you’re halfway through and you’re totally getting the hang of it. Your arms have finally caught up with your legs and you’ve even exchanged a few friendly glances with fellow class-goers (yay!).
#7 Actual confidence
You’ve reached the final stretching phase of class and despite being surrounded by people in questionable positions wearing what are supposed to be opaque (but certainly are not) tights, you’re feeling pretty proud of yourself and make a mental note to check when the next class is on for the week.
#8 Full circle
Months later you return to your favourite class, give Steph the instructor a friendly wave before asking your classmate Josh how his new job is going, when you see a newbie awkwardly dancing at the door…
Have you tried a group exercise class before? Do you like to exercise in a group?
97 Member Comments
Coordination gang
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If I am using machines I really need to have a plan written down and stick to it, otherwise I stand there awkwardly trying to think of something to do
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I love doing group classes! It can be intimidating at first but you gain more confidence as time goes on
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I don’t fit into any
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hahaha I love all the gifs! I find group exercises really motivating but sometimes it can get a little squeezy in the studio too
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There are definitely stages to a class and then it depends on the difficulty of the class so this is a good article - encouragement to continue the fitness journey.
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We just laugh and huff and puff our way through the class
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Our classes are so fast I have have a chance to look at what other people look like lol
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I went to some of those group exercise classes for about a year and wondered at times what on earth I was doing there.
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I used to love going to these sorts of classes.
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I'm so timid I. could never see myself getting into something like this
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We're always laughing at and with eachother but never judging at all
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I cannot think of anything I'd rather do less - well apart from handling a snake.
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Omg yes, so intimidating.
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Some people are super confident while others are intimidated - there is usually no in between. Teaching them is intense. In Les Mills classes, you're taught to offer the option of letting the new people leave after the 4th track, so to gradually build their confidence etc.
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I've reached a nice stage in my life and my gym going where I really don't mind as long as my body gets a decent work out. Clothes, moves and everything else is mercifully less important!
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Always seems intimidating for me.
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Sooooo true! Love that mindy project gif. that is so me
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I am normally working so hard you barely have time to stand up and get ready for the next exercise
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Usually I am so exhausted I can't even look at others lol
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I just get down and sweaty lol and do not worry about anyone else
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That's it's own kind of confidence. Go you. Congrats on just doing it.
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hahaha I didn't think the last step would be there, but it has to! I always get confidence and then BOOM I'm terrified again ahaha
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Ha ha yes I used to do it in my teens in the '80s! Very different attire back then though!
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Lol totally related to this article - I have been doing regular classes at my gym and feel like its more family than anything and my main motivation~
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