{"id":9060,"date":"2023-11-25T06:07:29","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T23:07:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9060"},"modified":"2023-11-25T06:07:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T23:07:29","slug":"why-group-fitness-classes-can-feel-defeating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=9060","title":{"rendered":"Why Group Fitness Classes Can Feel Defeating"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">A<\/span> couple of years ago, I went to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dance-fitness-classes-online\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/dance-fitness-classes-online\/\">a dance class<\/a> I was thrilled for. From the class description to the number of participants to the instructor\u2019s introduction, I could tell I was going to have a good time. Bring on the sexy moves, lots of sass, well-loved pop songs, and a group of energized students.<\/div>\n<p>A few songs in, however, I began to understand why group fitness classes can feel defeating. Despite Britney Spears\u2019s iconic music and all my favorite moves being incorporated, I worried I wouldn\u2019t make it through the whole class. I was huffing and puffing\u2014again, only a few songs in, and as a dance lover\u2014and didn\u2019t have the energy to put my all into the moves, like I enjoy doing. Perhaps even worse, some of the people around me\u2014who had <em>literally just finished another dance class<\/em>\u2014seemed to be living their best lives, doing the moves with ease and having fun, all at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Needless to say, I was flooded with emotions. I felt embarrassed that I couldn&#8217;t keep up. I worried if I tried to slip out, someone would see me, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/missed-workout-guilt\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/missed-workout-guilt\/\">I would inevitably feel guilty<\/a> and insecure. I also felt disappointed at the fact that a class I was so excited about turned out to be a bust. Why couldn\u2019t I just keep up like everyone else?<\/p>\n<h2>Why group fitness classes can feel defeating<\/h2>\n<p>I&#8217;ve had many experiences like that one, and my friends have, too. There\u2019s the cycling instructor who pushes too hard, the Zumba instructor who seemingly never gets out of breath, the yoga teacher who corrects you in front of the whole class, and the weightlifting class where there\u2019s just <em>way<\/em> too many people or people who can handle <em>much<\/em> heavier weights. Been there, done that, (hopefully) never again.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/why-group-fitness-classes-can-feel-defeating\/\" current-title=\"Just FYI: It\u2019s Not Your Fault if Group Fitness Classes Feel Defeating\" current-image=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/GettyImages-1411330430-425x285_418x278_true_70.webp\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-05-24\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/why-group-fitness-classes-can-feel-defeating\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/why-group-fitness-classes-can-feel-defeating\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/why-group-fitness-classes-can-feel-defeating\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>If you\u2019ve found yourself in similar situations, you may have also wondered if you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-does-it-mean-to-be-fit\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/what-does-it-mean-to-be-fit\/\">not \u201cfit enough\u201d<\/a> or feel convinced everyone is judging you, which could be why group fitness classes feel defeating to you.<\/p>\n<p>In which case, hear this: Your body is not the problem, and you\u2019re not alone. \u201cIf a class feels overwhelming for you, it\u2019s not your fault!\u201d affirms <a href=\"https:\/\/emilydeckerfitness.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/emilydeckerfitness.com\/\">Emily Decker, CPT<\/a>, an intuitive movement coach and fitness trainer. \u201cIf you feel like that, other people have, too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CyL9GpHpNtw\/?img_index=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CyL9GpHpNtw\/?img_index=1\">a set of graphics she posted on Instagram<\/a>, she validated how even group fitness classes that are advertised for \u201ceveryone\u201d aren\u2019t always accessible for everyone\u2014and again, that\u2019s not on you. It&#8217;s one of the reasons why group fitness classes can feel defeating. Decker\u00a0shared examples such as trainers who don\u2019t demonstrate the movement, give alternative options, or create a safe space for rest, as well as gyms that aren\u2019t ADA-compliant.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI encourage you to ask yourself what the class itself would need to change to actually work for your body,\u201d Decker tells <em>Well+Good<\/em>. \u201cThat can help shift the mindset from \u2018I\u2019m not good enough\u2019 to \u2018This is not good enough for me.\u2019 You shouldn\u2019t have to have been working out for months prior in order to take a class that is labeled for all levels.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>What to do when you feel defeated by a group fitness class<\/h2>\n<p>As much as it can feel like it, that bad experience doesn\u2019t mean you can never do group fitness in any form again. You have a few options on how to proceed. They aren\u2019t cure-all solutions, unfortunately, but can reduce the possibility you\u2019re stuck in a not-fun workout environment.<\/p>\n<h3>Talk to the instructor<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cThe first thing I\u2019d do if you aren\u2019t feeling a group fitness class is tell the instructor and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/different-abilities-fitness\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/different-abilities-fitness\/\">ask for different options<\/a>,\u201d Decker suggests. \u201cWhile this can feel vulnerable, a good instructor actually wants you to do this.\u201d (And other participants will probably be grateful you asked.)<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re like me, you want to be able to do this but don\u2019t think you\u2019ll be able to push yourself to. If so, Decker encourages practicing by yourself or asking for options in advance before class. \u201cIf they are unable or unwilling to give you alternatives that feel good for your body, you have every right to preserve your relationship with movement by leaving,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<h3>Try a class you feel better about<\/h3>\n<p>For this one, ask yourself a couple of questions. Does this class\u2019s description make me feel excited or nervous? Is there an easier version of this class?<\/p>\n<p>For example, maybe you start with gentle yoga versus \u201cregular\u201d yoga. Maybe you want something high energy and opt for a Zumba class since you\u2019ve taken them before. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/workout-volume\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/workout-volume\/\">Keeping the volume of the class (how many reps and sets you&#8217;ll be asked to do in a given amount of time) in mind<\/a> is also a smart move (pun intended) as that can affect your mental health.<\/p>\n<p>And again, no shame if those options are overwhelming, too!<\/p>\n<h3>Look for recommendations<\/h3>\n<p>Get advice from people who have similar feelings about or experience with group fitness as you do. I&#8217;m particularly a fan of Facebook groups for this when I don\u2019t have friends in the area to ask. In my experience, these groups usually have names that include the word \u201cwomen\u201d or \u201csocial\u201d or \u201cgroup\u201d and the name of the city or area I&#8217;m in.<\/p>\n<p>Then, you can search for posts or create your own, checking about recommendations for (truly) body-positive gyms, gyms that don\u2019t push the \u201cNo pain no gain!\u201d narrative, or that employ instructors who are fun, kind, and helpful.<\/p>\n<p>While we all have different levels of what we can and want to handle in a group fitness class, this can be an avenue for getting started.<\/p>\n<h3>Redefine \u201cgroup fitness\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>Maybe, as much as you\u2019d like for it to be, group fitness just isn\u2019t your thing. (A room full of strangers? No thank you!) That\u2019s okay, too!<\/p>\n<p>If you want to avoid group fitness classes<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/group-fitness-social-connection\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/group-fitness-social-connection\/\"> without feeling like you\u2019re working out completely alone<\/a>, consider what feels best for you. This may look like working out near people at a gym, exercising solo while a group fitness class plays on YouTube, or going on a walk with a small group of friends.<\/p>\n<h2>Signs a class or studio is truly welcoming<\/h2>\n<p>If you do go to a class, you may want to have an idea of what it will be like before you go\u2014and we hear that! \u201cA lot of studios will say their workout is for everyone, but the warm-up alone may be exhausting for many people,\u201d Decker validates.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, you can find helpful keywords on the website, such as \u201cbody positive,\u201d \u201cadvanced,\u201d \u201crigorous,\u201d or \u201cinclusive.\u201d But what if you can\u2019t find any clues (or don\u2019t want to rely on words that may not hold true for you)?<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s okay to call and ask! Decker shares some key questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How many people are in the class?<\/li>\n<li>How much individual attention is given?<\/li>\n<li>What kind of teaching style does the instructor have (\u201cNo pain no gain!\u201d or \u201cYour body knows best!\u201d)?<\/li>\n<li>How does the instructor respond if someone needs to rest or take it slow?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>She also encourages advocating for yourself and your needs. \u201cIf you have a specific disability, ask about accommodations for it,\u201d she says. \u201cIf you don\u2019t like the answers, move on.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Feeling overwhelmed in the middle of a class?<\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, even if you take all the \u201cright\u201d steps, you can still feel defeated. In those instances, Decker recommends taking a minute to breathe or slow down. \u201cSometimes simply slowing down by itself can really help alleviate anxiety and bring the body to a more comfortable zone, as long as we also actively accept that this is a valid and important option,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>You can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/54321-grounding-technique\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/54321-grounding-technique\/\">take that moment to ground yourself<\/a>. Decker recommends checking in with your five senses\u2014what are a few things you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch? Notice where the exits are so that, if you decide to leave, you can do so as easily as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/postive-self-talk-while-working-out\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/postive-self-talk-while-working-out\/\">what you tell yourself<\/a> before, during, and after that experience shouldn\u2019t be underestimated, either. \u201cNo matter what, we have to start believing that our unique experience matters as much as anyone else, and we deserve to make the choices that feel best for our bodies,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n<p>Decker also emphasizes that there\u2019s no \u201cright\u201d class for everyone; you have to account for many factors when it comes to finding a good fit. So at the end of the day, remind yourself that if you feel defeated in a group fitness class, it\u2019s not your fault\u2014it just may not be the best fit for your needs.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A couple of years ago, I went to a dance class I was thrilled for. From the class description to the number of participants to the instructor\u2019s introduction, I could tell I was going to have a good time. Bring on the sexy moves, lots of sass, well-loved pop songs, and a group of energized &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":9061,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9060"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9060\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}