I love group fitness! It has been my favorite way to workout and now I am a group fitness trainer which is the best job ever! I love training women and I love getting an opportunity to meet new women and welcome them into a group fitness environment. I’m sharing some of my favorite group fitness tips for both new members and those welcoming new members! 

If you have been considering trying out a group fitness class, I hope this is an encouragement to you and that you say yes!

New members: 

Show up, even though you are scared.

I know it can feel intimidating to walk into a group and be the newbie. Everyone else looks like they’ve been there forever and are the experts. Give it a chance. If you let it, working out with a group of like-minded people can be so encouraging as they push you to be your best.. Show up!

Don’t worry about the weight that everyone else is lifting.

You lift the weight for your own body and your own progress. In group fitness we think everyone is watching us, especially when we are new, but the reality is that everyone is there for their own workout. They are not analyzing every little move you make or the weight you pick up. (Your trainer should point you in the right direction as far as weights are concerned) 

Ask for modifications if there is a move you can’t do.

This happens a lot as bootcamps are filled with various ages and capabilities. Don’t hesitate asking for a modification if the trainer doesn’t give one right away. I know as a trainer, I want to make sure my clients are not compromising form for weight and that they are doing the move correctly and completely. Trainers want to help you get the most from your workout without hurting yourself, so be sure and ask if something doesn’t feel right!

Have fun!

Group fitness is fun! Walking into a class with a group of women that will encourage you, not let you quit, and lift you up is the most wonderful part of group fitness. They spur and push each other on when they want to quit. The truth is, you are more likely to show up for class knowing there is a group of women waiting for you to get there. It keeps you accountable to your workouts and to them.

Established members:

Help new members if they’re lost.

There’s nothing worse than being told to grab a piece of equipment and walking in circles trying to find it. We want new members to come back. Afterall, we love our bootcamp class which is why we are there, and we want them to love it too! If the trainer is giving instructions and the new member looks lost, take a moment to point them in the right direction.

Welcome new members when they show up and tell them your name.

You remember how hard it was on your first day walking into established relationships…it’s hard! New members are nervous so go out of your way to make them feel welcome. When I travel, I often visit other clubs and drop into their bootcamp classes, and although I am very comfortable around weights and doing the movements, I have been in classes where the members didn’t greet me and neither did the instructors! Don’t be like that.

Encourage new members during class.

This may be the first class she has signed up for in years…or maybe ever! Tell her she’s doing a good job and it’s okay if she isn’t able to do every move perfectly or if she’s super tired. She showed up, and that’s half the battle! Your words of encouragement may come at just the right time, keeping her in the workout that she was ready to quit.

Talk to her after class and ask her how she liked it.

How did she come to find out about bootcamp classes? Did she have fun? Does she want to come back? Check in with her after class and just let her know that you are glad she came. She showed up, moved her body, and that could have been a very big deal for her. Welcome her back for another class and share why you love it so much!

Now it’s your turn! What are your favorite group fitness tips? Are you a fan of group fitness or do you prefer to train solo?