First and foremost, I must let it be known that I am not a fitness guru. If you’re looking for workout tips or some cool, gym-related secrets, you won’t find them here; however, you’re already hooked so you may as well keep reading. I recently got the urge to stop being lazy and utilize my university’s recreation center. Initially, I was afraid because it had been over a year since I had done any strenuous and intentional physical activity—apparently, running to the microwave between commercial breaks doesn’t count. So I decided that in order to “ease” my way back in and I started with a group fitness class.
1. Prepare yourself: If you thought you were just going to walk in and dominate, you’re wrong. Actually, you might BUT every group fitness instructor is different and every class has a new vibe so don’t go in there being cocky. You’re there to work so that’s exactly what you’re going to do; don’t think otherwise!
2. Bring water: It sounds so basic, but it’s actually important because you don’t wanna be THAT girl who has to run to the water fountain during the one minute breaks and everybody ends up waiting on you…or not waiting and you just have to jump back in. Plus, hyrdration is the key to success (that was probably my last time incorporating DJ Khaled, but no promises).
3. Don’t feel bad: When you can’t keep up, do not compare yourself to the superstars in the class. Nobody is good at everything so while they’re in the group fitness class being a total boss, they probably don’t know how to beat a face like you do (or whatever you’re really good at). Whatever you got, own it!
4. Be proud: Not only are you at the gym, you’re in a group setting doing some serious exercising! Even if you feel like you totally suck, you don’t!
5. Enthusiasm is half of the fun: When I tell you that your attitude will make a world of difference, I’m not even being cliché. If you go in with a positive outlook then no matter how hard the class is, you’re going to leave feeling even better than you did to begin with. Even if it’s short-lived positivity.
6. Phone a friend: Obviously, I don’t mean go call your home girl during the class. Simply hit up your friend(s) to come with you. When you bring someone with you then you can hold each other accountable. More than likely, you two will share a few laughs and struggle catching your breath together…awesome bonding time!
7. The aftermath will suck: Honestly, if you do everything full out like you’re supposed to then you’re going to feel it! You may feel it in places that weren’t even targeted in the class.
With all of this being said: go to the gym, go to a group fitness class, and keep going! It really is worth it.