START WITH gROUP EXERCISE ?

We all have to start somewhere!

So here's the thing with a commercial gym, if you're new to it, it's one of the most intimidating places to try and get started in.  ​Most decent gyms will offer you an induction, if you're unsure of what you need to do to achieve your goals, this might be a good place to start. Ask to speak to a Personal Trainer or Fitness Instructor. Another option however is trying out classes or group exercise.

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Me & The Group In Full Flow!

​Why Group Exercise? 
When I first decided to start training properly (as in planned weekly programs and tracking progress), I found it easier to commit to the process by training with a training partner. We met and went for a run before the gym opened and then trained in the gym afterwards. We grew into a group of 3 a few months later. Our routine was 2 days of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and 3 days of Resistance Training (Weigh Training) 1 Lower and 2 Upper body sessions
Eventually, the group grew to 17 (yes, SEVENTEEN!) It was made up of a group of folks aged from their teens through to their 60's, male and female. 
Most of us have since become longterm friends and still keep in touch.
The point I'm getting to is, more than 50% of that group would not have continued to train IF they did not have that group continually pushing them on. 

We set up a text group, and the chat on this group was not just effective in keeping everyone in touch with each other, but it also served as a way to keep everyone motivated, and on track. 
All of a sudden, people started packing their gym bags the night before, leaving it by the front door, eliminating the excuse of not being ready in the morning.
Next, we started turning up 10 minutes before the gym opened, meeting in the car park to strategise, and get pumped up before starting the workout!

We became very efficient with our time, maximised every minute, and always walked out of that studio feeling great every time! 
It's fair to say we became more than an exercise group, we became a community of friends!
I see this in classes I have taught in the past and in ones I teach now. There are people in these classes who would probably NOT have come into the gym that day, but because they know they'd be letting the group down if they don't make it in, they make that extra effort to show up and give their all!​

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Another Workout done!

Choosing a class, and what to do once you have. 

1. Speak To The Gym Staff - Again, start by discussing your goals, any impediments, previous injuries etc with a member of staff, and ask their advice on which classes would suit your current fitness levels.
2. Research the Class & Instructor - Most gyms have generic classes that you can easily research online, look for videos and write ups to suit your individual situation. Also, if possible, speak to other members who've tried the class for an honest review about both the class and the instructor. The instructor should definitely play a huge part in your decision. See below.
3. Speak To The Instructor - Once you've decided on a class, speak to the instructor running the class before it starts, and tell them it's your first time, asking for pointers. I always make a point of welcoming newbies to my classes, and tell them what to expect. I also keep an eye on them all the way through the class to correct their form (if need be) and also to assure them their doing well. 
4. Finally, don't overdo your first session, go at your own pace, and be happy of your effort. It's your first session, it'll more than likely be very hard, but the main thing is you've done the class! You sure as hell should be proud of that! 

Just don't start stalking!

So, just to wrap up, try out group exercise if you're not confident enough to get started on your own in the gym, and can't afford a personal trainer. Try and make friends with some other regular class goers to keep abreast of which classes and instructors are best for your goals. Just don't become that person who starts stalking other members! Have a good week!  ​😂

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