Has anyone here done large group workout classes before?

[Teknoe]

I think it's also AKA "Circuit training" where you have 6-8 stations and small groups rotate, so everyone does it all but at different times (usually a minute per station)?

 

So I'm 2 days into my bootcamp fitness class, and it's totally not what I expected. But that's not a bad thing. Allow me to elaborate:

 

-Started Tuesday in a M-TH class. I was a little naive coming in (having never done anything like this class before) assuming that everyone would be on their 2nd day. It's a staggered class, so some people were 2 weeks in, others 4, etc. Now, factor that in with me going alone, it was a little hard to make new acquaintances. Everyone else came with a friend (in some cases 3 or 4 friends) and I was the only one "there by myself." So that was slightly awkward, as I imagined it being one personal trainer working with maybe 5-6 people. Instead it's one trainer (with a helper) for like 30 people, which is pretty crazy.

 

-I expected more instruction and guidance. Through 2 days my instructor has been blowing the whistle telling us when to switch. He goes through the 7-8 stations but does it fast and doesn't break down the proper technique. A lot of these positions or moves I have never done before and it takes me a while to get the hang of it. So some stations I feel like I have zero clue what to do, and I just make the best of it.

 

-I expected more out of shape people (like myself) but it seems a good 85-90% of the people are already fit. I was imagining the opposite where 85-90% would be UNfit trying to get fit. This is not a bad thing but like I said, I had some naive preconceptions about the class that shocked me to find out the truth on days number one and two so far.

 

My points may sound more negative than positive but trust me, 2 days in I'm enjoying the process. Admittedly, coming alone, and seeing everyone weeks in the class with their own "posse" has been a bit socially awkward. But I remind myself it takes time PLUS the main goal is to work out. If I can make some decent connections that would just be a bonus. But yeah, overall I am sort of regretting not better recruiting a personal friend to come along just to make it more fun and interesting. At the same time, I'm proud I was bold enough to step forward alone when normally I would say "Nah, not for me. Pass." Live life outside of your comfort zone, right? This class is definitely pushing me in more ways than one. Learning to be comfortable in my own skin and loving me for me despite what anyone else might think.

 

I'm sore as heck 2 days through.

 

I can't wait for week 2 where I'll get to go through Monday's workout (which targets upper body) and go from there. Missing out Monday I already feel like I'm behind everyone else. But I know if I hang in there, by the end of week 2 I should get the hang of it.

 

I'm really pleased I signed up and happy that I am doing something very productive. It's also a first for me to take any kind of gym class like this. I have literally not gone to the gym in 10 years, and even 10 years ago it was a special 1 time "friend visit" deal. I just do yoga at home via the DVD. But this bootcamp is definitely increasing my potential to drop those pesky 15 pounds I've been wanting to drop for oh say, 15 years now, lol.

 

It might be a little scary, a little daunting and definitely taxing, but I'm proud I'm changing my life one day at a time. Always do the same thing and you'll always get what you've always got. So in order to change you have to push yourself to try new challenges, and see it through.

 

Any feedback, tips or general words of wisdom are welcomed.

I'm new to this whole "group workout/circuit training" world, and it's been a bit overwhelming coming in all by myself, but I know it's gonna be worth it tenfold. Finally, I made the mistake of wearing baggy-ish shorts to class. Especially day 2 which required a lot of leg movement in the air. Oh, I was so embarrassed, lol. I told my trainer "Learned my lesson. No more baggy shorts" and he laughed. I better get some sweats or something!

Edited July 2, 2015 by Teknoe

[Teknoe]

Did my 3rd class last night. It was the best one so far. This session had a lot of people who showed up alone, just like me, so I was more able to talk with them and vice versa. Whereas people in a group may talk to you for a second, but eventually peel back to their posse.

 

One week in and I'm feeling major soreness. So it's working!

 

5 more weeks to go

 

Physical fitness here I come!

[GemmaUK]

I know a guy who runs bootcamps and also does 1-1 training.

I asked him today after seeing your post and his advice..most definitely speak to the trainer and the assistant. Get there early enough to have a chat before the class.

You are paying for a service instead of going out and doing this on your own so the trainer should be happy to step up.

 

I used to do a lot of static classes so you pick your space and stay there and I would always get to the front - if the trainer saw me going wrong she would come tell me.

I have done a few dance classes before now - street dance - those were much like you are experiencing and it took time for me to 'get there'.

I actually practised steps at home for doing those classes.

You could also check out Youtube if you know the names of the exercises you are doing - there are bound to be instructional vids on there.

 

Good luck and good for you!!

[PogoStick]

I'm glad you're positive about it. The soreness will improve quickly by around week 3. Don't be afraid to go at your own pace and slowly build up. It's not healthy to go from zero to full blast, overnight.

 

It sounds like you're willing to stick it out but you might also inquire if they have a more beginner level class. You could also consider asking for a single 1 on 1 session at a different time so they can focus on you perfecting your form. That private session shouldn't be concerned with getting a good "workout", but making sure you are doing the exercises safely and appropriately. Do it in place of one of the weekly workouts if your body would be overwhelmed by a 4th workout.

[Teknoe]

I know a guy who runs bootcamps and also does 1-1 training.

I asked him today after seeing your post and his advice..most definitely speak to the trainer and the assistant. Get there early enough to have a chat before the class.

You are paying for a service instead of going out and doing this on your own so the trainer should be happy to step up.

 

I used to do a lot of static classes so you pick your space and stay there and I would always get to the front - if the trainer saw me going wrong she would come tell me.

I have done a few dance classes before now - street dance - those were much like you are experiencing and it took time for me to 'get there'.

I actually practised steps at home for doing those classes.

You could also check out Youtube if you know the names of the exercises you are doing - there are bound to be instructional vids on there.

 

Good luck and good for you!!

 

 

Thanks for the tips! It means a lot that you took the time to ask your personal trainer buddy. Good tips.

 

I noticed my trainer isn't super chatty, but he will chat a little if people come up to him to strike up a conversation or ask a question about such and such. So maybe I'll do that sometime with him. I would like to know more about nutrition but so far one week in there's been no nutrition talk or guidance. So it's something I can probably come in a little early and talk to him about.

 

I'm still sore today, especially my upper body (arms specifically) but I'm glad because it means something is working! It feels good to be living healthier!

[Noproblem]

just remember something really important...

 

to warm up before and after and stretch

 

they might warm up and stretch with at these classes, but it's not enough you have to stretch and warm up on your own as well.

[Teknoe]

just remember something really important...

 

to warm up before and after and stretch

 

they might warm up and stretch with at these classes, but it's not enough you have to stretch and warm up on your own as well.

 

Ah, yeah, good point. I have never been much of a stretching/warm up guy though. Is there a simple routine somewhere online that I can follow?

 

For example, I usually stretch by lunging, switching off. Then I grab one foot behind me and stand on one leg, switching. But I feel like that's gotta be something more effective than this.

 

I see some ppl stretching by doing cobra and downdog (yoga positions)

[JJCaliGirl]

Ah, yeah, good point. I have never been much of a stretching/warm up guy though. Is there a simple routine somewhere online that I can follow?

 

For example, I usually stretch by lunging, switching off. Then I grab one foot behind me and stand on one leg, switching. But I feel like that's gotta be something more effective than this.

 

I see some ppl stretching by doing cobra and downdog (yoga positions)

 

Do more dynamic stretches vs. static. The lunges you are doing are dynamic, but the grabbing one foot behind you and then the other is a static stretch.

 

You want your muscles warm for whatever you will be working on. The trainer I work with focuses on making sure our joints are primed for the workout as well.

 

Leg swings: Stand on one foot and swing the opposite foot. Start with a straight leg and then bend it after maybe 5 reps. Do 10 per leg. You can also do this side to side as well.

 

Hip rotation: Move your hips around like you are doing a hula hoop. Again 10 reps per rotation (clockwise and counterclockwise)

 

Toe touches: Stand with your feet about 2 feet apart and reach with the opposite hand to your foot. If your hamstrings are tight, then go as far down as possible.

 

Ankle circles: Stand with one foot in a tip toe position. With that foot, rotate it in clockwise and counterclockwise position. Do 10 reps per rotation, and then switch legs.

 

Arm circles: Swing your arms backwards in circles. This is typically done with alternating arms, like you're swimming.

 

Those are just a few ideas, but you should Google dynamic stretches to see what else is out there and to maybe even see if there are videos showing the proper movement.

[Teknoe]

Do more dynamic stretches vs. static. The lunges you are doing are dynamic, but the grabbing one foot behind you and then the other is a static stretch.

 

You want your muscles warm for whatever you will be working on. The trainer I work with focuses on making sure our joints are primed for the workout as well.

 

Leg swings: Stand on one foot and swing the opposite foot. Start with a straight leg and then bend it after maybe 5 reps. Do 10 per leg. You can also do this side to side as well.

 

Hip rotation: Move your hips around like you are doing a hula hoop. Again 10 reps per rotation (clockwise and counterclockwise)

 

Toe touches: Stand with your feet about 2 feet apart and reach with the opposite hand to your foot. If your hamstrings are tight, then go as far down as possible.

 

Ankle circles: Stand with one foot in a tip toe position. With that foot, rotate it in clockwise and counterclockwise position. Do 10 reps per rotation, and then switch legs.

 

Arm circles: Swing your arms backwards in circles. This is typically done with alternating arms, like you're swimming.

 

Those are just a few ideas, but you should Google dynamic stretches to see what else is out there and to maybe even see if there are videos showing the proper movement.

 

You are awesome! That was super helpful. I didn't even know the terms static and dynamic stretching. Thanks, now I feel a lot more informed, like someone just turned on the light in a dark tunnel for me, lol.

 

I've seen those stretches you described done in person before, and I'm going to implement them before tomorrow's workout (rather than sitting there like some chump lol). Thanks again.

[JJCaliGirl]

You're welcome! Hope it helps!