Are you considering joining a fitness class? If so, congratulations: this is one of the best possible things you can do for your fitness.
Fitness classes offer you the opportunity to learn from a qualified instructor who can teach you and help you to grow in your mastery of an important fitness-related skill. At the same time, it’s vitally important to make sure you’re choosing the best fitness class, the one that you personally will get the most out of.
Here are 4 key tips to help you choose the best fitness class that fits your needs.
1). Is the Class Right for You?
You have lots of options when it comes to fitness classes, so it’s important to make sure that you have a couple of important bases covered before you make your selection.
One thing to consider is the fitness level of the class. Is it right for you, speaking in terms of your fitness level? There’s no shame in taking a beginner class if you’re a beginner. It’s also okay to take something that seems “easy” or one of the easier options: if your goal is increased fitness, the key thing is to have a fitness practice that you maintain on a regular basis.
If you can show up to your class regularly, you will get the best results from it. This points to another important aspect of choosing a class that is right for you: it should be something you actually find interesting.
One direction you might consider is a class that incorporates fun music. Some good examples of exercise classes that incorporate fun music include Box-in Haus, Haus spin, Zumba, and in-Haus high intense interval training (HIIT).
2). What Are Your Overall Fitness Goals?
Another thing to consider is your overall fitness goals. We’ve talked about fitness tips for feeling younger before, and this certainly speaks to one of the more important themes. It’s a good idea to take the time to consider where you really want to see yourself, speaking in terms of your fitness practice, in a year or so – and you can think about this in the longer term, say 5 or so years, if that is helpful.
If you are looking to get a more toned physique, some fitness classes like Zumba could be a perfect fit. Maybe you want to get into dancing – again, Zumba would be a great option. Or maybe you want to build some muscle, in which case something like in-Haus HIIT might be a better option.
When you have a clear idea of where you want to be, you’ll be better prepared to figure out how to get there.
3). How Qualified is the Instructor?
You’re going to be spending a lot of time learning from your instructor, so shouldn’t you do some due diligence to make sure this person knows what they’re talking about? It’s likely that you won’t have to worry if you’re taking the class through a major gym or other fitness facility, but it is generally better to be safe than sorry.
It’s reasonable to expect your fitness instructor to be certified by a nationally-accredited agency, such as the American Council on Exercise. The key reason this matters is that you should have a reasonable expectation that your instructor can help you to adapt the exercises and movements in a way that minimizes your own risk of injury.
The instructor will probably list their qualifications on the website the class is posted on. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask.
4). Schedule and Location
There are a lot of things to consider about a fitness class, but don’t overlook schedule and location. Think about your new fitness class as a part of your overall fitness practice, a routine that you want to maintain.
You can get a lot from a fitness practice if you make it routine, but that means you need to be able to show up on a regular basis. This is easier if you have identified the times of day when you know you will have the time and energy – for many people this is after work, but for some it may be before work.
Think about your own sleep schedule and your energy levels. When will you feel like exercising?
Additionally, consider the location. Is it easy for you to get to? If the class takes place in a location that poses no problems for you to get to, it will be that much easier for you to maintain it as a habit.
Conclusion
Choosing a new fitness class can seem daunting, but it should also be an exciting process. You have something wonderful to look forward to: a new part of your life that will help you to advance your personal fitness goals. Hopefully the 4 tips provided here will guide and encourage you in the process of choosing the best class for you.
