What exercise classes are good for beginners?

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10/11/12 5:28 P

Almost any exercise classes are good for beginners. The point is to begin somewhere. If you don't know how to do something, remember that everyone there started somewhere, sometime without knowing it either.

Preferably do something that draws your interests. If you have a friend along, all that much better. If not, you can make friends in the class if you are consistent.

Just do it and get going and moving!

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10/11/12 8:20 A

I'd start by looking at what interests you. For now, I'd avoid anything labelled hard or challenging, until you get a good feel for your fitness level. I find spinning to be difficult, and it's not my favorite, but it is a great workout. The nice thing about spinning is that you can work at your own pace. So even if the instructor says to go up a level or speed up or whatever, if it's too challenging for you, you can continue at a pace that is doable for you without impacting the rest of the class at all. GIve it a shot! You'll never know until you just go for it! Definitely talk to the instructor. The first time I went to spinning, the instructor realized she didn't recognize me before I could even say anything (or realized I looked lost and confused!) and helped me set up the bike, but I don't feel she explained the speeds all that well to me, so the next time I went, I had my friend who was there really explain it all to me, and that was helpful.

Edited by: JENMC14 at: 10/11/2012 (08:21)

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10/11/12 8:19 A

Unless otherwise marked on the schedule, every class should be able to accomodate participants of all levels.

+1 to talking to the instructor. When I taught classes, I'd give more detailed instructions/modify the class if someone bothered to talk to me beforehand, but if they didn't, I wouldn't change my original class plan.

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10/10/12 11:57 P

Just pick one you think you will like and go for it. Spinning is probably good for a beginner. I won't lie to you, it is tough. BUT with spinning you can go at more or less your own pace and no one really notices. Just don't add as much resistance or pedal as fast as the others if you get tired. As Coach Nancy said, introduce yourself to the instructor, especially with spinning, since you will need some help setting up your bike. I would also turn to the person next to you (before you start!) and ask how long they have been coming for, and mention that it is your first class. I don't know why, but this always made me feel more at ease. More people in my corner, maybe?

Remember, everyone had their first class at some point. My first class was boxing. I was so nervous, and probably terrible. I could barely keep up! Now that I have been going for over a year I am a pro, but I didn't start out that way, and neither did anyone at your class!

Go, enjoy, and make new friends. That is my favourite thing about group classes; I now have heaps of people cheering on my successes.

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10/10/12 11:31 P

Hi,

Talk to the instructors prior to the class. Many times if they know of someone new to their class they can make modification suggestions. Remember every one was a newbie at one time or another so most people understand.

Coach Nancy

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10/10/12 11:13 P

I recently joined a gym (2 weeks ago) and have not gone yet. They offer a lot of free exercise classes and spin classes but I am afraid to go because I am so uncoordinated and I am afraid I won't be able to do it. Do you need stamina training before going to these classes and is Spinning a good class for beginners? That one looks the most interesting to me.

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