Red Flags You Should Always Look For When Starting A New Fitness Class
Lacing up for a new fitness class? From spinning to Pilates, Zumba to barre, trying something new can be both exhilarating and a tad nerve-wracking. Between obstacles like social anxiety, negative self-comparison to your classmates, and plain old schedule constraints, it can be difficult to stick with a fitness class — even one that ticks all the boxes.
And it can put even more strain on your motivation to keep showing up when the class itself is hitting some sour notes. Let's face it: While breaking a sweat can bring about all kinds of amazing benefits, not all fitness classes are created equal. You may be doing your best to get the most out of your fitness class and still walk away feeling frustrated, disappointed, or like something just isn't clicking.
Ultimately, there's only one real way to figure out if that new class — whether it's pole dancing or rumble boxing — is the right fit for you. That's by attending it and drawing your own conclusions. But there are also some notable red flags that you can watch for as you evaluate the worthiness of any fitness class. Let's chat about the signs that your new workout might not be up to snuff.
Excessive downtime
When you're paying for a fitness class, you want to get your money's worth. Too much downtime could be robbing you of the experience. For instance, does class always start late? Are the first 10 minutes eaten up by socializing? These may be signs that the instructor isn't taking the lesson seriously enough. A professional fitness instructor should arrive early enough to greet students and set up any equipment well in advance.
During class, it's important to have breaks to rest and rehydrate. But do the breaks stretch on for too long or happen too often? If you're retying your shoes for the umpteenth time just to stay busy, you may be better suited to a more efficient class. Bear in mind that the need for breaks may vary depending on the level and goal of the class. But, hopefully, the instructor has created an environment where students feel comfortable stopping for a breather whenever they need to, so the group as a whole should only require a few formal intermissions. If the class takes a pause every time you're hitting a groove, you may need to find a different teacher or a different level. At the very least, consider asking the instructor for alternative moves or stretches to fill those gaps so you don't lose momentum.
Finally, does the class end early every time? Knocking a few minutes off may feel like a relief if the workout has been strenuous. But if this is a regular occurrence, consider whether it's more of a blessing or a curse.
A lack of warm-ups and cool-downs
A good workout session isn't just about the main event. A fitness class should have at least five to 10 minutes of warm-up exercises and a similar time for cool-down. As explained by experts at the Mayo Clinic, proper warm-ups prep our bodies by getting our muscles limber and our heart rates up, reducing the risk of injuries. On the flip side, cool-downs help gradually lower our heart rates and stretch out those hard-worked muscles to decrease post-workout stiffness.
If a class jumps straight into hardcore moves or ends abruptly, something is amiss. Sure, you can do some stretching on your own, but you're probably not a fitness professional. The best fitness teachers will recognize that guided warm-ups and cool-downs help ensure the safety and comfort of all students. So if your new class skips one of these crucial segments — or worse, ignores both — you might begin to wonder if your teacher is bringing the level of professionalism and safety that you're looking for.
An inaccurate class description
Ever show up for a class expecting a gentle yoga flow and find yourself instead in the midst of a HIIT session? Okay, maybe you haven't experienced a disconnect that dramatic. But if the class description doesn't align with what's happening on the mat, it's a sign that the studio isn't paying enough attention.
Clear communication is key in any relationship, even with your fitness class, and setting the right expectations is essential. If the class details promise a beginner's ballet course but deliver an intense ballerina boot camp, it's misleading — and possibly setting new students up for failure. This is a quick way to discourage attendance or get someone hurt trying to do moves beyond their current capabilities.
On the first day of class, it will probably quickly become clear if the course content matches your expectations. But if you're nervous about whether attempting a certain class level or type of activity is right for you, you can also check online reviews or ask friends who've attended the class. Sometimes, firsthand experiences give a clearer picture than glossy promotional descriptions.
No time for questions or modifications
We're all unique, and sometimes we need a little tweak to make a move suit us. After all, everyone's body is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. This is especially true if you're in a fitness class with mixed experience levels. Newbies and veterans shouldn't be held to the same standard, and if your instructor fails to provide modifications or acts impatient or condescending when you go out of your way to ask for help, that is an undeniable red flag.
The best teachers will volunteer modifications without you having to ask. They should be able to analyze factors like your form and endurance to evaluate your level and suggest appropriate moves and alternatives. They should also take questions at regular intervals throughout the class. If you have to wait until the very end to get clarification, that's a whole class period where you may not be getting the full benefit of your exercise. Worse, if you're left doing moves incorrectly, that's an entire class where you're at heightened risk of injury.
Any class where you end up feeling ignored, stifled, or left behind is not worth your time and money. So if an instructor doesn't allow chances to ask questions or seems annoyed when you ask for a modification, it's time to sashay away. A top-notch class will make sure everyone feels comfortable and gets the most out of every pulse, plié, and punch.
Outdated or damaged equipment
Does walking into your fitness class feel like you stepped into a time machine, but not in a cool, retro way? We're talking about those classes decked out with equipment that looks like it's seen better years, or even decades. Giving these courses a miss might be a smart move.
First of all, there's the issue of safety. Equipment that's well past its glory days can be unpredictable, and the last thing you want mid-set is for a resistance band to snap or a dumbbell to come apart. If you notice equipment that's worn out, it indicates negligence. You shouldn't compromise on safety for the sake of a workout. Plus, if your gear isn't working right, neither are your muscles. That old stepper that wobbles more than it steps? It's robbing you of those fabulous glute gains.
Shoddy or ill-kept equipment can also reveal a toxic culture lurking beneath the surface of your new gym. Turning a profit is one thing, but they should never prioritize easy money over the well-being of clients. This is where a little recon can help. Before signing up long-term, try a trial class or get a day pass. This will give you a chance to inspect the facilities and ensure everything's up to code.
Overcrowded class sessions
While jam-packed classes can be testaments to an especially fabulous instructor or a trendy workout, overcrowding can be a real issue. First off, playing bumper cars in a fitness class? Not as fun as it sounds. Overcrowded spaces make accidental nudges and trips more likely. And if you're looking for some one-on-one guidance from the instructor, good luck. Too many students means less time to spend with each person. Plus, it'll be hard for them to see if you're striking that pose perfectly when the room's bursting at the seams. Smaller classes where you get individual attention might be more beneficial than a packed hall.
Next, let's talk about the in-class atmosphere. A crammed class can quickly resemble a steamy sauna, making it tougher to breathe and groove to the beat. And the closer you are to your fitness neighbor, the easier it is to swap germs. Ideally, studios should be setting limits on the number of students in any one class — not only to comply with regulations like the fire code but also for everyone's safety and comfort.
Of course, you can't blame teachers for wanting to reach more students with each lesson. But more people also means more distractions. From the symphony of grunts to the occasional dropped water bottle, keeping your zen in a crowded class might be a bit of a mission. So if you're doing exercise that requires quiet focus — like most styles of yoga — a smaller, more intimate setting may be preferable.
Motivation that's based in negativity
You're probably attending fitness classes to uplift both your body and your spirits. So why would you want to be confronted by negativity with each exercise or activity? If the instructor's pep talk sounds more like a drill sergeant's rant, it's time to reconsider. Words have power, and in a fitness setting, they should inspire, not belittle.
Also, beware of fitness classes that sneak in any form of body shaming. When you're trying to embrace body positivity, it won't help to hear so-called motivational quips like, "You're not going to get a summer-ready body with that effort!" So if you're hearing phrases like this in your new fitness class, it's time to raise an eyebrow.
We're all about positive vibes. If the energy in the room is negative, it can be mentally and emotionally draining –- the opposite of what a rejuvenating workout should be. Motivation should come from a place of love, empowerment, and encouragement. Seek classes that celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.