The do’s and don'ts of group fitness etiquette
What your group fitness instructor wants you to know.
Before becoming a certified Lagree Fitness instructor, I’ll admit, I had no idea how much effort went on behind the scenes to orchestrate a group fitness class. I have so much respect for group fitness instructors – they create the workouts, playlists, and juggle multiple different fitness levels (and personalities!) in a room. Now that I’ve been on the other side and taught group fitness classes for over a year, I have a few do’s and don’ts to help you get the best experience for any group fitness class!
Lagree class at Elevate Training, Carlsbad, CA
Do: show up early
If this is your first class, show up at least 10 minutes early. Not only is this for safety reasons so the instructor has ample time to get you familiar with the studio and equipment or machines, but also to avoid disturbing the class once it’s started. There is nothing more distracting than someone coming in even 2 minutes late to a group fitness class; it throws off the instructor and can be super sidetracking to the clients who are exercising. Remember the days of showing up late to a class in school and all heads turned around and stared at you? Same applies in group fitness. Consider a group fitness class a meeting with yourself and prioritize getting there early. Some studios even lock the doors once class has started to avoid disturbances, and for classes that are full, you risk losing your spot to someone who showed up from the waitlist. If you take one thing away from this blog post, show up early to group fitness classes; your instructor will thank you for it!
Do: give your instructor feedback
As an instructor, we want to know if you enjoyed our class, the playlist, what could have made it better, or if there is a move that you are really struggling with. The client is always our #1 priority, and we want to make the class effective and enjoyable for you! If you are taking the time out of your day to come to one of my classes, I love getting to know you and throwing in your favorite moves or adding your favorite song to a playlist. Instructors are always happy to take a few minutes before or after class if something really wasn’t feeling right, or you have any questions.
Do: leave reviews for your studio and favorite instructors
Like the feedback comment above, studios grow by word of mouth and positive reviews, so if you are a regular and love a certain teacher, take a few minutes to post a review! Studios and instructors also love seeing you tag them in social media posts, so don’t be afraid show off your toned abs and give a shoutout to your instructor post sweat.
Do: let your instructor know if you have any injuries, if you are pregnant, or recently postpartum
Exercise is so important for health, longevity, and strength, but if your instructor doesn’t know if you have an injury, or are newly pregnant or postpartum, some exercises can do more harm than good. Your instructor can give you guidance if there are certain moves the class will be doing that you should modify, or can help show you proper alignment. Another reason to get to class early!
Don’t: text or take calls during class
I know life happens and sometimes you need to have your phone near you for emergencies, but when clients blatantly stop exercising to text or take a call during class, it sends off a message that your time is more important than the instructors and classmates. If you know you might get a call from your boss or child during class, let your instructor know ahead of time – I have no problem when someone tells me before class that they need to have their phone nearby!
Don’t: leave without cleaning up after yourself
If you are using fitness equipment, a Megaformer, or any other machines, use the disinfectant wipes that are provided and wipe off your equipment, so it isn’t sweaty for the next client. If you used props, equipment, or cables, hang them back up where you found them. Like living with a roommate or significant other, don’t leave your mess for someone else to clean up. 😊 You will get so many brownie points from your instructor if you take the extra 10 seconds to leave everything the way you found it, I promise we notice!
Don’t: use class for a time to chit chat
Before or after class – I love seeing friends or clients chat with each other and I think that’s so important for any studio community. However, in the middle of class when friends are having a back-and-forth conversation, it is extremely rude and distracting for the people next to you. I actually love seeing friends give each other motivation or encouragement during class. But please, save the convo for happy hour.
I know life happens and sometimes you can’t help being late or checking your phone. Trust me, I’ve been there too. Next time you sign up for a group fitness class try getting there early and striking a conversation with the person next to you, or asking the instructor for help with form. Your instructor will notice and love you for it! <3