Get the Best Results With Your Fitness Class!

By Donna Stark

I consider myself a pretty average person who wants to remain fit and healthy, but I am often intimidated by everything that my gym offers. Half the time I don't know where to begin and the other half of the time, I don't know how to position my body on the machines. So when I get the chance to join a class with an actual trainer, I jump at the opportunity. It's so much easier to have a trainer tell me exactly what to do and how to correct my form, but if I'm not careful, the time spent in class can easily go to waste with bad habits. Check out the top mistakes that are often made in group fitness classes.

Fuel Your Body

You wouldn't expect your car to go very far without gas, so you shouldn't expect your body to push through a serious workout without a little fuel either. It's recommended that you eat a full meal at least two hours before your workout, or choose a snack of simple carbs and some protein if you plan to exercise sooner.

Get Off Your Phone

As unbelievable as it is, the best workout is one that occurs without a phone in your hand. Yes, your family and friends love all of your updates, but post them before class or as soon as it's over. Your focus should be on your workout, not your social media accounts and you certainly don't want to miss anything that the trainer is saying or get behind on your reps.

Be Honest With the Instructor

It's important to let the instructor know when you are injured or if you feel pain. Even if you think it isn't a big deal, it may be keeping you from using the proper form. Your instructor can easily modify any exercises for you, and on top of that, may even be able to give you a few pointers on how to rehab your injuries.

Stop Talking

Joining a class with a friend is a great motivator, but be careful that you don't turn it into a typical Friday night happy hour. Now don't get me wrong. Words of encouragement and some small talk are fine, but if your conversation is interrupting the class or if you are so distracted by it that you are missing vital information from the instructor, you may want to catch up over a smoothie after class.

Arriving Late or Leaving Early

Short-changing the class by arriving late or leaving early can actually jeopardize your safety. Many classes start and end with a warm-up and cooldown which are crucial to helping your body prepare for and recover from the class.

Keeping Your Focus

Keeping your focus during class is critical if you are serious about reaching all of the health and fitness goals you set for yourself. So take the proper steps to prepare and show up with plenty of intention!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spartanburg, S.C.