What’s your biggest gym fear?
Is it falling off the treadmill? Getting weird looks in the weight room? Getting sweat stains?
One thing I’m always wary of is showing up to a group class and being the only one there.
How awkward, right? There have been a couple of close calls for me. Only a few minutes left and waiting for someone else to PLEASE GOD walk into the room. Then a few more trickle in right when class starts and you’re saved. Phew.
Well this morning, my fear actually became a reality.
I had just taken a spin class from that super tough teacher, which was just what I needed after a very restless nights sleep and a bit of a sugar hangover.
After spin I was supposed to do some core work, a la Best Body Bootcamp, but I wasn’t feeling all that motivated. I saw that there was a 30 minute ABC (arms, butt, and core) class and decided to take it instead. Someone making me do core work was going to go much better than trying to make myself do it on my own.
So I grabbed a mat and brought it to the room, looked at the clock striking 10:30, and realized I was going to be on my own.
The instructor came in – the same one that teaches spin – and I said “Is this class usually pretty small?”
She said yes and that the two ladies that almost always go weren’t at the gym today.
Alllllright then. I definitely wished I could have just come up with an excuse to ditch, but I was already in there with my mat. Too late now.
So I changed my mindset.
People pay MONEY to be the only person in a gym class. It’s called “personal training.” I should just make the most of it! She’d be able to tailor the class to my level and I’d push myself harder knowing I was the only one she was focusing on.
There wasn’t much chit chat as the class was only 30 minutes and she had a lot to get through. She counted the reps out loud and I just followed along. It burrrrned too! Small 8 lb weights, but back to back arm exercises and lots of small glute movements can really get you. It reminded me of a Barre or Pilates class with the small controlled movements as opposed to short sets of really high weights like Crossfit.
And then 30 minutes later it was finished. We got to talking. She asked me what my deal was (in more polite terms ) and I explained to her my whole work/back to school situation. She also asked how I liked the class and where I would want to work harder or not so hard. She said that in the future she could give me specialized movements to make some of the ab moves harder, even if the other ladies aren’t quite there.
Cool, right? A big fear turned out to be a really awesome workout and something that could continue to challenge me personally each coming week.
I’ve never run into a totally empty class, but that’s pretty cool that you got your own “personal training” session! Fear = conquered!
I showed up to a 90 minute hot yoga class one time and was only the second person there so we decided to make it a 60 minute class. It has to be the most difficult class I’ve ever taken.. so much one-on-one time, you have to make sure everything is perfect!
As an instructor, let me say we also dread having just one person in class. And if that person stays, she/ he gets the personal training free! Insider tip – you can always say “if it’s just me, I am more than happy to bag it.” Teachers are ok to cancel if that one person feels awkward. As a professional, I would always stay 15 minutes anyway in case someone comes late. And I would word the option of staying or going in a neutral way. But it’s as awkward for teachers as the member. Super impressed you stayed plus it sounds as though your teacher handled it well
Oooh good point – didn’t even think that she’d be thrilled to just get to leave! I’ll remember that for next time
I have a different experience as a teacher! I teach at a barre studio and we rarely have very small classes – they’re usually all at capacity – so when we have that small clientele its really great for both me, as the instructor, and the client to work on the technique…deepen their form and challenge them throughout the hour of class. As someone who loves taking classes I also really enjoy having a smaller environment. Lots of people can push and motivate me, but knowing I have the instructors eyes on me for more time in the class is equally as motivating.
I always feel awkward too but that’s an awesome point. Being the only one means you get more attention. They’re getting paid whether there is one person or 20, so making the most of it is the best way to go.
Way to stick with it! I’d say my biggest gym fear would probably be wiping out on the treadmill. I’ve done it plenty of times on my treadmill at home, so I’m just waiting for the day for it to happen at the gym. Ha!
I can relate! I have been the only one in a class before, but as an instructor, I have also taught a class where there was only 1 or 2 people. It is so awkward teaching Zumba to 1 or 2 people (you know, booty shakin’ and all)! But teaching other classes to 1 person isn’t so bad. Great way to step out of your comfort zone!
That exact thing happened to me except it was a step class. I stayed as well, although it was weird. I figured I got up early, why not take advantage! Good for you for staying!
I recently quit crossfit in favor of more running and have started to do my strength routine at the gym. I couldn’t care less about being back with the free weights, but my biggest fear is failing at a lift. At crossfit it is no big deal to drop the weights, but at LA fitness, not so much.
I was the only person at crossfit once. I liked the personal training. My biggest fear is definitely falling on a treadmill
I once had a one on one spin class, not that helpful. Especially because the instructor still acted like it was a full room.
I don’t think I would like to attend a class with only 1 or 2 (or just me) other people ALL the time but I think it would be an awesome opportunity to work on your form and get some pointers from the instructor. I used to do a boot camp class that was only 4-6 people and it was the best. Small enough that the instructor was always focused on you but large enough that you had others to motivate you.
Haha, this made me laugh because as an instructor, my biggest fear is that no one will show up to my class. I guess it goes both ways!
I hope we get to hear what you’re going back to school for soon! As someone who is in the process of figuring her life out, taking classes, trying to leave her job, I’m really interested. It’s such a tough decision in this economy, but I’m ready not to be miserable anymore doing something I don’t love.
I’ve been the only one in class a few times (I live super close to the gym and walk there in bad weather) but my biggest fear is falling off the spin bike (in all the up down transitions)
I like that change in mindset! Never thought of it that way….
That is my biggest fear and it happened to me recently, too!!! I told the instructor that we didn’t have to stay but she insisted. The only weird thing was she still taught the class like there were a lot of people, like her cues and wordings were memorized, so they didn’t seem to make sense just with one person at times. It was such a good workout, though! And, I never took a water break or anything because she just kept going so my heart rate was up! But, I’ll admit, I haven’t gone back since. I’m scared I’ll be the only one again!
The same thing happened to me for an intro to TRX class! The trainer ended up being awesome and I got a great workout. I felt like I got a free personal training session. He still says hi to me every time I see him in the gym
haha! That would be pretty awkward. If anybody’s fear at the gym is sweat stains- you’re probably not working out hard enough!!! I’ve fallen off the treadmill before and fell doing box jumps, and dropped weights. So pretty much all my fears have happened… and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Just felt pretty dumb in the moment
I had that happen to me once too. I initially felt awkward, but since it was a new class at my gym at the time the instructor was happy to stay, I think in an effort to promote the class. In the end, it turned out to be a lot of fun
I fell off a treadmill once. LOL! someone got off it and left it RUNNING! I didn’t notice it was running and when I stepped on it, it threw me off the back/ Nothing was injured but my ego….and I have a funny story to tell for years!
– Lea
hahahah that sounds really funny!! glad you were ok:)
I had the same thing happen to me once in a Pilates class – when no one else showed up, I started to get nervous about being the only one there. I almost left…but it crossed my mind that this would be a great opportunity to have a personal training session and to make sure I’m holding the proper form during my workout! Changing my mindset was all that it took