Try a New Workout

Have you fallen out of love? Or maybe you never were in love to begin with.  Or… perhaps you don’t even believe falling in love is possible for you…

Yes, I’m talking about your workouts.  Whether you’re an old pro, or you’re new to this whole “fitness thing,” you may have realized it’s time to try something new.

My thoughts on this? Go for it!  Seriously. Do it. Try SEVERAL somethings new. And not only that, try at least ONE thing that is out of your normal comfort zone.

I get that this can be hard, especially when working out hasn’t ever been a thing for you. And it could be hard for other reasons too. Maybe you’re scared. Maybe you’re afraid to fail. Or maybe, you just don’t know how to start.

My recommendation? Start by pausing.

Say what?!? I know. I bet you thought I was going to say “suck it up and start.” But honestly, unless you’re the type of person who doesn’t have a single care in the world what other people think of you and you’re totally fine with being slightly awkward (and if you are- good for you), then instead of just “starting” and rushing in, I recommend you take a moment and pause.

I see it every January (and throughout the year, but more in January.  Because… Resolutions). People decide they’re going to get in shape and they show up to take class or train, and they are totally unprepared. These are the students that leave 10 minutes into class, or the clients that aren’t able to take full advantage of their free one on one training session. I honestly feel bad for those people. Because starting is hard enough without your first experience feeling like a failure.

So what do I mean by “pause?” I mean take a little time to do some research about the kind of class or training are you going to try. See what information you can find out about:

• Appropriate attire

• Equipment

• The Trainer/Instructor

Not only that, but when you DO decide to try something new commit to doing it at least twice.  If you don’t like it the first time, try to pinpoint what it was that you didn’t like.

Was it because you felt a bit lost or behind? Were you missing something that could have made the process better or easier?  Was it the instructor? Maybe you just didn’t like the workout, but was there something in particular about it you didn’t like? Was it because you weren’t prepared?

Well, I’m going to do my best to help you avoid that last one.  Here are a few of the things to consider when you’re trying a new workout or fitness program.

The Attire

To me, wearing the right (or wrong) thing can make or break an experience.  Do some research on the activity you are going to try and find out if there are rules or guidelines for what you should wear.  For example:

Do you need a specific type of shoe? Do you need to be barefoot? Are these things requirements or suggestions?

Is there a specific type of clothing that you should wear (i.e. Leotards, loose or tight clothing, shorts or pants, etc.)?

Will the space be cold? Hot? Neutral? Do you need warm-up/cool-down clothes or will you be comfortable in what you’re wearing the entire time?  As a whole, I am a huge fan of warm-up jackets with a full zipper. That way, I can start with the jacket on, and easily take it off without having to pull it awkwardly over my head.  After all, in the summer many studios and gyms are air conditioned, so it can be cool when you are getting started. On the other hand, in the winter those same gyms or studios may use minimal heating since no one wants heat blowing in their face when they are already sweating from their workout.

What kind of bra and/undergarments should you wear? For me, this is a real serious issue.  If I’m doing anything with impact I need a full “strap ‘em down” situation.  Anything with inversions (like yoga, aerial, etc.) requires a full cup… because I don’t want anything falling out the top when I’m upside-down. In general, I tend to err on the side of caution the first few times I try something new.  I personally feel more comfortable “strapped in” too much than too little. However, you know you.  Take what you will be doing during the class or training into consideration and choose your undergarments accordingly. As for underwear, make sure it’s something you feel comfortable in.  If the idea of having panty lines embarrasses you, lots of athletic lines have come out with “no-show” underwear.  Or, if you have the appropriate leggings/bottom on, you don’t have to wear any. Permission given, I won’t tell. 

The point is, you want to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. You don’t want to be yanking or pulling because the clothing you are wearing doesn’t work with the activity. So take some time beforehand to do some research. Look at the studio website or even send an email or give them a call.  Trust me, you’ll be a lot more comfortable and a lot more confident starting out if you are dressed appropriately.

The Equipment

Maybe this is seems like a no-brainer, but I encourage you to still take a moment to think through this one.  Do you need any special equipment for this class or activity? If so, what, if anything do you need to bring?

This can include anything and everything from water bottles to specific shoes to yoga mats and props.  Some outdoor boot camp classes also require you to bring your own equipment like a set of dumbbells, a resistance band, and/or a jump rope.   Also, depending on where you’re going, you may be able to use studio or gym equipment for free or for a small fee.

If you do need equipment, you don’t have to go out and buy the top of the line. Something from a sports resell shop, Target, Walmart, or even TJ Maxx will be just fine for your first couple classes or sessions.  If you find that you really enjoy the activity, then you can get better equipment (which I highly recommend!), but until then- the basics will do unless something specific is required. (Check with your studio/gym/trainer.)

The Instructor/Trainer…

As you take different classes, take some time to realize what kind of instruction motivates you.  Do you like an instructor that makes you laugh and tells stories? Or do you want a drill sergeant?  Do you want someone who gives very minimal cues, or do you prefer someone who cues regularly throughout the class?

The instructor can make all the difference in the world, and that’s a fact.  You can take the exact “same” class from two different people and leave one class feeling great and leave the other swearing to never go back.  There are instructors that teach good classes that I absolutely refuse to go to, because I don’t respond to the way they teach.  And there is nothing wrong with that… because there are lots of people who do like the way they teach.  And yes, there are probably tons of people who don’t like the way I teach.  And that’s fine.

What it comes down to is that what motivates one person, doesn’t necessarily motivate everyone. For example; if an instructor comes up and scream in my face to try harder when I’m already giving 110%, I will hate them.  I won’t go back to their class, and I will probably harbor a 6th grade grudge for at least a month. Maybe longer. Other people thrive on being pushed that way, but not me.

If an instructor “punishes” the class because someone isn’t keeping up (resting) I will be highly irritated. If it happens multiple times, there is a very good chance I will walk out of the door. And if she calls specific people out for not doing something right (especially over and over), not only is that instructor dead to me, but the studio as well.  Not my style, and I won’t deal with it. Call people out for being awesome, I love it, but correct people individually and with your microphone off. (Yes, I have let classes go unused rather than be in an environment that gave off what I felt were negative vibes.) 

However, those are my personal preferences.  I thrive on positive energy, on “woo-hoos” and “great jobs”.  I feel like the fact that I am working out at all deserves a gold star.  That being said, I also feel like if I’m working out, I’m going to give it my all, so I always try my best.  After all, if I’m doing it, why would I only do it 50%? 

But that might not be you.  You might motivated by someone in your face telling you to get your knees higher or to do three more reps. And if that’s you, there’s nothing wrong with that.

What’s important is figuring out what works for you, and what doesn’t.  Once you figure that out, it’ll be easier to figure out what instructors you like. Which is important, because as I said before, the instructor can make or break the class and as you work to put together a workout you love it’s important to realize if it’s the class format you didn’t like, or the instructor.

To sum it up… do what Nike tells you to do and ”Just Do It.” But take a little time to prepare beforehand.  Trust me, it will make all the difference.