You can exercise alone at the gym, but exercising with a group may be much more fun! Would you like to try out a group lesson at the gym? Then take these rules of conduct into account.
Give each other space
When you are exercising you need enough space. You should be able to move freely and not feel like someone is breathing down your neck. So give each other enough space during a group lesson. Depending on the type of group lesson, standing too close to each other can also be dangerous. Consider exercises that require you to swing your arms and legs or lift weights into the air. Enough personal space is essential so that everyone can exercise with a relaxed feeling.
Be on time
Being late can happen to anyone. But for a group lesson we always recommend doing your best to arrive on time. It is quite disruptive to the lesson if you walk in when it has already started. You disturb the other athletes and the instructor. Preferably arrive a few minutes early. This way you still have enough time to find a spot, get your things ready and possibly make a quick visit to the toilet.
Don’t forget your towel
During a group lesson you will most likely sweat a lot. That’s really good! But it’s not nice to leave your sweat everywhere. Think of the floor, on your mat or on equipment. Therefore, always take a towel with you to clean your sweat. Place your towel on your mat during your workout and, for example, wipe the saddle of the spinning bike before you leave. That is polite towards other athletes and gym staff.
Put your phone on silent
Imagine for a moment: you are in a relaxing yoga class. Everyone is completely zen and then suddenly a phone rings. Now the relaxing atmosphere is completely gone. That is of course not the intention. Distraction is undesirable during a group lesson. So it is best to leave your phone in your bag, outside the hall, or at least put it on silent.
Follow the instructor
The instructor stands in front of the class during the group lesson. They determine the exercises and content of the lesson. It is not exactly respectful to the instructor to make your own plans. Follow the instructor’s instructions as best as possible, after all, that is why you come to a group lesson. Are you injured and therefore unable to do certain exercises? Please inform the instructor before the lesson starts. They can help you with alternative exercises or help you with completed exercises where necessary.
Save the catching up for after class
We’ve talked about distractions before. Chatting during class is quite disruptive to the rest of the group and the instructor. It makes sense to want to catch up with your gym buddy, but do this before or after class so that you don’t disturb anyone.
