Getting through a workout
 

Hi all,

I just wanted to find out how do you get through your workouts, especially if your taking a group class? Today during my 1hr step class I just had to excuse myself and regroup for about 3mins, and this was after a couple moments of just marching in place when I just couldnt anymore. I felt like such a loser for breaking when no one else did. It was so painful!!! :(

the first thing to do is to make sure you're not in some kind of advance super-athlete class. choose ones that are close to your level.

if you're just getting started, talk to the instructor and see if there's a way to modify the movement, or some kind of movement you can do if it all gets to be too much. stopping is usually the single worst thing you can do.

and if the instructor is unhelpful, ditch the class. good instructors are compassionate and knowledgeable and are there to you help you succeed.

pacing yourself is hard until you understand what a whole class is going to feel like, so you have to keep going to figure it out ;)

try not to beat yourself up, and try a bunch of different kinds of classes if you can.

and remember - the more you go, the better you feel. you won;t get any better if you just stop going!

isolde

I agree with StillClock. Don't expect too much out of yourself right away... know your limits, and modify accordingly. A good instructor will help you and work with you to make the class more enjoyable for you.

If a class is too much, try exercising at home first. Start by going for brisk walking for 20 minutes a day. The more you exercise, the easier it gets over time. When a certain intensity becomes too easy- kick it up a notch. Also, excercise (esp for beginners) doesn't have to be in a work out setting. When i first started, I was in really bad shape... so I started exercising in ways that I thought were fun. I played DDR, and went walking... in the mall :) When it doesn't FEEL like exercise, it can seem a lot less intimidating.

Good luck, I know you'll do great!!!