Making the decision to join a gym is an important one. Not all gyms are the same and if you want to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals, it is vital that you choose wisely. But keep in mind that the decision making process doesn’t end after you’ve gotten your membership activated. Picking the ideal exercise class is another decision you’ll have to deal with but it doesn’t have to be complicated as long as you stick to a program that is tailored towards your tastes.

One of the biggest and most common mistakes newbies make when it comes to exercise classes is picking one at random and just going with the flow. If you have fitness goals that you want to reach, your best bet is to take a step back and find out exactly what you want from an exercise class and if that particular program is available to you at your local gym.

Because of the rise in numbers of people becoming more health-oriented, many gyms have developed a slew of exercise classes that involve everything from step aerobics to yoga and power cycling. Instead of looking at the list of classes available and picking one at random, plan ahead and pick a class that was made for you. What does that mean exactly? For one thing, the exercise class you sign up for at the gym should be convenient and work with your schedule. Don’t pick an aerobics class that is early in the mornings if you work late at night or aren’t a morning person. Being able to make it to class on time and staying from beginning to end will increase your chances of success and getting the end results you want.

Not sure what kind of exercise class you can handle? If you’re a first time gym goer you’ll more than likely want to stick to beginner or intermediate level classes. It is also a good idea to think about your personality. Are you a super active person by nature or do you prefer to take things slow? Are you looking for a challenge or simply want to try something new? These factors will all point you towards the appropriate exercise class at your gym. For example, if you’re a high energy person that loves to push themselves to the limit, try signing up for an exercise class that involves a sport like kickboxing. Or if you’d rather mellow out while improving your strength and tone, opt for a slower-paced yoga class.

Comfort should also be another determining factor when choosing classes. Sit in on an exercise class and see how it’s run. Be observant: how does the instructor interact with the people in the class? Are the other gym goers in the class friendly, talkative or do they stay focused on what they’re doing? Regardless of what kind of class you end up joining, it should provide an atmosphere where you aren’t afraid to give it your all and push yourself.  

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