4 Our Health

Question:

Starting classes at the gym
  Gyms used to scare me :D I used to think they were full of fitness freeks who were super fit with all the latest gear etc etc , and most of all the PTs used to scare me lol - had never been to one until a few months ago, when I really wanted to tone by shape.
I love eating :D and still wanted to stay a size 10, so no choice but to join.
I was really scared of all the equipment, and when I started on the treadmill I felt like I was going to fall off. Wierder was the X-trainer - it felt soo strange!! Anyway, I've got the hang of it now ...
Now I want to move on to the classes, I tend to get bored after 15 mins of running unless there's something good on tv - so thought an hour of cool exercising would be quite fun. However, I have watched some of the classes going on, and they were all jumping around all over the palce, all seem to be doing all their moves perfectly and in complete synchronisation with the guy at the front (I think it was Hi Lo) .... I asked at the reception, and they said you just go along to whichever you want. So I guessing they don't progress, they just do the same thing every week.
My question (after all of that) - is it hard to pick up? Do they go through the moves at the beginning? How was everyone elses first class?
I was thinking of doing a few of the following, I like daney type stuff, any recs?
Body Jam
Body Step
Ballet Fusion - sounds quite cool, combining ballet moves with body conditioning.
Step
Body Combat
Any advice on how to start with these? Do you just arrive at the time stated or do you have to get there before it? Does the instructor just get straight into it, or what ?? Is there any music involved to the classes. I don't have any clue about them - I just sometimes see the instructor gym with a mic on shouting and all these people bouncing about ..... :D looks great fun

Answer:

Well, personally I love Body Combat (but I'm off it right now as I'm a bit pregnant :D ).
All of the classes you mention will be set to music. And 3 of them - Body Jam, Body Step and Body Combat - are all set formats where the classes are the same at different gyms. Don't know anything about Ballet Fusion.
I think Body Jam would be based on street dance moves and they will have set routines, which you'll learn each week.
Body Step is basically step aerobics, where you step on and off a "step" or jump on and off it.
Body Combat are routines based on boxing punches and karate moves. It's great fun and fantastic stress relief. You can probably read more about them on http://www.bodypump.com
With all 3 of those, they have "releases" where the people who run this franchise issue new routines and new music about once a quarter. It's fairly easy to learn new routines in the class once you know the basic moves but it doesn't really matter if you go wrong unless you constantly do it.
I am surprised that you don't have to book your classes as there are likely to be limited space in the gym and you might turn up and there be too many people, particularly at this time of year. Check again that you don't have to book. Also check if they run what are called "technique classes" or "clinics" for any of them, particularly Combat. They tend to run these for about 15 mins before a normal class and you will learn the basic moves ie the punches and the kicks before putting them into a routine. If your gym don't run these, shame on them as they really help IMO. But if they really don't, I'd suggest turning up early and telling the instructor that you're new and how to do the basic moves. This may be true for Body Jam or Body Step, although I've never done those exact formats.
You only have to go to clinic once, but it does take a while to get your technique right and to learn the routines. I reckon it took me about 6 weeks before I felt fully comfortable - then she changed the blooming routines :D. If there are any moves in a routine that have not been done before, the teacher will normally demonstrate this at the start of a class or before a particular track.
Combat in particular is hard work. The first 3 or 4 times I went, I just came home and collapsed on the sofa for the rest of the evening but I loved the rush (and still do, would still be going if it wasn't for the fact that it wasn't making my bump uncomfortable).
I'd suggest you try each of the classes but give them a while - at least 2 or 3 goes before you decide whether you'll continue. The first few times you are just trying to remember everything and you might feel a bit out of place. You might feel a bit dumb if everyone else knows the routine, unless you luck out and they're in the process of changing the routines and the others don't really know it. Don't feel self-conscious about it - if you are reasonably co-ordinated, you will pick it up. Just don't stand right at the front for your first classes. :D
Classes are definitely an excellent way to exercise. I find that working in a group means that I work harder and am less likely to wimp out. :D Having set times when you go makes it easier to develop a routine and therefore a fitness habit which is positive.
Sorry, bit of a ramble, but hope it helps.
kateab

Answer:

Thanks kateab!!
Not rambling at all that was very helpful. I havent seen anything about the clinics to practise your technique before hand. I've just had a look at the timetable and found a Body Pump Technique class :D And another called Body Balance has a 15 min technique class as well - I didn't realise what they were for, it was in very small print. But now I know what I'm looking for. But those are the only 2 that have it.
Now that I've seen that I might start with Body Pump - what does it mean by 'free weight workout'?? doesn't sound very exciting. I hope its not with weights as I kind of don't like the sound of that. Body Combat sounds cool, theres no technique session for it though. And Body Step and Body Jam as well.
The girl I spoke to didnt say anything about booking. When I was watching in the morning - well around 11:30, there was probably about 8 people in the class.
Can we ask when the new routines start for the session? I'd like to start off with something new, rather than try do something everyone else already knows. Or is it not that important?
So with Body Jam its a new routine each week right?

Answer:

Bodypump is weights, using a bar. You may be surprised so if you fancy trying the technique class it doesn't commit you to attending a whole one...
You can ask about when the new routines start, but to be honest it doesn't make too much difference in combat - once you start you will begin to get the hang of the moves, and then its just a case of what order they go in
No idea on body jam I'm afraid, but if its like all the other "body" classes it will be the same moves for about 8 weeks
OB x

Answer:

No idea on body jam I'm afraid, but if its like all the other "body" classes it will be the same moves for about 8 weeks

Yep, you're right. I do Body Jam and it's the same format as the rest.
I think you mentioned you fancied a dancey type class? Well Body Jam is a dance fitness class (mix of latin, hip-hop, disco, funk and jazz). Going along to the Jam clinic would be really helpful because it will take you a few goes to get the hang of the routines. It's loads of fun though, I'm sure you'll love it. :)
My personal favourite is Body Combat so I'd urge you to give that a go first.