Since it’s the beginning of the year, I’m sure a lot of you are considering joining (or have already joined) one of the many group fitness options that are out there. Whether it’s spinning, CrossFit or Orangetheory, you definitely won’t suffer from choice in this space.
Group fitness is a great option for anyone that wants a little push from a coach or an instructor without committing to paying for a personal trainer. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a member of Orangetheory. However, don’t in any way take this post to be an endorsement of the brand.
While group fitness has its advantages, it’s also flipped a very important dynamic in the client/trainer relationship. What do I mean?
To be quite blunt: it’s empowered the coaches and instructors of these classes to believe they are the ones in charge.
It’s simply not true.
While it’s definitely a trainer’s job to push their client slightly beyond where they are comfortable, it’s also a trainer’s job to listen to their client, adapt when needed, or stop altogether if the movements are causing any pain or discomfort.
It doesn’t always work this way in a group fitness class, though. I’ve seen (and personally experienced) instructors who think they are the boss. Specific to Orangetheory, coaches that try to stop members of their class from moving to the weighted part of the workout because they don’t have enough points.
Sorry, coaches and instructors, but that’s really not your call nor your place.
So what should you do in a situation where a group fitness coach or instructor is trying to make you do something you’re not comfortable with, or trying to prevent you from moving forward in the class?
Start by simply telling the instructor/coach that you’re uncomfortable. Ask for a modification if it’s movement related, or if it’s related to speed on a treadmill, state clearly that you’re going as fast as you are comfortable going.
If the instructor tells you that you can’t move on in the class (or continues to hound you about speed, weight, etc.), again, simply state that you’re happy with your performance and you’re going to continue.
If those don’t work – walk out. Ask for a refund or a credit. Provide feedback to the management. And – above all – don’t sign up for that coach or instructor’s class again.
Don’t forget, you are in charge. The coaches and instructors are there to motivate you and provide guidance, not to dictate the terms of how you complete your workout.
Now, go get your workout on!