Signs You’re Not A Workout Class Person

Bigstockphoto.com/fitness, sport, dance and lifestyle concept – group of smiling people with coach dancing zumba in gym or studio

It’s no secret that workout classes are all the rage right now. Every day, it seems that a new type of class has emerged. If you want a class that combines martial arts, hip hop and acrobatics, it’s probably out there. People are gifting one another certificates for workout classes, and women are meeting up for Zumba before boozy Sunday brunches. Fitness classes almost are the new happy hour. And you probably have some friends who are as devoted to their workout class as one might be to a religion. So you could feel like an outsider if group exercise doesn’t call your name. But you’re not alone. Exercise can be a private event for some people. If you’ve looked into the window of a workout class, heard the high-pitched house music, seen those legs going up and down and thought, “Nuh-uh” then you may be a solo exerciser. Here are signs you’re not a workout class person.

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You don’t respond well to yelling

A lot of fitness instructors turn to the militant, drill sergeant persona for their classes. If you break down and cry, or become very angry and resentful, in the face of this personality, fitness class may not be for you. If extremely perky people make your skin crawl, you may also be out of luck, since that’s the other common fitness instructor personality type.

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You hated high school

You hated the fact that if you weren’t in your seat by 8 am sharp, everybody turned around and stared at you, and the teacher scolded you after class. Furthermore, if you were fifteen minutes late (gasp!) you didn’t know what was going on in class. This will be the case in a fitness class.

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You need personal space

If somebody sets up their yoga mat within arms reach of yours, you feel like they may as well be sitting ON YOUR FACE. If this resonates with you, then group exercise may not be your thing.

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You’re attached to your phone

You absolutely refuse to put your phone on silent or tuck it away in some cubby. You need to look at it while you are exercising. Okay, but your teacher will not like that. And fitness class isn’t your strong suit.

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Mantras and speeches annoy you

You don’t really buy into the speeches and mantras about being a lion or a fierce goddess. You kind of just want to move your body aggressively until you sweat, and then stop. But mantras and speeches are what separate fitness classes from solo workouts. Your instructor spends a lot of time writing those speeches.

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You hate schedules

You never know when you’re going to feel like exercising. Typically, you live your life, and if you feel sluggish or you have energy to get out, you go for a quick, intense jog. But you don’t like the idea of having to exercise at a set time, each day or each week.

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You have ADHD

If you have ADHD, you can try to take a fitness class. But you may find yourself constantly having no idea what is happening, and obsessing over the weird flashing light coming from the front desk.

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You’re not going to “Repeat after me”

When an instructor tells you to “Repeat after me” and starts reciting inspirational words about how centered, powerful and beautiful you are—it all feels a little cultish to you.

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You’re not competitive

If you want to sit down in the middle of class for ten minutes, you don’t want to be chastised for it. You do not thrive by being told you’re falling behind, or your level on the electric bike is four beneath everybody else’s. You don’t care.

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You work out in weird clothes (and like it)

You like working out in your nastiest, oddest, baggiest, most torn up old clothes. And you don’t appreciate the looks you get for showing up to workout class in those. This isn’t a holiday dinner—nobody said there were wardrobe requirements!

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You don’t do Coachella etc.

Coachella, music festivals, concerts and any place where loud music pounds incessantly give you anxiety. If this is true for you, then a workout class may be your personal hell.

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You don’t talk during exercise

If somebody asks you a question while you are exercising, you feel personally insulted. Exercising and talking do not go hand in hand!

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You don’t talk after exercise

You also do not want to talk after exercise. You want to drink water, grunt, groan and collapse. You don’t want to make chit chat about how nice the new sofas are in the lobby or where the best smoothie place is.

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You’re just in it for the health points

If you’re not really committed to doing X amount of sit-ups or cycling X amount of miles, and really just want to do what feels right for your body that day, then a fitness class may not be for you. You can’t quite tell the teacher, 12 minutes into class, “I’m done now. That felt right for today. Thanks.”

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You’re not really a joiner

Fitness classes come with other group activities. Everybody from the class wants to get lunch after or start a book club. You can’t just see these people at class and escape them. They want a community.