Fitness class for the chronically uncoordinated and self conscious

[HelloDulling]

I would like to get fit. I would like to be less fat.

I need the accountability of going somewhere with a teacher, so classes at home don’t work for me.

I am unfit, fairly uncoordinated and very, very self conscious. This afternoon I tried a fairly low impact aerobics type class with a friend, and I wanted to cry. I had no idea what I was doing, and felt very, very embarrassed the entire time. I got to the end, but was just desperate for it to be over.

Is there any type of class I could try that is not quite so ‘all doing exactly the same thing at the same time’? I just feel so aware I’m doing the wrong thing and look foolish.

I’ve just signed up for a yoga class, but I know I need cardio too.

Pilates, walking? You may find a Nordic Walking group.

Couch to 5k

What about spinning, OP? Or versa-climbing if there’s a class near you (they’re not widespread). Both just require you to do the thing without any fancy moves or coordination. Also though, I’ve done classes where I’ve felt completely useless and I’m a trained dancer with many fitness classes under my belt - sometimes it just takes time to get the hang of it. So you might want to give yourself a kinder chance at the type of classes you’re ruling out.

@Happyface120

Couch to 5k

I’m too prone to injury. Have started it three times and never got past week 3. My ankles can’t cope with it at all.

@LIZS

Pilates, walking? You may find a Nordic Walking group.

Thank you. I do walk, and might try Pilates, but I feel like I need something with a bit more oomph.

@Happyface120

Couch to 5k

Thank you, though.

@ABitOfAShitShow

What about spinning, OP? Or versa-climbing if there’s a class near you (they’re not widespread). Both just require you to do the thing without any fancy moves or coordination. Also though, I’ve done classes where I’ve felt completely useless and I’m a trained dancer with many fitness classes under my belt - sometimes it just takes time to get the hang of it. So you might want to give yourself a kinder chance at the type of classes you’re ruling out.

Spinning looks terrifying!

You might be right. I also wonder whether doing some classes online might help me get more confident, so could then go to a real class.

I'd definitely recommend spinning! I'm completely incoordonated too and had never done it before but it's pretty easy and you choose how hard you go. It's quite fun really and, like you say, the instructor provides some accountability.

clubbercise - dancing in the dark

@LydiaFTM

I'd definitely recommend spinning! I'm completely incoordonated too and had never done it before but it's pretty easy and you choose how hard you go. It's quite fun really and, like you say, the instructor provides some accountability.

Do you get a very sore bum/undercarriage?

I am just like you OP, I have zero coordination.

Can personally recommend spinning and body pump

@WeRTheOnesWeHaveBeenWaitingFor

clubbercise - dancing in the dark

OMG it looks amazing. Really funny, which appeals.

You can buy a removable seat pad for spin bikes.

I started adult riding lessons again 9 months ago- it is really brilliant. Good exercise, learn a new skill, social and very therapeutic too. Definitely recommend if you have a stables near you.

Oh deffo spinning. You'll have a sore arse after the first few but you quickly get over that. Some classes will be in the dark so even better! you can follow the instructor or just have a sit in parts if it gets a bit too tough. Nothing else I've ever done has improved my fitness so dramatically

Spinning, yes you get a sore bum to start with but after 2 or 3 sessions it goes. Great thing about spinning is that it's for all fitness levels. You are in charge of the resistance and how fast you pedal. It's great cardio and you'll be surprised at how quickly you can increase your resistance and cadence. Spin studios are usually fairly low light and you can position yourself at the back. Just make sure you get there 5 mins early for your 1st class so you can get some help getting your bike set up right.

This afternoon I tried a fairly low impact aerobics type class with a friend, and I wanted to cry. I had no idea what I was doing, and felt very, very embarrassed the entire time. I got to the end, but was just desperate for it to be over.

This is so so normal. Honestly @HelloDulling

Most people in your class were probably feeling the same, or a version of it. Really.

And like any new physical skill we bumble when we first try it. I'm a part-trained ballet dancer, but I find Zumba classes excrutiating. I turn into an unco-ordinated lump, and get cross & cranky with myself, because everyone else seems fine.

A fellow gym member once commented on how I was killing a Pump class we were both in. My sense of "killing it" was my internal dialogue with myself Oh my god I can't do another lunge. My bum hurts and my leg hurts and I'm out of breath, and he wants me to do this with a weight, and now we have to change legs and I'm going to fall over

So keep to it. Maybe introduce yourself to the instructor next time, and say you're just starting out & could she show some low-impact adaptations, so you limit the impact on your knees and back until you develop stronger support muscles?

And be proud that you're showing up. That's always my other mental dialogue. I really don't feel like going to the gym this afternoon. I'm tired. I want to go home and lie on the sofa. I'll be so late home and then there's supper to cook and ... All weaselly excuses!

Getting there is the thing. Congratulations!

I’m a trained dancer with many fitness classes under my belt - sometimes it just takes time to get the hang of it.

Ha ha ha! Snap!

Me and Zumba classes ... argh

I'm very poorly coordinated, ,(dyspraxic really). I can't do aerobics classes with dance type moves. I can do bodypump classes as feet stay in same spot and moves are repetitive. Use low weights initially til get to know the moves so don't hurt yourself.

I am the most uncoordinated woman ever. Hate most classes as I get confused 😀
BUT I discovered spin. Love it. Its dark. No one looks at anyone rise. I'm in my 60s and do 3-4 classes a week

What about aquarobics? With a good teacher it can be hard work rather than just walking about in water! Joints are supported by the water and poor coordination can be hidden by the water too Often seems to be ladies only so maybe feels less intimidating. I did it for a few months to build up enough fitness to start seeing a trainer, still in touch with a few of the ladies.

I was going to suggest spinning too, as you go at your own pace and have as much or little resistance as you want. I’m pretty unfit plus I broke my shoulder in September which while it is healing well rules out swimming and Body Pump as I don’t have full strength or range of movement yet.

I also recommend aqua aerobics. I could probably do this atm but my gym doesn’t offer it at times that suits me, unfortunately.

@WeRTheOnesWeHaveBeenWaitingFor

clubbercise - dancing in the dark

I was going to suggest this too.

I haven't been for a few years, but used to go with some friends once a week. It's dark, and you can always stand towards the back or at the sides if you want to be less visible. Instructor was on a stage. Have a chat with him/her before the class if you're concerned about the impact on your ankles, but ours would always give a lower impact option for any of the jumpy type moves.

If all else fails, doing your own thing, dancing in the dark for an hour is bound to burn a few calories!!

You could consider weight training, have a few sessions with a trainer. I like it because it's all about building strength, and you don't have to do lots of repetitions of anything! It doesn't take coordination/knowing left from right.