What do you think of my gym classes? I’m confused by the format

[stilldumdedumming]

I am just looking for opinions on what’s on offer at my local gym. I go to around 5 classes each week. However each class each week is exactly the same. So each Pilates class, each conditioning class, each circuits class. The exact routine for that particular class week after week in the same order. I have done lots of different classes but I have never come across this before.

I did mention it to the instructor (the same person for each of these classes) and he put in a few different exercises into one of the classes but that was it.

can anyone explain this to me? Is this normal? I want to keep going but for the time I’m spending it feels a bit limited.

That feels lazy, are there progressions? Is it the same people every week? I think I would find somewhere else. Some exercises will be repeated but it shouldn’t be all of them

If they deliver Les Mills classes then they have ‘releases’ every 6 weeks or so. Otherwise they are the same. Could it be that?
You’ll know because they will be called BodypumpTM BodybalanceTM etc.

Lazy.
If the teacher is not doing CPD to keep their skills up to date
and adding those new ideas into your classes
then you cannot improve.

Ask the gym management to get some freelancers in to mix things up a bit

I like the same routine because I like to know what to expect and how much to go for it vs how to hold a little back in reserve for the next exercise! But I admit this wouldn’t work if you’re doing the class 5 times a week (very impressed you manage that!).

I like the Les mills style for this reason. But also it only works if you like the routine. And if they’re challenging enough. Some of my ones I liked the first routine that lasted about 3 months. Then they changed and I hated the new one.

def worth a chat with the instructor or gym manager to see if it’s a ‘that’s just how it’s like it or lump it’ or if they can propose anything.

Ah this makes some sense. No it’s not Les Mills. It’s small and independent and he is the management! But now I am wondering if it’s following that 6 week release format.

it’s the most convenient place for me location and timetable wise. Thanks. It’s good to know I’m not being completely unreasonable.

@KarmenPQZthats an interesting point of view. I can see pros and cons. I have had a lot of long term chronic stress and I do sometimes wonder if the predictability could at least be supporting my recovery.

it sounds like a lot but doesn’t feel it somehow. I work flexibly so I can nip out to a 45 minute class. And then clock back in just fine. I also swim 4 or 5 times a week in the early morning. I also do 2 yoga classes. I work full time, look after my grandchildren and my disabled partner. I study and teach a monthly class. No wonder my nervous system is fried! It’s just worked out that way.

Back when my gym did Les Mills I used to be rather addicted to BodyBalance - same routine for 13 weeks
but
the good instructors tweaked it and added extra bits

Other classes should vary

I’ve done classes (other than les mills) that are repeated for a few week then completely changed. Although I wouldn’t like that for all 5 classes!

Tbf if it’s just one guy doing all the classes plus managing the gym he may need to keep them simple 😂

Yes I think I need to look to the positives! It’s affordable and convenient and I feel like I fit in!