Issue with circuit classes - is it me?

[FirstdatesFred]

New gym opened really close to my house, offering classes rather than open access gym. I’m not very fit, recently lost a lot of weight with MJ and approaching menopause so wanting to get fitter and stronger: single parent working full time so struggle to fit in classes/gym.

Ive been really proud of myself going to these classes since January. They are a bit hard for me but the trainer said they’re for all levels and he has been encouraging. I can feel myself getting stronger.

he teaches most of the classes himself but there are a few done by other teachers. I’m so limited in my available time that it wouldn’t be worth the monthly fee to only do classes not taught by him.

But I really don’t like his style and approach. Generally it’s been ok but every so often there’ll be an element that can’t be modified for ability. Last night was the worst like that so far.

we’re in pairs going round the stations each one 5 mins. At one, you had to be in high peak then low plank 30s each for 5 mins without knees ever touching the ground.
Anyone someone’s knee touched the ground the whole group would have to do an extra burpee at the end.

I normally do press ups etc on my knees as the strength isn’t there yet.

as it got closer to my and my partners turn I was really nervous. No one before me had touched knees and he kept going on about that.

I knew I couldn’t do it but didn’t want the humiliation of being the first one to fail.

I struggled about half way through, back was hurting, almost getting a bit tearful. Struggled moving from low to high. Felt like lots of people watching whilst they did other stations.

i started saying my back was hurting, he told me to go on my knees but I didn’t want to, so kind of sat back on my feet for a minute then carried on. Whole body quivering and feeling it in my back, so close to running out in tears 🙈

the rest of the group are friendly enough but some very fit people there and I don’t know them all very well.

i just about did it but felt it was so humiliating.

one lady after me “failed” and he made a bit thing of it.

i don’t want to go back, it’s not my style.
hes said it’s an inclusive place for all abilities but didn’t feel like it.

im just sad about it as other than the odd 5 minutes like that I’ve been enjoying the classes and proud of myself.

i won’t be able to fit in time for anything else that isn’t so close.

should I just give notice and not go back?

give him feedback that I didn’t enjoy it?

I know I’ll be anxious going back about something similar happening

am I over sensitive about it? Should I just have done it on my knees?

my back is sore today 😞

I think you need to be more willing to do modifications and not shame yourself for them. Accept the level you’re at and own it. He offered a modification but you chose not to use it. He’s pushing too hard and not creating the best atmosphere but that’s on him. You can look after yourself and do what you need to do to get fitter, whilst still attending his classes.

Is it a cross fit type gym,?

Sorry but he sounds shit - poor expertise, poor execution, poor teaching, poor business development. He should be the one on here posting about having screwed up. Instead, when you raised it with him (good for you) because you actually value his product in some ways, he immediately says ‘you should have done X’ - what?? You’re the customer giving feedback! At most he should have been saying ‘wow thank you for taking the time to tell me about this, let’s work out how it would work better for you’ - though tbh I would expect him to be the one saying he will change!

Id be reluctant to give him another chance and would be looking at asking one of the other instructors if they do personal training tbh, but if it’s the right location and setup for you you’re just going to have to toughen up - decide what’s right for you and tell him up front how you’re going to handle it. But imo you shouldn’t have to.

I’m not sure, I know he’s into Hyrox and some people that go compete in that. So perhaps more leaning that way.
it’s just a single room with some cardio stuff (2 bikes/rowers/skiers/air bike I think it’s called?) then weights and kettle bells.
he also has a mobile van and other classes at various village halls round and about. But this is the HQ and fairly new.

Oh a sled thing you push along too.

I've heard cross fit can be quite macho / competitive
He sounds like an arse op.
Try and ignore him and stand up for yourself.

To me, it sounds like he was trying to make it a bit fun and out there, challenging etc.
The fact he adapted it for you does say he has some awareness, but he clearly didn't realise how much you were struggling.
I've been to plenty classes where the activity is too hard, and if I can't do something I will just stop and either do something easier myself, which is never an issue, or wait for the instructor to give me something easier. It sounds like you were pushing really hard to do it - do you think he didn't realise you were still struggling after dropping to knees because you maybe didn't stop or look like you were struggling?

I'd have a quiet word with the instructor personally and explain your take on the situation - then try a few more classes to see if it's any better before leaving completely. I bet he'll be mortified and bend over backwards to accommodate you. If not, then sack it off as he's not a good instructor in that case.