Does anyone else dislike in person fitness classes?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Or am I just a misanthrope? I realize there are benefits to the instructor seeing me and giving pointers to improve form, etc. but I just prefer to work out by myself and avoid awkward interactions. It's not even the money. I can and have paid for yoga studio memberships but quit and am so much happier with a Peloton bike and some dumbbells at home. Plus it takes so much less time.

I don't love them but it does get me out of the house. And honestly, form is really important and I can't correct on my own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I love classes. I get a lot of energy from the instructor and other participants.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or am I just a misanthrope? I realize there are benefits to the instructor seeing me and giving pointers to improve form, etc. but I just prefer to work out by myself and avoid awkward interactions. It's not even the money. I can and have paid for yoga studio memberships but quit and am so much happier with a Peloton bike and some dumbbells at home. Plus it takes so much less time.

What does this look like? I have never had an awkward interaction at my yoga studio or gym. Why are you taking a poll? If it works for you than great! How I workout or others shouldn't be a concern. I like interacting in person because if I work out at home there are too many distractions.

+1 I don't know why OP wants to reach out to share their opinions on something they've already decided. Adults have different preferences. Most people learn that by the time they become adults...or even far earlier.

Someone probably said how great classes were or said OP was odd for not liking them and OP wants to confirm she’s not alone in her dislike.

[Anonymous]

I used to need the motivation of having paid and signed up for an in person class, and possibly the accountability of having friends in the class who will look for me, and also the reward of getting positive reinforcement from instructors and seeing friends.

In the last few years I've discovered I can workout at home using YouTube videos or workouts I've learned elsewhere and can self-motivate by just reminding myself how good I'll feel afterward or that every day I work out makes me healthier and stronger as I get older, improving my quality of life and maybe my longevity. Now the idea of traveling to a studio seems like a waste, and I love rolling out of bed and doing a workout in my pajamas before heading straight to the shower. It's so efficient! I'm never going back.

It's also opened up a new world of exercise to me that I would never have done in classes. Like recently I started doing a bedtime yoga practice. Just 15-20 minutes right before bed. I've been sleeping sooooo well since I started it. But it never would have occurred to me before. It wouldn't work as an in person class because it's too short and by the time I got home, the benefits would be greatly reduced.

So I guess I do think at home workouts are better in the end, but I totally understand the appeal of in person classes because I did that for years and it was probably the only way I was going to do regular workouts during that part of my life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Much prefer working out at home with Peloton.

Same. I take cycling, bootcamp and strength training classes via Peloton. Happy with my home workouts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or am I just a misanthrope? I realize there are benefits to the instructor seeing me and giving pointers to improve form, etc. but I just prefer to work out by myself and avoid awkward interactions. It's not even the money. I can and have paid for yoga studio memberships but quit and am so much happier with a Peloton bike and some dumbbells at home. Plus it takes so much less time.

What does this look like? I have never had an awkward interaction at my yoga studio or gym. Why are you taking a poll? If it works for you than great! How I workout or others shouldn't be a concern. I like interacting in person because if I work out at home there are too many distractions.

+1 I don't know why OP wants to reach out to share their opinions on something they've already decided. Adults have different preferences. Most people learn that by the time they become adults...or even far earlier.

Someone probably said how great classes were or said OP was odd for not liking them and OP wants to confirm she’s not alone in her dislike.

OP here. I haven't had anyone pressure me to do in person classes. It's more I have recently become more aware of my social anxiety and realizing how it impacts different aspects of my life. I know I can overcome my anxiety and do the class, but I would rather avoid it. But also I guess besides certain yoga classes (I am not an especially flexible person and not all yoga instructors are welcoming of people like me, whether they are aware of it or not) I also genuinely dislike a lot of fitness classes due to the HIIT trend.

Thanks to those who have joined in the discussion. I just find it interesting to think about my preferences and why I have them.

[Anonymous]

I'm an introvert and pre-covid I absolutely loved classes. I had a gym membership and never once used the gym, only went for the classes. I quit during covid and havent returned but maybe I should give it another shot.

[Anonymous]

My favorite (semi) active fitness activity are walking groups. A little socialization if you want it but not forced. A set schedule means I'm more likely to do it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sounds like everyone is just different which is great! I think part of my dislike for in person fitness classes is that many of them are HIIT, which I despise. At home I can do long sessions of steady state cardio and do weights in my own time.

Yoga classes are fine in this respect, but it seems most instructors don't do a lot of individual corrections these days. And when they do there is a non zero chance they will try to get my body to bend in a way it does not bend.

It's more expensive and time consuming to go to a gym. That's great that you are motivated to work out at home--everyone has their own preferences, and yours are cheaper so why not go with that.

It's a gross generalization to say "most instructors don't do a lot of individual corrections these days." I think it depends on your gym--the more expensive ones tend to have smaller classes where interaction with teachers happens much more regularly.

Yes D1 gyms bill you $55 per class, it’s almost a semi private session with tailored instructions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sounds like everyone is just different which is great! I think part of my dislike for in person fitness classes is that many of them are HIIT, which I despise. At home I can do long sessions of steady state cardio and do weights in my own time.

Yoga classes are fine in this respect, but it seems most instructors don't do a lot of individual corrections these days. And when they do there is a non zero chance they will try to get my body to bend in a way it does not bend.

There’s a reason so many classes are HIIT. It’s effective. Steady state cardio isn’t really that great.

Classes are HIIT mostly due to time constraints and practicality. But it is not more effective. HIIT is very stressful on the body. Aging women do better with traditional weight training and steady state cardio or walking. Much less stressful and lower injury risk.

[Anonymous]

I prefer them to working out alone. Barre classes are my favorite, but I do get frustrated by fellow exercisers who don't understand staggering or respect personal space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Sounds like everyone is just different which is great! I think part of my dislike for in person fitness classes is that many of them are HIIT, which I despise. At home I can do long sessions of steady state cardio and do weights in my own time.

Yoga classes are fine in this respect, but it seems most instructors don't do a lot of individual corrections these days. And when they do there is a non zero chance they will try to get my body to bend in a way it does not bend.

There’s a reason so many classes are HIIT. It’s effective. Steady state cardio isn’t really that great.

Classes are HIIT mostly due to time constraints and practicality. But it is not more effective. HIIT is very stressful on the body. Aging women do better with traditional weight training and steady state cardio or walking. Much less stressful and lower injury risk.

Cites? I only read the opposite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or am I just a misanthrope? I realize there are benefits to the instructor seeing me and giving pointers to improve form, etc. but I just prefer to work out by myself and avoid awkward interactions. It's not even the money. I can and have paid for yoga studio memberships but quit and am so much happier with a Peloton bike and some dumbbells at home. Plus it takes so much less time.

What does this look like? I have never had an awkward interaction at my yoga studio or gym. Why are you taking a poll? If it works for you than great! How I workout or others shouldn't be a concern. I like interacting in person because if I work out at home there are too many distractions.

+1 I don't know why OP wants to reach out to share their opinions on something they've already decided. Adults have different preferences. Most people learn that by the time they become adults...or even far earlier.

Someone probably said how great classes were or said OP was odd for not liking them and OP wants to confirm she’s not alone in her dislike.

OP here. I haven't had anyone pressure me to do in person classes. It's more I have recently become more aware of my social anxiety and realizing how it impacts different aspects of my life. I know I can overcome my anxiety and do the class, but I would rather avoid it. But also I guess besides certain yoga classes (I am not an especially flexible person and not all yoga instructors are welcoming of people like me, whether they are aware of it or not) I also genuinely dislike a lot of fitness classes due to the HIIT trend.

Thanks to those who have joined in the discussion. I just find it interesting to think about my preferences and why I have them.

It sounds like you don’t like being pushed out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly why I prefer classes.

[Anonymous]

Riding a horse, skiing, biking, swimming, and hiking are fine.
Stuck in the gym with a sweaty group is not for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Or am I just a misanthrope? I realize there are benefits to the instructor seeing me and giving pointers to improve form, etc. but I just prefer to work out by myself and avoid awkward interactions. It's not even the money. I can and have paid for yoga studio memberships but quit and am so much happier with a Peloton bike and some dumbbells at home. Plus it takes so much less time.

What does this look like? I have never had an awkward interaction at my yoga studio or gym. Why are you taking a poll? If it works for you than great! How I workout or others shouldn't be a concern. I like interacting in person because if I work out at home there are too many distractions.

+1 I don't know why OP wants to reach out to share their opinions on something they've already decided. Adults have different preferences. Most people learn that by the time they become adults...or even far earlier.

Someone probably said how great classes were or said OP was odd for not liking them and OP wants to confirm she’s not alone in her dislike.

OP here. I haven't had anyone pressure me to do in person classes. It's more I have recently become more aware of my social anxiety and realizing how it impacts different aspects of my life. I know I can overcome my anxiety and do the class, but I would rather avoid it. But also I guess besides certain yoga classes (I am not an especially flexible person and not all yoga instructors are welcoming of people like me, whether they are aware of it or not) I also genuinely dislike a lot of fitness classes due to the HIIT trend.

Thanks to those who have joined in the discussion. I just find it interesting to think about my preferences and why I have them.

It sounds like you don’t like being pushed out of your comfort zone. That’s exactly why I prefer classes.

You are correct, working out in a way that makes me feel like I am dying and completely destroyed afterwards is "outside of my comfort zone" - as I said above, I hate it. I've been doing more steady state cardio with some sessions of more intense work built in (following powerzone training programs on the Peloton bike) for the past 6 months, and it has been amazing for me. I have so much more energy and healthwise it has significantly reduced my LDL cholesterol.

When I try to do HIIT training only, I don't typically want to do it again. I can never be consistent about it. The best, most effective type of exercise is the one that you actually do.