5 biggest mistakes to avoid in group fitness classes

Tardiness

Try to arrive a few minutes early for group classes to find your spot and prepare.

Exercises are often performed in a specific sequence, and the instructor monitors proper technique. Arriving late can mean missing important instructions on form, which increases the risk of injury.

Group workouts are usually structured as follows: warm-up, main session, and cool-down/stretching. Arriving late disrupts the flow of the class and can affect the effectiveness of your workout.

Chatting with friends during the workout

Attending classes with friends can be fun, but it’s important not to chat during the session.

Talking distracts you from maintaining proper exercise technique, which increases the risk of injury (for example, incorrect back positioning or falling during squats or weight exercises).

During exercises, your cardiovascular system and muscles require full concentration. Talking can reduce workout intensity and diminish its benefits.

Drinking too much water

Drinking a large amount of water at once can cause bloating, stomach pain, nausea, or even vomiting, as the stomach becomes overloaded during physical activity.

Excessive water intake can also lower sodium and other electrolyte levels in the blood. This may lead to weakness, headaches, confusion, and in extreme cases, serious heart rhythm disturbances or cramps.

Don’t forget to silence your phone

Ideally, leave your phone in a locker. But if you need to have it with you during the workout, make sure it’s on silent.

The best approach is to switch your phone to silent mode and take a spot at the back of the room, near the door, so you can step out quickly if you need to answer a call.

Ignoring the instructor’s movements

The instructor demonstrates proper technique to help prevent injuries. Performing exercises incorrectly can lead to strains, impacts, or joint overload.

Following the instructor’s movements not only reduces the risk of injury but also increases workout effectiveness and exercise results. In group classes, it’s especially important to stay in sync with other participants.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.