Buzz
As both a spin instructor and a devoted Peloton enthusiast, I speak from experience when I say that poor group fitness manners can be incredibly frustrating, and I’m well-versed in the rules everyone should follow.
My goal isn’t to deter anyone from joining a class. Before diving into the etiquette and safety tips I wish more people understood, let me reassure you: No matter where you are in your fitness journey, you are always welcome in class and should never feel—or be made to feel—like you don’t belong.
Sadly, when conduct and safety guidelines are overlooked or misunderstood, it can lead to feelings of discomfort. To help you avoid this, I consulted a fellow instructor and a regular class participant (while also drawing on my own expertise) to share the key things we wish everyone knew before stepping into a class.
For newcomers to group fitness, arriving early is key
This doesn’t just apply to your first session, though that’s crucial. Treat yourself as a beginner for at least the first five classes, as variables like instructors, music, timing, and your physical condition can make each experience distinct. Early on, you’re likely to encounter exercises or cues you didn’t see in your initial class, so it’s wise to maintain a beginner’s mindset even weeks into your journey.
Arriving early lets you secure a good spot, familiarize yourself with the equipment, mentally prepare, and, most importantly, inform the instructor that you’re new. My biggest concern is when someone approaches me after class and says, "Thanks! That was my first time, and I loved it." While I always cover bike setup and safety at the start, it’s still better for me to know if someone is new—especially since not all instructors provide detailed safety briefs or explanations during the session. I’m happy to adjust your bike, tweak my playlist, offer clearer instructions, or simply keep an eye on you.
Christina Phipps, a certified instructor with three years of experience teaching full-body barbell classes, shares this sentiment. "I enjoy helping new participants feel at ease before class begins. Arriving early gives you time to set up correctly, and I can explain how the class operates and what to anticipate," she says. Trust me, we’d much rather assist you before class than discover afterward that you were struggling.
Take advantage of your gym’s sign-up system
I get why you might hesitate to use the sign-up feature if you’re unsure about attending and know there are often open spots for drop-ins. However, if possible, please sign up ahead of time. This not only secures your spot but also helps us start the class on schedule. If someone with a reservation arrives and there’s no equipment available, the instructor has to spend time identifying the drop-in, which wastes time and creates an awkward situation for everyone.
Accurate data on sign-ups and attendance also assists management in planning and maintaining classes. Behind the scenes, gyms rely on this information to determine which classes are popular and thriving and which ones need adjustments. If you enjoy a class at a specific time and want it to remain at that slot, signing up in advance can help ensure its continuity.
Be thoughtful about where you position yourself in class
For beginners, I recommend setting up in the middle or toward the back of the room. As instructors, it’s our responsibility to ensure you can hear and see us, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you can’t. However, placing yourself farther back allows you to observe more experienced participants and follow their movements. If someone is performing an exercise incorrectly or unsafely, the instructor will correct them to avoid liability, so you don’t need to worry about mimicking someone who’s doing it wrong.
This approach is also more considerate of your classmates. Emily Rella, who recently celebrated her 600th Soulcycle class and frequently participates in other group fitness activities like pilates, finds it frustrating when newcomers take front-row spots in unfamiliar classes. "No matter how fit or athletic you are, you need experience to understand how a specific class or exercise works before leading the group," she explains. "It disrupts the flow for everyone, including those around you."
Avoid going off-script during class
I aim to create an enjoyable and flexible class environment because I believe forcing participants into uncomfortable movements isn’t effective for retention or achieving fitness goals. I always emphasize that anyone can modify exercises they’re not comfortable with and suggest various resistance levels to try, prioritizing safety above all. If you’re not up for an all-out sprint on a particular day, that’s perfectly fine. While some instructors thrive on pushing or challenging participants, my approach is more accommodating.
However, it’s essential to pay attention. I’ve had attendees wear their own headphones, completely ignoring my music, cues, and instructions. Others have disregarded me for the entire 45-minute session. While I respect your autonomy in how you choose to exercise, I kindly ask that if you’re not planning to participate, you either wait until the room is empty or use the gym’s general equipment. Doing your own thing disrupts the class dynamic and creates an awkward atmosphere. Instructors undergo certification to lead classes, so it’s worth considering their guidance.
Phipps, who teaches classes involving heavy weights and prioritizes safety, puts it bluntly: "If you’re attending my class, try to follow the program rather than improvising your workout. If you disregard my instructions, you’re welcome to head back to the weightlifting area."
Keep conversations to a minimum (and avoid using your phone)
This might seem obvious, but refrain from talking during class. A brief exchange is acceptable, but talking over the instructor the entire time is disrespectful. It distracts others from focusing and hearing instructions, and it makes it harder for instructors to hear if someone needs assistance (which is already challenging with loud music in a dimly lit room).
Rella mentions that constant chatter during class is one of her biggest annoyances, as is when people use their devices at full brightness in a low-light setting.
I understand: You might need to reply to a message from your babysitter or a work-related Slack. It’s unfortunate that the modern work culture often doesn’t allow for 45 minutes of uninterrupted focus on fitness. However, avoid spending the entire class responding to emails or texting. While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many people do it. Besides being inconsiderate to others, it’s a safety hazard: Getting distracted by your phone or smartwatch can cause you to miss cues, leading to rushed or incorrect movements that could result in injury. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure
Even the most experienced gym-goers can get injured from a single wrong move, a moment of distraction, or encountering something unfamiliar—and that’s the last thing any instructor wants. I started taking spin classes a decade ago, and during one of my early sessions, I sustained an injury because I didn’t speak up when something felt wrong.
Understand your boundaries—avoid attending class if you’re already injured and the session might worsen your condition (a rule that seems obvious but is often ignored). Speak up about anything you’re unsure of. The advantage of group fitness is having access to a trained professional who can guide you through movements safely and effectively, something you don’t always get when working out solo. Make the most of it!
If a movement feels off, stop immediately. The instructor might notice and ask what’s wrong, allowing you to get immediate assistance. If you’re uncomfortable addressing it during class or the room is crowded, approach them afterward. Regardless, don’t push through discomfort—it could lead to regret. "If something hurts or feels incorrect, follow my safety cues for adjustments. If it still doesn’t feel right, stop and ask for help after class," Phipps recommends.
Fitness classes are meant to be enjoyable
While some people take fitness very seriously—which is great—don’t treat class as a life-or-death situation. This mindset only adds unnecessary stress for you and others.
Be kind to others. If I catch you mocking someone, you’ll be asked to leave. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a rough day. Group fitness is meant to be a fun, communal experience, not a solo grind. Keep that in mind and avoid overthinking it.
In a group class, others might glance at you, but usually only to compare their form to yours—and most participants are too focused on following instructions and performing exercises to pay much attention, especially in a dimly lit room. You’re not there to impress anyone or compete with them. You’re there for your own benefit.
"Enjoy the experience and don’t be afraid to laugh," Phipps advises. "These classes can be challenging at first, but don’t aim for perfection. Let the vibrant atmosphere guide you." If a class lacks that energy, try a different one. I’ve attended plenty of subpar classes and simply chose not to return. Only stick with a class if it adds value to your fitness journey.
Rella adds: "Approach the class with an open mind and a friendly attitude. Some people prefer to arrive and leave quickly, while others enjoy socializing before or after class. The person next to you could become a great friend. At worst? You dislike it and are done in an hour."
