What to expect in a good exercise class

After having taught countless exercise classes since 2012, and attended even more since the 1990s, I feel I have a fair idea of what makes a ‘good’ exercise class. 

I’ve broken it down into different categories:
  • Space
In a good exercise class, the space in which you move has to feel comfortable. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a high-end space – it just has to suit you. I have attended and taught in all kinds of spaces, as well as outside, and my favourite place is the one that smells the nicest! Some spaces smell of cleaning products, of feet, or of dust and they put me off breathing deeply, so finding somewhere that smells of ‘not much’ is a bonus for me. The space has to be convenient too, so that things like parking or traffic don’t put you off. And it needs to feel safe – that you’re not going to trip up over anything or hurt yourself, nor are you going to feel guarded or embarrassed. 

  • Style
The style of movement or exercise has to fit with what you feel comfortable doing. I would suggest it’s pointless going to a class where you feel self-conscious or awkward as you probably won’t move well or with ease, which defeats the object. For example, anything where I have to move my hips in a vaguely sensual way, like belly-dancing or Latin American dancing, feels confrontational for me; I could try to push through that feeling but years of experience tell me that it would be better to find something that I enjoy and find more comfortable than persevere. I also believe that jumping on the latest fitness bandwagon might not suit everyone. If you love variety and novelty, go for it! But if you want something that suits your body and mind, you might be better to stick with what has worked well for you before. Consistency is often the most powerful thing. 

  • Teacher/instructor 
I don’t believe that you have to completely love your teacher and be a t-shirt-wearing disciple, but I certainly believe that it’s helpful to feel a type of respect for them – for their craft, their dedication, how they prepare for classes, how much they demonstrate they care about their clients, and what energy they bring to the class. How you feel around them is very important: do you feel at ease and that you can ask questions or be completely quiet in the class? Does the teacher/instructor understand your body, what it can and can’t do and adapt exercises accordingly? Can they adapt in the moment to suit the mood and needs of the class, explaining in enough detail why you are doing a particular pose or movement? These things might be difficult to pin down, but you know it when you see it and feel it.  

  • Effectiveness
What does this mean to you? Perhaps you exercise to feel fitter, stronger or more flexible; maybe you exercise as a way to let go of your worries for an hour; or perhaps you want to move in a place where there are like-minded people. Whatever your reason, an exercise class has to meet your needs. It has to make a positive difference to your life, otherwise I’d suggest it’s pointless. Progression and consistency are crucial factors for effectiveness. No one can expect ‘results’ after just one class, so it’s important to keep going by turning up and making incremental progress. 

What can you expect from my exercise classes? Consistency!
  • We always start with a warm up, naturally; we breathe deeply and begin to move the body in lots of different ways. I’ll usually do some sort of ‘primer’ move in the warm up that we return to later on in the class. 
  • Each week, I do a #PoseOfTheWeek that is incorporated into every class (when I remember…). It’s nothing fancy – just good practice. 
  • We work the macro and the micro – the big and the small muscle groups. My mission is to help you achieve a stronger body, one that is flexible, well-balanced, and mobile. 
  • Sometimes, we do things quickly, other times slowly. We always focus on breathing.
  • I have LOTS of cues that I say ad infinitum, including spread toes, soft knees, pelvis tucked under, ribs over pelvis, chest wide, shoulders down and chin on an imaginary shelf. My favourite is ‘knees and feet forwards and away’, which is a nod to the Alexander Technique. 

​Plus, I talk about which parts of the body are in play and why we do each exercise – and the long-term benefits of movement in general.