Raise your hand if you’ve ever seen a class slowly sink into the mire because Hildegard had a bad day? Yup. Me too. Now, raise your hand if there’s a classmate you always look forward to seeing because they never fail to bring the level of fun up to 100? ME TOO. Most of us fall somewhere in between. Group classes are a shared experience – it’s not all about you, Hildegard! How do we make group classes awesome for everyone?

It’s Not All About You, Hildegard

In the interest of full disclosure, I have done every last thing I’m going to tell you not to do (just call me Hildegard). I’ve sulked, I’ve cried, I’ve pitched a veritable hissy fit in the middle of class. BUT. If you come away with one thing from circus, let it be that it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Literally. I’ve since moved out of that torturous phase (thank goodness) and learned a lot along the way. Like what? I’m so glad you asked.

The Quick n Dirty Guide to Being a Rock Star in Group Classes

Look – we don’t feel like Pollyanna every day. I’m a moody somebody with lots of BIG FEELINGS and COMPLICATED EMOTIONS. When I’m in a private session, I have more leeway to let it all hang out, but what about group classes? How do we participate authentically without torturing our teacher and classmates? How do we support folks that are in the weeds? Let’s explore.

• Some days, the tears are right there behind your eyes. You’re emotional AF, and feel like a live wire. Been there! Oh, have I been there.
  • First, let your coach know (there’s nothing worse than giving a standard correction and having a student burst into tears). If appropriate, give your classmates a heads up too. “Hey friends! Sorry if I seem out of sorts, I’m having a really tough day today.” This gives your people an opportunity to support you and show you a little love! Of course, if that idea gives you hives, you can also keep it between you and your coach.
  • Second, remember that physical movement can provide a much-needed break from big emotions. A class, a run, a good stretch, etc all have to power to lift you out of that head space (even just temporarily) and help you get your feet back underneath you.
  • Third, set an intention for your class. Without getting too “woo” about it, approaching the class mindfully can help you resist the urge to dissolve into misery. “I will take this one hour and be here. I will focus on the sensations of my body, one minute at a time.”
  • Fourth, go for the easy wins. Friend, this is NOT the day to tackle your demons! No no no. Embrace the easy!
• Contain. Everyone has bad days. Everyone. But, when you are having a bad day, be aware that the energy you bring to class – positive or negative – has an effect on the group as a whole; the smaller and/or tighter the group, the more amplified the effect. Can you leave your terrible, horrible, no-good very-bad day in the lobby for one hour? Try it and see. I believe in you!
• Speaking of bad days, it’s a lovely thing to remember that your teacher is (gasp!) also human. You likely have no idea what they’re going through – terrible day, financial fears, family troubles, etc. Your coach has a lot to deal with if there’s more than one of you in the air, and Tatiana is climbing too high again after you’ve told her 12 times to keep it low, and your French isn’t good enough to communicate with Pat so you’re both using a weird English/French hybrid and les charades and they’re giving you the I-don’t-understand-a-word-you’re-saying look, and Biff got laid off, and Maria is doing that weird shoulder thing again, and why is it so freaking loud in this space, and so on. Do not torture your teacher.
• Think before you speak (this is a lesson I will struggle with in perpetuity). Before you ____________ (complain loudly, body shame yourself and by extension others, give unsolicited feedback on someone’s work, etc), ask yourself if your words are a) true b) necessary c) kind. Not kind or helpful? Consider just saying them in your head and maybe forgo the spoken version. Whisper them into your shirt if you need to.
• A core value in my classes is inclusion, and I hope it’s the same in your studio. I still have a lot to learn, and am often surprised by things I never considered or missed the first time. A big part of inclusion is making others feel welcomed into classes. I have some students I’ve mentally dubbed The Welcome Wagon, because they never fail to make new students feel welcome and included. Say hello to newbies or offer encouragement! Is there a culture of clique-y behavior in your studio? It doesn’t have to be that way! Be the change, people. Everyone wins! Be on the lookout for folks who are getting left out.

We are not always our best selves when we come to class – that’s just part of being human! We’ve all had bratty moments, found the tears impossible to hide, gotten stuck in an unbelievably crappy mood, taken a criticism really personally, or wanted to hibernate – sometimes all in the same class. The question to ask yourself is whether this is your weekly normal, or if it’s a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence. It’s worth remembering that we don’t train in a bubble (unless you actually do)! Love and pull-ups, Laura