Aerobics: Class Etiquette and the Unwritten Rules

Nobody really talks about them, but there seem to be some unwritten rules that aerobics enthusiasts just seem to understand. Especially in the more complex high impact aerobics classes, the politics and the psychology that goes on in the class is interesting. Here are some that I have observed.

1) Best people in front

There's a certain hierarchy or seniority that most people seem to understand.. like that the best people in the class should be in the front and the less experienced near the back. The people who have been there the longest, look the best, etc. normally take their places in the front. This actually makes sense and works well because when you do aerobics, you want to watch people who do it better than you, who will motivate you.. not worse than you, who will discourage or distract you. Sometimes new people do not understand the politics and this tends to upset the balance, when they take one of the places in the front row.

2) If you are new to the class, start in the back

If you're new to a class, it is best to take a place at the back until you catch on and learn the moves. Unknowingly, new people often come in and stand in the first few rows. They don't realize that many of the people they're standing in front of may have been taking the class for years and are very experienced. It can be frustrating to the "regulars" when a new person struggling to keep up stands in front of them.

3) Move to the back if you can't keep up

If you have ignored the above rule and taken a place in the front row, then realize after the class starts that you can't keep up, others appreciate that you move to the back of the class. This is an embarrassing and humbling situation to be in. But it's much better to move, then to disturb others by stumbling around in front of them while you're learning the steps.

4) Someone new in front of you? Don't speak up.

Although it is frustrating when someone new, less experienced, stands in front of you, it's not advisable to tap them on the shoulder and ask them to move. I saw this done once... someone fairly new herself approached a new guy and informed him that he should move back and let her take his place. I had to bite my tongue because this same person had stood in front of me when she was new to the clase! The best thing to do when this happens is to move somewhere else, or to move right in front of the person. Usually they won't mind if you move in front of them, because they'll assume you will know what you're doing. Once the class starts, and they cannot keep up, they'll be glad you are in front of them, instead of behind them.

5) Watch out for other people

Be mindful and careful of other people when you do aerobics. One time, this girl who was not particularly in shape came into the class for the first time, and went in the front/right side of the class. This spot is VERY important, because it is where the two mirrors converge...the lucky girl who stands here gets to see herself from the FRONT AND the SIDE! This spot is reserved for only the most beautiful, perfect, women who have been going to the class for 10+ years and know it by heart... but the new girl didn't realize this. It was annoying the first time she did this, but the next class, she went into the same spot...she didn't learn her lesson!

Anyway, another girl in the class had had enough. She approached the new girl, when the new girl was taking a break, and did jumping jacks right up in her face in kind of a mocking way. I think it was as if to say "you shouldn't be taking a break right now when you are in the first row. You should be able to keep up." The new girl pushed jumping-jacks-girl into me and her elbow came down very hard on my arm, right above my wrist. It hurt like crazy. She didn't apologize or anything, I'm not sure if she knew what happened. I had to go to the hospital and get an x-ray because I thought she may have broken something.

One time I tried an Aerobics class at a new gym, and the instructor had a talk with the class before the class started, and mentioned there were problems with girls kicking other girls on purpose because there was not enough room in the class, and they were trying to get them to move over. She informed us that anyone caught doing this would be kicked out of the class.

6) Don't be late

Try not to be late for class. It is the worst feeling, being late for a class that is packed and there isn't an inch to spare anywhere. 'Where am I going to stand, you wonder', as you stand there at the door looking for an opening. Finally you make your way and stand somewhere forcing other people to move over to accommodate you. This can be very annoying to others, who may resent you for the next hour. They can't help but think... 'I came on time and had the perfect spot and plenty of room, but then this late person had to come along and ruin it'.

7) If someone else arrives late

On the other hand, if someone else arrives late, and they impose on you, then it is best not to say anything or act annoyed. Remember, that there will come a time when you are late, and will need others to do the same for you. If you are nice about it, the person will really appreciate it, and you may make a new friend.

8) Men: don't expect to use Aerobics to find a date

It's tempting to think that an aerobics class would be a great place to meet women. All the women are sexy, in great shape, and the odds seem to be in your favor, considering that most aerobics classes are predominantly women, with around 1-5% men. However, keep in mind that women take aerobics classes to get in shape and socialize with other women...they do NOT take aerobics classes to meet men. They may be very offended and irritated if you hit on them.

I once witnessed a new guy go up to a girl from behind and spoon her while we were doing this dance move that involved shaking your butt. She didn't react too much...she may have been in shock. In my opinion, that is very disrespectful, and if he would have done that to me, I would have been very upset and I would consider this sexual harassment.

The majority of the women in my class are not single. Even if you could date one of them, it would not be advisable. It could get messy when you break up. Women talk a lot in aerobics classes and word spreads fast. Other women in the class will know all the details, and it may make it awkward for you to continue taking the class.

9) Men: beware that women don't want to stand by you

Personally, I try to stand as far away from the men in the class as possible. They sweat much more than women, some of them sweat buckets, and their sweat gets all over me when I'm next to them. Also, when a man is in front of me, he is all I see... it is much harder to see around him, then a woman. I prefer to watch women do aerobics then men, because it is more motivating. In general, I think that all women like to watch other women do Aerobics.

Men seem to be more confident than women, and many of them have an unrealistic view of how good they are at the class...they will stand in the front few rows, even when they shouldn't.

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The Aerobics class I go to has a cult-like following. I have been going to it for 7 years and most of the people in my class have been there much longer. There are a lot of classes out there that people don't stick to, and you end up seeing different people every time.... in that case, the above may not all apply.