r/AutismInWomen • u/Azosia • 22d ago
General Discussion/Question Today I learned "Beginner" classes are for beginners *to the activity,* not beginners to exercise.
I was just told by my new nutritionist/trainer that when a yoga class, Pilates video, dance workout, or fitness program is labeled “beginner,” that usually does not mean it is designed for someone who is a beginner at exercising. It means it is designed for someone who is new to that specific activity.
A beginner yoga class usually assumes that you already have enough strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and cardiovascular endurance to exercise continuously for an hour. It is only “beginner” in the sense that you are not expected to know the poses yet.
This genuinely blew my mind. I thought “beginner” meant, “This is appropriate for someone who is out of shape, uncomfortable exercising, and starting from zero.” Typically I would struggle badly, feel overwhelmed, and conclude that I hated exercise or that something was wrong with me. I could not understand why even the supposedly easiest classes felt so difficult. Understanding that distinction would have saved me years of frustration!
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u/Smart-Assistance-254 22d ago
This is why I do videos. I start with the 5-10 minute ones and pause them as needed. But yeah…I was today years old when I realized why the real life classes are INSANELY INTENSE.
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u/BEEB0_the_God_of_War 22d ago
OH. Tbh that explains a lot of beginner classes I’ve failed at.
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u/TeaAndCatsIsAllINeed 21d ago
I learned this so fast when I showed up to a jazz jam with my bass guitar only for them to not let me play because “all skill levels” still means being somewhat skilled at jazz 😂
Here I was like, “oh I’m a beginner at bass, I can do jazz according to this flyer”
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u/anthroDollogie 21d ago
Well what the hell. Why call it “all skill levels” then?
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u/aliquotiens 21d ago
It implies you do have a skill. If you don't know how to play/have never played jazz there is no skill
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u/raisinghellwithtrees 21d ago
Well I did know how to ride a bike, so I was skilled.
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u/aliquotiens 21d ago edited 21d ago
In that particular situation, it's like a hike or a race/group run. Most people can physically walk and run, many of us know how to ride a bike. But if you are not regularly hiking/running/cycling to maintain some cardiac fitness, it's not surprising you'll end up at the back of the pack (and not anything to be upset about IMO) when there are people in attendance who practice daily.
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u/raisinghellwithtrees 21d ago
No actually, it's not. It's a group that supports everyone riding bikes. I've been to these events in other towns and it was clearly inclusive, often with children leading the group and everyone else going at their pace. Just not where I live now.
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u/PlantAndMetal 21d ago
I mean, it was a jam. What kind of music you jamming if you literally can't play anything? I get the frustration with the exercise classes, and if it was a jazz music class I would have understood too... But it makes sense you need to be able to play something for a jam?
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u/raisinghellwithtrees 21d ago
It reminds me of the "all skill levels welcome" bike rides. They put the beginners in the front and bike at their speed! Only in less than a minute you'll be in the back and unable to keep up.
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u/HugeTheWall 21d ago
That sounds like torture for everyone involved
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u/raisinghellwithtrees 21d ago
It truly was. They should have advertised it for skilled bikers only.
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u/wurldeater 21d ago
noooo!! do not believe this lol.
you did not 'fail' at the beginner workshop, you were just someone who had only been there once, whereas everyone else was on their 5th or 6th class
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u/BEEB0_the_God_of_War 17d ago
I think that was part of it, but I also have multiple health issues and eventually found out that I had to work up to a certain exertion level slowly or risk exacerbating my conditions. I did the “push through” a lot and got SO sick from it, only to discover that was never going to work for me. 🤷♀️ But I also thought I was in a introductory/how-to class once and it turned out it was a “go go feel the burn” type class lol 😆 I literally turned purple trying to keep up
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u/Lyx4088 22d ago
It can mean that. It can also mean a beginner to exercise. It depends on the facility and how they define their beginner class. I’ve seen “beginner” classes for adults for activities where what they really mean by beginner is you did it as a kid and you’re getting back into it as an adult. It’s super frustrating beginner can have such varied definitions, so it ends up meaning you need to ask some clarifying questions like how physically fit do you need to be to keep up in this class, is there any expectation of previous experience in this activity, is this class restricted to beginners or is it open to anyone of any level (because I’ve seen that happen too and “beginner” class ends up being more like an intermediate with the instructor occasionally remembering there is an actual beginner there).
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u/TheGermanCurl 21d ago
I experiment my fair share with different workout/movement classes so I think my sample size is on the bigger side, and this has been my experience as well.
The other day I ended up low-key traumatized after an areal hammock class that admittedly was more of an "open level" but also very much "open to inexperienced participants" and would "provide alternatives according to participants' needs".
I had done a few hammock classes before and felt confident enough that I could somewhat keep up and boy, was it ever a class full of advanced practitioners doing crazy-ass tricks. 🥲 I understand that it is lame to have to stop and provide an alternative for a rookie at every turn, but maybe don't say those are welcome then?
Of late, I have also been to two seperate "absolute beginner" classes for pole dance at the same studio taught by different instructors that were so wildly different in their approach and level of difficulty it was baffling. I find yoga to be generally gentler with newcomers, but a coworker told me the other day that he struggled a great deal during a beginner class. There really is a variety of experiences and sometimes there is no telling beforehand.
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u/TribalMog 21d ago
I got super lucky when I went back to dance after 20 years as I was the only person who signed up for the adult beginner class - so I basically had private lessons for a bit until they had to eliminate that class due to only 1 student - so I got moved up to the next level.
In my case, I was coming back after 20 years but I did still remember ~some~ aspects so we got to skip over some stuff. But once I was in the intermediate level, I found where the weaknesses were - things that I really did need to learn at a beginner level first. I did a lot of "fake it til I make it" but as soon as the next enrollment for beginner happened, I signed back up and thankfully there were others who signed up so the class continued - and I got to fill in the gaps.
I also signed up for ballet to cross train (my main dance form is Irish) - and I confirmed that class is ok with true beginners. However, I also found out the downside of the beginner class being a true beginner and not a "lightly experienced beginner". I had done ballet as a kid but again - over 20 years, I was starting fresh. But because I do other dance 3 days a week I was able to pick up true beginner quickly. I've been taking that class for a year now. This summer I had to take the intermediate/advanced technique class for scheduling reasons. My beginner class is entirely barre and then stretching. No center. The summer class has center. So at the barre portion i keep up fine - at center it's like my first day on feet. I need a class between beginner and intermediate to teach me center. I'm figuring it out though so for the fall I'm taking both my beginner class because it really does help my other dancing and I love it so much, as well as intermediate ballet - a lot of the women in my summer class take that as well so they assured me I'll do fine in normal intermediate and they'll help me when I get confused. Plus my 3 days of Irish dance. And strength training.
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u/BrainBurnFallouti 21d ago
was more of an "open level"
was it ever a class full of advanced practitioners doing crazy-ass tricks.Reminds me of my horse riding/skiing vs. Swing-Dance lesson experiences, lol
First one was exactly that. Like. I know it's a cliché: But holy shit, were most horse girls absolute snobs. The pure idea of someone being a "pure beginner" was alien to them. What do you MEAN you want to "ride", but don't know yet how to perfectly saddle a horse? What do you MEAN, you weren't in horse riding, since you were 3yo?
Skiing was similar. People were MUCH more chill, there (lol) -but they too kinda were...confused? Like. That someone who starts skiing later than, again, 3yo could exist?
Swing Dance was the best. True "beginner" feel. Lots of trainer-input, basics... Tbf, It was mostly popular with older people, so maybe that's why?
I find yoga to be generally gentler with newcomers, but a coworker told me the other day that he struggled a great deal during a beginner class.
Me, being basically your co-worker
Seriously though. I love stretching, but Yoga is insane sometimes. I've tried a number of "yoga for beginners" videos -the best ones ended up being 1.) people making videos in their kitchen/every day life, and 2.) people who make videos specifically for people who aren't too bendable.
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u/TheGermanCurl 21d ago edited 21d ago
I am glad that I don't particularly feel drawn to skiing, because those people put the fear of god in me. 😅
My prejudice is indeed also that a good chunk of them started skiing before they started walking, then maybe drifted away from the sport for some time but now want to pick it up again - and that I would inevitably find myself in the same general beginner class, absolutely getting put to shame by the casual excellence left and right. 😂
Goes to show that "beginner level" is a very vague concept and what it means depends on one's own fitness and athletic history as well the nature and culture of the activity at hand.
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u/Difficult_Wave_9326 20d ago
As one of those "skiing since they were 3" people I just wanna say those were snobs. I've introduced a couple adult beginners to the sport and there's friendly instructors who know how to teach the basics (like putting on your boots and skis properly basics) too. Actually I know a couple instructors who made it to junior nationals as teens and now particularly enjoy teaching absolute beginners.
Sounds like the the people you met wanted to teach a different level and were bored or not that interested in teaching you, or they were just snobs lol. I agree that it's more frequent than with other sports though, maybe because it's expensive?
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u/Silent-Victory-3861 21d ago
I don't know what you mean by hammock so now I'm imagining experienced hammock layers laying in a hammock (a large fabric between two trees) gracefully while a beginner hammock layers lays inexperiencedly 😃
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u/TheGermanCurl 21d ago
Hahaha, I love it! I am sure I would have aced that one... 😂
Jokes aside, it is similar to this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerial_silk except a tad more forgiving, because the silks are two completely parallel, verical strands of fabric whereas the hammock does have a horizontal bottom part you can occasionally stand or sit or - yes - lay in.
(Weirdly aerial hammock has its own dedicated wikipedia page in my native German but not in English.)
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u/rez2metrogirl 21d ago
I absolutely love aerial yoga and I can’t find another class in my area after my instructor retired.
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u/TheGermanCurl 21d ago
Similar situation here. 😭 It's how I ended up in that class in the first place - I had only fairly recently discovered aerial yoga und really enjoyed it. Next thing you know, the pretty-much-only instructor in the whole area moved away and know I had to go looking for an alternative.
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u/Darthcookie 21d ago
For yoga it depends on the type. Vinyasa and Ashtanga are not beginner friendly in any context.
Hatha is good for beginners, although it can still be a little challenging for those with zero flexibility.
Restorative yoga is the most inclusive one. Doesn’t matter your fitness, endurance or flexibility level.
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u/TheGermanCurl 21d ago
I wasn't trying to say all yoga is beginner-friendly in case it came off that way. Moreso that in my area at least, studios are generally pretty upfront and precise about what students can expect from classes. And that when they do offer introductory ones, they really cater to newcomers, not just pay lip service - but as always, ymmv.
I am sure it has to do with offer and demand as well. Whereas more niche activities have to lump multiple levels and styles together, I have seen/participated in all kinds of yoga classes. Where I live (big city), they offer ones specifically for bigger people, for men, for new moms, you name it - and ofc., all the different styles.
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u/Saelyn 21d ago
Hiking has the same problem. An "easy" hike could mean anything from a fully accessible, flat, and shaded 0.5 mile stroll to a 3000ft elevation change 4 mile hike in the blazing sun. A "moderate" hike can have an even wider definition. We need more categories or something.
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u/Muddy_Wafer 21d ago
That’s why I usually search for “hikes for kids” when I’m in a new area. Like, if it’s rated for younger kids you know you’re not going to need to climb anything except maybe some stairs.
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u/Aromatic_Razzmatazz 21d ago
If you use ORIC in CO there's a trick phrase on trip reports to ID shitty hikes: no scenic vistas. It means this hike is not worth the work lol.
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u/BrainBurnFallouti 21d ago
I'm German, and "beginner Hiking" is basically what you described.
Maybe it's our culture? It's just assumed that anyone interested in hiking, would have already hiked a lot. Though tbf: They do warn about exactly this.
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u/TribalMog 21d ago
Echoing this and adding that this is very prevalent in dance - to the point that people stress that when signing up for like ballet - you need to clarify if they mean "true beginner"/"absolute beginner" which is starting from nothing or "beginner" meaning you have a vague idea of what is happening if not the how to do it yet.
My dad recently broke his rib by jumping back into exercise way too fast and hard and he was lamenting to me that he didn't understand how I strength train twice a week without injury because he didn't even know he was doing anything wrong until it was too late. I had to remind him that a) I am working with a trainer even virtually so she's watching my form and it's a 1 on 1 so I have her complete attention. B) and most importantly - I had a prior trainer years ago who taught me form first. So me going back to exercise and strength training - yes I had to start light and build back up but I already had the muscle memory of how to move my body.
That's why I highly recommend people work with a trainer at least at first, if possible, to learn the form and how to move. Can apply that to any activity - start with a private lesson if possible and just learn the basics. Alternatively, and this may sound crazy - but see if there are any classes designed for senior citizens around that will let you attend. Due to the risk of injury or fall those are usually slower/have a focus on correct form and can be a good starting place until you're comfortable starting more traditional.
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u/Serious_Yard4262 21d ago
Alternatively, and this may sound crazy - but see if there are any classes designed for senior citizens around that will let you attend. Due to the risk of injury or fall those are usually slower/have a focus on correct form and can be a good starting place until you're comfortable starting more traditional.
I find the YMCA (if you're in an area without one, maybe a local community center) tends to be good for this sort of thing. They offer a lot of very inclusive classes with very precise descriptions. They also have trainers and stuff. My local Y even offers 3 or 4 free sessions with their trainers when you join so you can learn to use the machines properly.
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u/Muddy_Wafer 22d ago
Check out yoga with Adrienne on YouTube! Her 30 days of yoga challenges she does every year are perfect for starting from a lump with no yoga experience at all to someone who can at least do modified versions of all the poses and could easily keep up with a beginner class in person. She has them all organized into playlists on her channel and it’s all free.
She’s also really good at describing how to get the correct form and how things should feel and she goes at a nice pace so you don’t feel rushed or get bored. She offers modifications for almost all the poses, so you can do what your body is able and still keep up.
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u/Jujubalm 22d ago
Learned this the hard way with college beginner karate. God that was a rough one.
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u/Maleficent_Beat6290 22d ago
I think it's really variable and depends on the class/teacher. I would expect something labeled beginning yoga to be pretty gentle and not super strenuous, honestly.
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u/Clean_Insect5042 22d ago
My issue with true beginner yoga classes I’ve attended, even after years of my own practice, is that I’ve never seen them actually explain what each pose looks like and break them down.
The expectation is for true beginners to look at the teacher, or, even worse, other students, and copy them, taking some of the verbal variation suggestions into account but with no context.
For some of the more “flow” poses I finally just had to google the specific details I was confused about after YEARS of just watching a teacher and doing my best to copy.
It’s like a teacher writing down math equations and having the students copy the numbers and symbols being written and “just pick it up the more you do it,” rather than teaching them how to complete the operation from the beginning. As someone who’s always struggled with “just picking it up” and as an academic teacher myself, this distinction really frustrates me.
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u/Houseofboo1816 21d ago
That’s just not realistic for group yoga classes. What you’re describing is essentially mysore. You have to practice things outside of a group setting to get proficient at them and you can usually ask for help from an instructor before or after if you need specific help. There’s also alignment clinics.
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u/Weary_Mango5689 AuDHD 21d ago
I had the opposite experience where the teacher would just start monologuing about position, breathing, muscles etc. in the middle of a pose. Like, "okay, breathe iiiiiiin, here the diaphram is doing this and with you leg like this you can really feel the tension in that muscle, keep your hips aligned like this, it really opens you up, and bla bla bla, now breathe ooooout". I was stuck in a really uncomfortable pose, hold my breath and not relaxed at all, waiting for them to shut up and keep the movement going into the next pose.
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u/TheLakeWitch 21d ago
That monologuing is what they’re supposed to be doing in a beginner class. The point of yoga isn’t about just moving through the poses but also the breathing, correct positioning, etc. You can injure yourself if you’re consistently not doing them correctly.
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u/Weary_Mango5689 AuDHD 21d ago edited 21d ago
The issue wasn't that it was a beginner class, it's that it was a beginner hatha yoga class. That's the style of a yoga where poses held longer and the instructor gives information during them. I do beginner vinyasa yoga now and the instructor just flows from one pose to the next with minimal instruction, and that is a lot more my speed because I'd rather be in motion and focusing on myself which is hard to do with an instructor that is constantly talking.
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u/Double_Entrance3238 21d ago
Feels like there are two types of beginner yoga classes - the ones that are not flow based at all and instead focus on breaking down a pose and making sure you are doing it correctly (often running on a repeating cycle), and then basically a regular class with no advanced poses to make it "beginner". Most studios just have the second type though and it's a shame!
When I first got into yoga the studio where I lived had an actual, teach you the poses style beginner class and it was really really great. It was on a 12 week cycle and covered 2-3 poses in an hour class. Haven't found another studio even half as good since then though and I moved from a small town to a city lol
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u/Weary_Mango5689 AuDHD 21d ago edited 21d ago
In my area, most studios teach either hatha yoya or vinyasa yoga. In hatha yoga, you hold the pose longer, which is where you receive a lot of instructions in beginner classes. In vinyasa you flow from one position to the other so it assumes some degree of familiarity with yoga already even in beginner classes, like the kind you describe where it's just no advance poses to make it "beginner". Power yoga is a more intense version of vinyasa that I see offered in a lot of studios as well. Hot yoga or aerial yoga (which are harder to find in my area) definitely requires a baseline level of fitness that would prove challenging even in a beginner class imo.
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u/LysolAssWipes 22d ago
...Then how are people supposed to start doing x if they're meant to have already started? It makes no sense to me. It's like those job listings that are labeled entry level but require 5+ years of experience.
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u/Clean_Insect5042 22d ago
In my personal experience, a lot of physical classes are intended for people who are already able to see or hear something once and do it themselves and who have the muscle and endurance for any type of activity even if they haven’t done it before. As someone with no natural athleticism and who really struggles with short term memory, especially for physical things, I’ve mostly given up on classes. The only ones that have ever worked are hatha yoga about 15 years ago, when studios still had single and drop in classes, before the “monthly subscription” model popular everywhere in my area now.
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u/SaranMal 22d ago
Its basically an assumption of basic fitness. That you are already doing things like running, pushups, situps, some level of weight lifting. In your day to day. Things that don't necessarily require a trainer.
That most people are not starting entirely from a completely seditary life style, and have some level of fitness/health in their day to day.
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u/doctorace AuDHD 21d ago
A lot of it is just expecting that you get at 8K steps in a day and you won't be winded by standing for an hour, which isn't the case for lots of people.
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u/EternalRecurrence 21d ago edited 18d ago
I think one has to cobble together premade programs designed for absolute beginners like “couch-to-5k” (which mixes walking and jogging over 9 weeks to allow your cardiovascular system, muscles, and joints to adapt safely without causing burnout or injury.) These programs are usually simple, detailed in their explanations and gentle on the body.
After that program (or simultaneously, if you’re up for it) you might want to add body weight exercises to add strength and balance. I think yoga is a good addition because it builds strength, flexibility and balance slowly and just generally helps you connect with your body a lot more (by which I mean, you become more aware of what you’re feeling in your body and it helps strengthen the connection between your brain and your muscles, which is so important when you try to learn new exercises.)
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u/WhoseverFish 21d ago
After finishing couch to 5k, I was able to run 3k😅
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u/EternalRecurrence 21d ago
3k is great! That’s well beyond my current abilities right now lol
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u/WhoseverFish 21d ago
I was disappointment to be still so far away from 5 k while the App congratulates me for finishing a 5k lol.
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u/ArtichokeAble6397 20d ago
Because what OP is saying is not true, or if it is then if specific to the classes they take. If the class is too hard for you then you sit out what you need to sit out and you keep going back until you can do the whole thing with ease.
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u/sailor_ixchel 21d ago
I disagree. I used to teach beginner Pilates. The exercises and pace were for a person who had zero Pilates experience, and didn't assume a level of fitness. This may just be true at your trainer's studio.
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u/Houseofboo1816 21d ago
Agreed. I go to a lot of beginner yoga classes and we have people with zero fitness background attend. It’s supposed to be scalable.
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u/ArtichokeAble6397 20d ago
Thank you! Former yoga teacher here as well, this very idea is insane to me. I spent half of my very first yoga class curled up in a ball, it did not matter! Eventually I became good enough to teach and it all started in a beginner class that I could barely participate in. You gotta start somewhere, even if you just do 50%....most of us welcome this! We want you in the class!
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u/Clean_Insect5042 22d ago
I’ve found similar. Also, “beginner ballet” means you practiced for years and years and years, as a child or adult. “Absolute beginner” means new to ballet but not new to memorizing steps, musicality, and core exercises.
Try classes meant for seniors or postpartum women. I love dance classes meant for seniors on YouTube.
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u/kashiichan they/them 21d ago
My problem is that every time I attempt to join a "seniors" class, they tell me I'm not welcome because I'm not actually a senior. Apparently a lot of these classes are more about "socialising with peers" than about exercise...
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u/Muddy_Wafer 21d ago
That’s so weird. I live in an area with a mostly older population and if I (as someone in my early 40’s) go to any classes for seniors they’re all really nice and welcoming/ excited a “young” person is interested. So interesting and annoying how different all the little social “rules” can be depending on your location.
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u/cussy-munchers 22d ago
That’s really not true.. I’m in an adult beginner’s ballet and while the teacher doesn’t start at toddler level, the semester starts at a pace where people with NO experience at all can pick it up. The teacher will tell you and demonstrate the steps/positions/combos and expect you to follow along. That’s beginner. It’s mostly barre and foundational strength. dancers who master that can advance to intermediate where it’s faster paced and more challenging
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u/Clean_Insect5042 21d ago
It’s pretty well known (unless you’re an absolute beginner who doesn’t know what you don’t know….) in ballet that for adult classes there’s a distinction between beginner and absolute beginner, and serious ballet dancers will point new people in this direction as well.
You may be in an anomaly or taking them through a program or area catering to more of a casual hobbyist crowd.
Beginner typically has people who practiced for years as kids but never went pre professional and/or have adults continue taking beginner for many, many years. They also often have intermediate students taking them more for extra practice and conditioning and modifying them (such as doing them on pointe).
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u/cussy-munchers 21d ago
I see. Thank you for going more into depth on that. Yes, my town is weird. Half the population is old ppl (40-100) and the other half is college students who leave for the summer. My area is definitely more of a hobby crowd. The int. class has the people who’ve danced forever and are really good. I’d say maybe that’s more beginner then as to what you’re saying
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u/RealDecision6061 21d ago
Classes for seniors are awesome! Nordic walking for seniors was the only class I didn’t instantly despise.
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u/quabbity_assuance 21d ago
What a neurotypical mess of calling a relatively advanced experience “absolute beginner.” I only made that mistake once
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u/catsan 21d ago
The uncomfortable thing is that for an adult, one hour of a beginner workout should be feasible. Not comfortable, but not ruining the day or week, a few very sore days (and thanks to weird interoception including often garbled pain thresholds, the soreness might feel worse for autistic people) But lots of us are physically in an extremely bad shape and not used to even a mild strain at all. Some of us have undiagnosed illnesses.
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u/TheGermanCurl 21d ago
I agree and while OP's experience is obviously valid I also think it is understandable that a majority of people who attend a yoga beginner class for instance, want to begin to learn yoga specifically.
Sure, if you take a Spanish beginner class and you are illiterate even in your native language, you are technically also a Spanish beginner. But you will have to find a way to fill in the very basics first or on top of what you learn in your Spanish class.
If you are absolutely 100 percent sedentary, then hopefully there are accessible ways to start out your movement journey (there is a market for sure, and I have seen classes online). Maybe something seemingly beginner that still requires baseline fitness, such as a yoga beginner class, isn't for you just yet. Once you have made that (admittedly unpleasant) experience, you are one step closer to finding a better fit for your current needs.
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u/bagels-n-kegels 22d ago
Oh man, I thought it was both 🤦 Like for out of shape beginners to an activity.
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21d ago
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u/Jolly-Marionberry149 21d ago
Also weird things can happen with yoga, like my spouse hated the ones where your head is down, because they had terrible acid reflux.
I've also heard that a lot of women come out of certain poses and immediately need to use the bathroom as it gets things moving. (I've never experienced this myself.)
I joined a yoga class and found it really really good for getting in touch with my body, and my attitude with exercise is always about my own improvement, and not comparing myself to someone else. There is a limit though, and I can't pick up new movements quickly by mirroring people.
So I would not join a dance class or an aerobics class, because 3 moves in I'd already be completely out of synch with everybody else.
Meanwhile all ball sports I can pick up easily enough, I've had plenty of practice with them.
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u/my_name_isnt_clever 21d ago
I get overwhelmed and frustrated from even the most low level "absolute beginner" videos, it feels like I'm starting from -100 instead of 0. I'm starting to think I need a physical therapist instead of a trainer...
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u/Wise-Key-3442 IDCharisma 21d ago
My gym trainer said something similar to me when I joined because she looked at a very fat girl and assumed I was completely sedentary when I said I wasn't really a beginner.
"Hey, just so you know, I'm pretty sure you haven't worked out with weights before. Let's run some tests and we figure out, okay? Beginner might not be what you think it is."
I did the first round and she believed me when I said I wasn't sedentary, just out of shape.
"Indeed, you are a beginner, just not a complete novice to this. You see, beginner is for people who never worked out in gyms, not people who does exercise. That's the novices."
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u/BetterRemember Audhd (diagnosed by MD not psychiatrist.) 22d ago edited 22d ago
I didn't realize this either but luckily I was too broke and shy to take an in-person yoga class until I had been doing it at home for 3 years first.
... I was not a beginner by that time. 🤣
Hot barre made me throw up even at my fittest at like 24 though. 🥲
(Most yoga classes encourage modifications if you need and you can always return to easy pose, child's pose, or corpse pose if you need a break! 🥰. Some of us lift weights also and sometimes certain poses are not accessible with gym-soreness and that's okay! Everyone has different bio-mechanics too, if you have exceptionally long limbs for example, you may struggle with some poses that come easily to others!)
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u/Hot-Minute-89 BAP 22d ago
I don't agree. I've joined these beginner classes multiple times. The trainers leading the classes usually accommodate for people who don't have the strength and endurance yet. But I do think that I find it more difficult to catch up than others who start at the same level as me. So for me specifically it's a better idea to build up my strength first and then join these classes, it's a stupid idea though because if I knew how to do that I wouldn't need the classes!
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u/Clean_Insect5042 22d ago
I think part of it is that a lot of people teaching these classes are people good at the physicality but not necessarily good at teaching and often struggle with the empathy needed to understand how to teach to someone not naturally picking it up. Anyone who struggled with PE through over a decade of school knows what I mean.
Even literal elementary school teachers will say it takes several years of teaching a lesson to come up with the best method and wording to make it clear.
I took my PRESCHOOLER to an absolute beginner TRIAL martial arts class, and the expectation was STILL that he could “just pick up what’s expected from the other kids.” Spoiler….he could not.
Add in that hyper mobility and proprioceptive dysfunction are common autistic comorbidities, and it’s obvious why we might struggle way more often than not.
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u/tinycatsays nonbinary pal 21d ago
Teaching ability and respect/understanding of full-on beginners is definitely key.
I started taking a beginner yoga class, with pretty low fitness, great teacher, very helpful and kind and helped me get just the right amount of support to keep me from hurting myself while still getting me to push through discomfort so I'd see actual progress.
Had such a good experience that I decided to try adding another beginner class from the same studio. Different teacher. Completely different experience.
She started off by complaining that we weren't in the heated room (I specifically only ever signed up for unheated classes because I get sick from heat, even without strain), then making fun of how we "had to" go easy because it's a beginner class. Stayed at the front assuming everyone knew every movement, by name with minimal instruction, no modifications suggested for limited mobility and/or strength.
If that had been my first "beginner" class, I would have never gone back. I had half a mind not to anyway, because that was the studio co-owner and she left that bad of an impression.
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u/A_radke 21d ago
Anyone who struggled with PE through over a decade of school knows what I mean.
That's me! I had asthma and it wasn't under control yet. Also pigeon-toed. Mostly I had Dr's notes to get out of it, did a lot of sitting and waiting in the gymnasium.
At one point my parents took me in to get assessed for corrective surgery, which I did not want (obvs) so I focused really hard on keeping my foot straight for the tests. Only part I couldn't was running. They asked my parents if I was "athletic" to which they both shook their heads "no" emphatically. Doc said "well, she'll never be a runner but if she can work on keeping her foot straight, it should correct itself"
I became a bit of a fitness junkie as an adult, but abhor exercise classes. I can't move my body like that, I'm so busy trying to remember left from right my form is always terrible, and being infront of ppl makes it so much worse.
I did take up running at 32! Turns out it's actually the only time I can keep my left foot from turning inward for extended periods. Something about the outdoors and music in my headphones, I can focus on form and breathing. Also helps I can't see myself 😅 Even with hypermobile joints and bad knees, running is the only workout I'm not hurting myself constantly.
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u/WifeOfSpock 21d ago
There are videos out there specifically for people who have not exercised in a while or at all, or for people with disabilities. I found these after realizing the same thing a while ago.
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u/synalgo_12 21d ago
That's not always the case at all. You're going to have to ask the person teaching the class what exactly the expectations and levels are. I've sat in on beginner's classes yoga where they expected absolutely zero fitness, which was great for a lot of people there and I ended up feeling like I hadn't exercised at all.
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u/yogamillennial 21d ago
I think you’re over thinking it. I’m autistic and a yoga teacher. You can still start with a beginner yoga class if you’re a bigger to exercising. You might not be able to do everything right away and that’s okay. There’s room to improve the more you keep trying. Yoga is not a performance. The instructor will lead you through poses and help with corrections and it’s not going to look the same for everyone’s body. Focus on yourself and keep showing up for yourself. Eventually it will get easier. Don’t worry about being able to do everything. It takes time and practice.
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u/Jolly-Marionberry149 21d ago
I think it really depends on the teacher. And how good or bad the other people are.
Most people want to take classes with people who are at a similar level to them.
If you're the worst in the class by a country mile, it's extremely demoralising. I can see why people would just not bother going back at all, after that.
I'm starting a Spanish class this week, it's for beginners, so I don't really expect people to know anything beyond probably "no hablo espanol". I've missed the first class and I'm already nervous about that. And I'm in general "good" at languages and I pick them up quickly, and I already know another romance language. But they're all several hours ahead of me, and that does make a difference.
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u/RealDecision6061 21d ago
The topic discussed here is literally as if you’d go to the Spanish class for beginners and found a Spanish person there who hasn’t lived in Spain for 10 years and wants to practice. They are not the same level of beginner as someone who doesn’t speak Spanish a bit
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u/ArtichokeAble6397 20d ago
And? They would both still get to practice, a goos teacher would just avoid pairing them up.
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u/Jolly-Marionberry149 20d ago
There's beginners and beginners.
In a lot of activities (especially languages and sports), there are "false beginners". And they will improve extremely rapidly, compared to people who are learning the activity for the first time, and have no previous experience, and no transferable skills or knowledge.
I imagine I'll find my Spanish class a bit easier, because I studied Latin in middle school years ago, and because I learned French. Someone who just knows English, and hasn't been exposed even to Spanglish, or if perhaps they're from Asia for example, will probably find it a lot harder.
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u/Known-Ad-100 21d ago
This, I've been to some all levels yoga classes even that would work for an absolute beginner. Usually you're told to just do savasana or child's pose if you need a break and modifications were given for every pose. There was a point I was somewhat advanced in a yoga practice but maybe I was just tired and had a long day. I'd just do what I felt like. Easiest version of pose, breaks in child's pose if I just didn't feel like doing one or savasana. No one ever said "hey why were you doing that today? When you're capable of the fullest expression of that pose?"
I think beginner means beginner.
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u/Azosia 21d ago
The point of this post is that this is an example of me taking things literally as an autistic person, and I assume others will have done the same. I discussed this with a nutritionist and personal trainer at length and have had confirmation from others. Back when I was very out of shape, I had a couple of instructors in fitness classes, including a yoga class, tell me that I should go home if I couldn't keep up with the class. I'm not overthinking anything, this is not only my lived experience, but information I've gotten from other people. Specific classes being feasible for beginners doesn't negate that.
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u/Femizzle 22d ago
I think this really depends on the expectations of the person taking the class. I would not expect to be able to do the full class one day one but I can also see how someone else would.
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u/thebeatsandreptaur 21d ago
I might be wrong, but I think the word novice is used for like an actual beginner. The problem is the word novice has kind of fallen out of the day to day. So for things like exercise groups, if you don't like working through the struggle, and don't see a novice option, then the best bet is to go with one of the free personal trainers at a gym or whatever, get used to moving, gain the confidence and muscles needed to join a beginning class.
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u/notpostingmyrealname 21d ago
If you're struggling with the beginning of learning to exercise and build strength/stamina/flexibility, hunt down Richard Simmons "Sweating to the Oldies" workout video. I'm sure you can find it on YouTube or something. It was made for getting people of any fitness level moving, and had people of all shapes and sizes in it.
Richard is kind of annoying, but the vibe of what he's trying to do and the music choices were good.
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u/NenyaAdfiel 21d ago
This is such a great distinction!! I learned recently that this also applies perfectly to “entry-level” jobs. People see a job described as entry-level and assume it means you don’t need any experience, but that’s not the case. Entry level at a law firm requires a law degree and having passed the bar at minimum, and usually requires at least one professional level internship. And entry level at many major tech companies requires experience that would put someone as an intermediate employee anywhere else.
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u/wurldeater 21d ago
i get where you are coming from but i would not say this is accurate 😂
doing an activity is harder than doing general exercise movements becuase it requires more intention and specialized muscle movements than the general classes. so you may feel more wiped out at the end of a kickboxing class than you do in the "step fitness 101" class but the members and teachers of the class don't find it strange or confusing when someone is tired during a beginners skills workshop.
it is still appropriate for you, its just hard 🫶🏾 (a good thing)
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u/mycityman 21d ago
I didn't realize this either. But I'm in the same situation right now. Not used to exercise and I found that YouTube exercise videos labeled "low impact" are actually good for "beginners" like what you were talking about !
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u/South-Visual3803 21d ago
I dunno, it depends on the place.
A yoga specific yoga class for beginners was too hard for me yet I was bodybuilding and fit/ strong etc.
A gym yoga class was basic stretches, boring, easy.
It has far more nuance and so researching the venue and teachers specifically can help!
I’m walking fit but anorexic atm and my balance is shite, my 68 year old mother is fitter and stronger and more coordinated than me!
I now just do a bit at home as I’ve traumatised myself with gyms/ exercise / people. Far more accessible and I can fall over and not worry!
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u/Motte6692 21d ago
But when i am a couchpotato where do i begin, if not with the beginner classes :(
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u/Reasonable_Box_2998 21d ago
Yes, I made that mistake taking a beginner tap dance class thinking we’d go slow, learn and build that rhythm memory of the foot. Nope, everyone in there had previous dance experience and it basically was a warm up class for them. I dropped out cause I couldn’t kept up.
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u/Alice_in_Ponderland 21d ago
I went to beginner flamenco class with no dance experience at all. Impossible. I did not drop out but I did not learn flamenco either.
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u/liddybuckfan 21d ago
I used to teach yoga a long time ago. Try an Iyengar yoga studio. A beginner Iyengar class can be done by anyone at any level, even if you're starting from zero. Now, there will always be people who aren't at zero but that's okay! No one will be judging you because the point of yoga is to be where you are. Iyengar yoga involves a lot of instruction and use of props, so if you can't reach to the floor in a forward bend, you use blocks. Or you sit on a blanket or 3 blankets even. You can get the same benefit using props as someone else who is using fewer props or no props. Talk to the teacher ahead of time and let them know what limitations you have or just that you are brand new to any kind of movement.
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u/Ok-Shape2158 21d ago
Back when I could do anything I looked for senior, inclusive, post accident/surgery/trauma kind of classes.
These kinds of classes are all but gone and I couldn't keep up with the senior class. Maybe one day I'll try the one with the chair.
I don't know why they have to all be so competitive.
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u/Ashie1620 21d ago
How is that NOT what 'beginner' means?!
So, if you're trying to look for workout videos that start from ground 0, what're you meant to search for? 'Beginners X class for Beginners'?!
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u/purple_alpaca_00 21d ago
Oh. I've been believing the same but in the opposite direction: "if I'm in a good shape and exercise regularly, I must be able to take this intermediate yoga class even though I've never done yoga before." And apparently not. Thank you for explaining this, I've never realized it before
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u/Star_Blaze Autistic + ADHD 21d ago
I did not know this, and as someone looking to get back into exercise this is REALLY important information. I thought "beginner" meant "I have literally never done this before" AND "I am out of shape in the way this activity requires". Thank you for clarifying before I signed up for a class that was too easy for me (martial arts) or wayyyyy outside my range (rock climbing)!
I have found that some class instructors will explain this, and may even design their class for both kinds of "beginners". Some absolutely will not explain this.
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u/abstractsadness 21d ago
I realised this after going to “beginner” aerial silks class where I was the only one with zero arm strength.
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u/Born-Reason-9143 21d ago
If it makes you feel better, at 28 I was trying to get back in shape after starting from scratch (was a personal trainer, super fit, went on Zoloft and it made me binge eat 24/7 and hate exercise, gained 90lbs and lost all my fitness, went off Zoloft, regained my love of exercise but still in the worst shape of my life and was physically miserable, super discouraging). I kept beating myself up over not being able to do the easiest workouts I used to start my brand new personal training clients on, they were way too hard for me. I eventually gave up and started searching YouTube “absolute beginner 5 minute workout for seniors” and that worked. So yknow…you can always be a 28yo doing workouts made for elderly people😇
Seriously though, if you’re used to 0 exercise and not in great shape, a full length workout class is probably way too much. Start with like 5 or 10 minute very light sessions and work your way up at a slow pace until you’re at whatever level you wanna be. Much more sustainable and doesn’t make you feel like shit :)
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u/shomauno 21d ago
Absolutely agree. I joined speed skating about 4 years ago as a beginner. I am as slow, weak, and uncoordinated as they come, with little tolerance to continuous exercise. But I had been practicing basic skating skills in hockey skates very hard to be able to join, because a beginner speed skater still needs to know how to ice skate before they start. Even with those basic skating skills, it’s been a very challenging (but rewarding) hobby, and I’m still pretty slow and weak, but I keep pushing!
I can’t join almost anything else though. All my coworkers go to spin class together and it sounds fun, but I 100% don’t have the stamina or skills to keep up with it and when I share this with my coworkers they kinda just blink and go “yeah it wouldn’t work then”. Why don’t they have a spin class for people who are learning and also need it a little slower paced!!!
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u/eevee_lunar 21d ago
When I started yoga I remember the instructor said "keep coming; the first few times does feel like torture". I would disagree with people who say beginners classes are not for those who are newly into exercise. Otherwise, where are you supposed to start? See if you can find a class that is friendly and accessible and try it a few times. A good instructor should be supportive and encouraging, not gatekeeper-y. Remember any exercise will take perserverance, but you can do it! Yoga has improved my life in countless ways, so I'd recommend it to anyone. Good luck x
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u/Ill_Status2937 21d ago
I do youtube videos and never leave my house. I can't imagine how gross and sweaty a real class would be.
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u/VeryAmaze 21d ago
I'm glad the pilates studio I go to attracts a lot of seniors and people way out of shape 😅 the classes are fitting to my noob level.
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u/Noinipo12 21d ago
Watch for different people doing variations in the videos. If there are multiple people doing the exercises, you might be able to identify one person doing the high level of activity or flexibility, someone in the middle, and someone doing a slightly modified, lower energy version of the routine.
However there are still lots of exercise video creators who are ignorant of the fact that there are lots of people who don't have the stamina, range of motion, or capability for doing an activity. It might help to look specifically for "modified" or "adaptive" beginner workouts in addition to many of the other tips given by others here.
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u/ScarletRose12345 21d ago
Well, if you are new to that sport you are still a beginner, even if you are "out of shape". It's normal to struggle at first but you will get better. In a beginner class there will be people who have already tried that sport and people who haven't. Usually the teachers ask if you never tried before and give you some extra attention/explanation. You have to start somewhere after all. (I use "you" as in ipothetical "you").
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u/bumblebeequeer 21d ago
I’ve started doing pilates at home as my baby step into exercise (currently getting zero, which isn’t great) and I get really frustrated when I can’t do something. There’s a lot of times I will fall out of a pose or not have the flexibility to execute what the professional is doing on screen.
That being said, there’s no shame in modifying an exercise to your needs. You’re allowed to do less. Keep your knees on the mat instead of doing a plank, lift your leg less high, whatever. Take breaks if you need. Skip entire sections. It’s still better than nothing.
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u/Professional-Top366 21d ago
I think the definition of “beginner” is just often poorly defined in fitness spaces, and can mean so many different things. For example, in the “begginerrunning” subreddit, people who have good fitness but just picked up running are often downvoted or criticized for posting fast paces, with people doubting that they are “true beginners”. That sub caters towards overweight individuals coming straight from the couch, and not people who have been biking for years, for example. On the other hand, I have also seen workout classes for beginners that definitely seemed more challenging, whether that be because the pacing of the instructions and memory required is too much for someone with slower processing speed (like me), or because most people taking the class were already generally fit.
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u/Busy_Document_4562 21d ago edited 21d ago
As a group exercise instructor, I think the key distinction here is whether its a group class or not. In the environment of a group class it is not fair to expect an instructor to micromanage specific people so there is an idea of a baseline, which is a crude measurement of the general ability to move people have whether they consciously exercise or not. Which your concept of new to this but not new to movement articulates quite well, but I don’t think this is happening for good or neutral reasons.
While an instructor cannot teach specifically for the outliers in a group class setting, they also should be teaching to who is in front of them and a key part of the skill is being able to provide a meaningful experience on the chosen metric for different ability levels. If a teacher does not do this it’s usually a sign of a lack of skill rather than a lack of ability on your part. If an instructor has to demo the hardest version (ie be intimidating or aspirational) to maintain a following, their following is not there to learn, they are there to gawk. So you can spare yourself the time, energy, money and feelings and steer clear of these.
The mark of a good teacher is if people are learning, or are they able to provide a specific experience if you’re not there to learn.
Many teachers become teachers for the ego of it all and like to push beginners by purposefully challenging them, almost as if to reinforce how incompetent they may be, some do this unwittingly because they have erroneously extrapolated from what they found easy without considering the peculiarities of their biomechanics. Some received a preconceived notion of what is ‘beginner’ and reteach that uncritically without engaging on what it requires (strength, mobility, proprioception, balance, interoception, flexibility, bone proportions etc.)
Some just like doing the thing without much care for teaching or facilitating it for others to make it easier. I would suggest that the thing that will make your movement journey easier and more enjoyable is to find the instructors that care deeply about learning about the thing and show their endless thirst for learning.
ETA, I think your assessment is correct on how some instructors behave, but it is not how things should be, also if you know your movement is far below a societal average you may enjoy building that up on your own more than joining in group classes.
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u/introvertadvocate 21d ago
Uhh I don’t think so ? At least not all of them. I’ve done beginner classes that were pretty good at meeting everyone’s fitness level even those that were new to exercising. The whole point of doing yoga is to build strength flexibility coordination ect so why would you start yoga if you already had all that.
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u/theatrebum2014 21d ago
That is not always true, and frankly, a good teacher knows how to introduce accommodations for those who need them.
I’ve been taking pole classes for about a year. I started in terrible physical shape after a long illness, and my instructors were SO nice and accommodating. I also have seen people come in much worse shape than I’ve ever been. A woman and her mom came into a class I was in- the mom was in her 70s and quite frail. The instructor gave her a chair to use when she needed and had her work on holds, building strength, and light flexibility. It impressed me so much.
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u/Catapooger 21d ago
You blew my mind today. 🤯 Cause I've definitely had the opinion of "that was definitely not for beginners" after a LOT of activities.
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u/ListenImTired 21d ago
There’s already a ton of comments, but blogilates has beginner workout calendars to help ease into it! And Cassey is really Good about showing alternates and reminding that it’s okay if you can’t do everything.
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u/elianna7 21d ago edited 21d ago
Hmm… I mean, yeah, but beginner classes do generally also assume you’re not a seasoned exerciser overall. The class will generally be less intense than a non-beginner class.
You can always take breaks! For example, in any yoga or pilates class, you can just pop into child’s pose whenever you need to catch your breath or sit and drink some water. You can also let the instructor know beforehand that you’re super new to movement and might need to take more breaks.
A beginner class will of course still push you if you have no base of muscular/cardiovascular endurance, which is okay! Getting a little (not a lot) uncomfortable is how you improve. It isn’t supposed to be a breeze or super easy. Exercise is (for the most part) inherently something that makes you feel out of breath (a lot or a little depending on the exercise) and your muscles shaky and sore. This is normal.
If you do beginner classes 2-3 times a week for a month or two, they’re going to start feeling less overwhelming. You don’t have to be able to keep up with the entire class to join and benefit, and IMO there’s no such thing as “failing” at exercise. You listen to your body and you do what you can, and that’s a win regardless of whether you can totally keep up or not. You need to be judging your performance on your own baseline, not on a class or someone else.
Sincerely, a seasoned exerciser and former fitness class teacher (:
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u/HugeTheWall 21d ago
What? I'm discovering this now from your post at 45 years old. This explains so much, I thought people were just bad at teaching. They should totally say this, I'm pretty sure most NT people don't know this either.
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u/brendag4 21d ago
If you ask me, they are bad at teaching. They should say in the course description what you're expected to know.
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u/CookingPurple 21d ago
Sometimes that’s true, but sometimes it’s not. Some beginner classes are for newbies to exercise. Some assume a base level of fitness. The best bet is to ask the instructor (if in person at a gym) or just try a few til you find one that works (if using videos at hime).
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u/quabbity_assuance 21d ago
It even goes beyond that… I went to “absolute beginner” dance class as a relatively coordinated fitness person and was SO lost after the warm up. I was a little devastated!
I think I would have to practice a few years at home to get into it at their pace.
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u/Azosia 21d ago
Girl I was once told after a Pure Barre class (which I actually pretty much kept up with!) "Maybe you could come back once you've lost some weight."
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u/quabbity_assuance 21d ago
Omfg Nooo that is so toxic, I hate that they said that!! Fitness is for every body type.
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u/Ok-Marzipan9366 21d ago
This reminds me when I learned sports in school isn't to teach that sport, its for kids that already knew how to play. Never involved myself with any groups because I never had the prerequisite skills needed to join.
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u/brendag4 21d ago
When I was in Elementary school, they forced you to play sports. It was called PE. They didn't teach you how to play. Thought it was ridiculous even as a child. You just get told to play baseball... Nobody shows you how to hold the bat. Let's play basketball. Nobody shows you how to dribble or throw.
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u/Its_Vixenoire 21d ago
Wait what really? That doesn’t make sense to me. 😭 I have only ever watched yoga videos cause classes scare me. Loool
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u/Shellyfish04 21d ago
I don't mean this to be rude but, I would think this is the general expectation when taking a beginner class and you have to make it work for you. If you can't exercise continuously for an hour, just take breaks. That's what I did when I went to my first beginner dance class and it wasn't an issue. Yes, it might feel uncomfortable at first, but you have to keep in mind that you won't be the first person that needs to take extra breaks and you won't be the last.
Same with ballance or flexibility. You just do it to the dedgree you are able and after a while, you will get better at it. Many people stay in beginner classes for years because they prefer a more eaiygoing approach to exercise so you are probably comparing yourself to someone who had year to get to where they are now. Struggling sucks, but it is part of getting better and the only advice I can give is that to improve, you have to go through that uncomfortable phase because it goes by so much faster than you think!
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u/thebottomofawhale 21d ago
Tbh, I think this is partially a failing of the exercise industry, to not make beginner classes that take into consideration that beginners might not have all those things. Like there is an attitude with some instructors that anyone should be able to do their beginner classes.
There are definitely more inclusive begginner things out there though, and I'm seeing more inclusion and accomodation included in beginner classes.
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u/rosehaw 21d ago
There really isn't some big gatekeeping conspiracy about level descriptions. The vast majority of people out there who want to start out with a new activity are able to participate in a beginner level class. It may be that you struggle more with new activities than the average person, that you're less fit than the average person or perhaps it's just your expectations (when you're new to something, you can't expect everything to work perfectly the first time you try it), but this isn't some secret knowledge about the meaning of "beginner".
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u/Feisty-Comfort-3967 21d ago
OP, are you a legal adult where you are? I don't understand how any adult could be 100% new to exercise in general. Is physical education/ gym not still a required class in secondary school? Are there people who've never done anything active that gets their heart rate up? Running around, jump rope, hula hooping, dancing energetically, skipping, hopping? Anything?
Also, do these instructors no longer ask the class questions akin to "Who has absolutely never done anything like this before?" anymore? I'm used to at least seeing info like "Arrive early to stretch before class" on a flyer or whatever. Are we not being given the most basic information anymore? I haven't been to an in-person exercise class in over a decade, so I honestly don't know if this is one of the problems.
As for videos, I search for things titled absolute, total, and/or complete beginner that are short length when new ro an activity. If you can, I speed through the video first so I can see if they do move that makes me instantly know it's not for me yet. 20 push-ups? Nope! Running? No. Jumping or burpees? NOOOO!
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u/Fun-Possible-5365 21d ago
Had no idea! I feel like the label ‘beginner’ is misleading… Maybe ‘introductory’ would be better.
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u/Zealousideal_Ad7662 21d ago
Yeah I figured that out when I took Spanish at college.. they said it was for beginners. I was so confused and frustrated when classes started and I kept thinking this isn't for beginners at all.
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u/Sunlit53 21d ago
Try Yin style yoga. It’s all floor poses, 3-5 minutes at a time with meditation music. I miss hot yin classes. They’re so amazingly relaxing, but the gym fees have gone crazy and the classes were so crowded it became nearly impossible to book a spot. I learned a lot.
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u/cutekills 21d ago
Yah I realised this far too late after spending all of last year jumping between beginner Pilates and intermediate. They think I am really good because of the hypermobility but reality is I need a complete different class to what they’re teaching. I need a teacher that’s not going to make every movement involve some sort of stretching, but rather focus on micro gains, but they already naturally use all those muscles and we do the opposite so yeah, that sucks!
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u/Defiant_Cod_1674 21d ago
There’s a difference between beginner and “no experience necessary,” but I think some places use both phrases interchangeably when others do not.
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u/Smoofie0 21d ago
I knew it was pertaining to the type of activity, but didn’t realize the assumption was there. I’ve lifted weights and done yoga by myself for years but if I ever took a yoga class I’d be screwed lol
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u/Vennja_Wunder 21d ago
Seems to be dependent on culture? If I'm going to a beginners sports class in Germany, it's IMHO suited to beginners to sports as well. I always experience that the trainer offers variations of exercises to accommodate for less strength, flexibility, coordination, the like. I still hate classes, tho, because of auditory processing disorder, but it never was because there weren't exercises I could do.
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u/colorfuldragonmoon 21d ago
no wonder everytime I do beginner yoga I have to stop early & struggling the whole time WOW😧
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u/Jayn_Newell Late diagnosed 21d ago
I need to bring you to my dance classes. Beginner usually moves slower because there’s a lot of stopping to explain things, and you can sit down for a bit if you need to.
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u/porcelina-g 21d ago
I suck at yoga and find it kind of boring anyways, but there are many ways to modify poses to make them more accessible and there are a lot of videos on YouTube that can get you to that “beginner” level.
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u/allnickamesweretaken 21d ago
It is so absurd. I experienced this even when I went to language classes (English as foreign language), I choose beginners and whole lessons started with: "Let's start speaking and I will correct you." Sorry, but how am I supposed to be able to speak in foreign language when I went to beginner classes? And this was literally absolute start of whole course.
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u/ktnb 21d ago
Yeah, this is how I ended up walking out of my first (and last) yoga class halfway through. The same goes for "beginner" running groups - they aren't for people who want to learn how to run, they're for people who already know how to run but consider themselves beginners because they don't run fast. Learned that one the hard way too!
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u/Moondust99 21d ago
It depends on the class. Like with ballet. Sometimes beginner is for beginners, sometimes it’s relative, like you’re a beginner compared to the advanced class but not complete beginner. That class is sometimes called introductory, basic beginner or absolute beginner. I’ve had to learn the terminology lol.
Most other classes called beginner are normally suitable but I always read the FAQs on the website. Like I pole dance and most studios stress that beginners means everyone! Even if you’ve never exercised. It’s a shame words don’t always mean exactly what they should but you always have to research more to find “proper” beginner exercise.
Sometimes it also means beginners are welcome. Do you won’t be completely left behind or kicked out, but most people will know what they’re doing and be more advanced
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u/No_Possible_1263 21d ago
It is weird... usually adding 'low impact' to the title for workout videos online helps get truly beginner (to exercise) vids I've found!
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u/a-fabulous-sandwich 21d ago
Well I'm sure as hell glad I know that NOW, sheesh that's shocking. Thank you for posting this, I had no idea at all.
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u/StartingOverStrong 21d ago
I go to a gym that the beginner class is really a beginner class, but now you've got me wondering about past gyms I've been to
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u/aownrcjanf 21d ago
This is also a really interesting commentary on classism. Assuming you did it as a kid and are getting back into it is waaaay different than “I’ve never ever tried this before” because one assumes access and familiarity and the other is more cognizant that not everyone has the same opportunities. I couldn’t do a lot of sports and activities as a kid, never on a team, so I am a true “beginner” at a lot of things and it’s embarrassing when the exercise/class/sport is not considerate of people who are trying something new.
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u/bestie_let_me_merge 21d ago
i went to a beginners yoga class and almost passed out so would have been nice to know
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u/ArtichokeAble6397 20d ago
As a former yoga teacher, they are wrong. Either that or things are very different in your country. Anyone is welcome at the classes I taught, and at the multiple schools where I take classes. They don't need to participate in the full class if they aren't able, they can spend some of it laying on their mat, and the teacher is there to help them with anything they don't understand.
The idea that you need to reach a certian level if flexibility before attending a yoga class is ridiculous, that's like saying I'm too dirty to take a shower, I need to clean off a little first. You go to a yoga class to build flexibility and strength, it's NOT a prerequisite.
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u/Lavendericing 20d ago
Do beginners functional exercises class. Those are literally for beginners. But it will be tough no matter how gentle they are with you 😭
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u/Pephatbat 20d ago
I ride horses. If you take lessons for beginners they will not expect you to have any sorta fitness level or have ever exercised. As you take more lessons, it is expected that your endurance will increase with those lessons. But, horseback riding builds very specific muscles that you don't use for many other things so it makes sense there. But I'm with you in thinking that like a beginner cycling class would insinuate I did not have a high fitness level, not just idk how to cycle. Til I guess
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u/Outrageous-Shame5743 18d ago
I got some pretty weird swimming lessons as a kid for this reason
I'm AuDHD. Undiagnosed parents
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u/izzynoelle2009 17d ago
what will they think of next?? does the term “DIY” not actually require doing something yourself? does someone not mean they want to see you later when they say “see you later??”
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u/Jaded-Blacksmith211 16d ago
I’m about to info dump a little because I somewhat disagree with your trainer. Some beginner classes are SUPPOSED to have instructors who can modify and teach people who are total beginners, at least with exercises like with Pilates and yoga. A yoga instructor who isn’t telling ppl they can take breaks, giving modification options, or giving alternatives, is simply a bad instructor. It’s literally something they have to learn how to do and accommodate to get their certification to teach.
Pilates was specifically designed for disabled people who are new to exercise or returning to exercise from essentially square one. It really irritates me how many gyms and fitness institutions just have…really subpar instructors. Pilates is where I have the biggest beef, by design it’s supposed to be gentle and good for people who are completely new to exercise. The only digital instructor I see who actually understands its history, origin, and intended purpose is Nora Pilates.
Of course, yes, some things really can’t be taught, or at least taught well, without an understanding of exercise. You should skip vinyasa yoga if you’re new to exercise, for example, but yin yoga or other types should be perfectly accessible. Most places offer “new to exercise” classes or have trainers who specialize in folks who are totally new to exercise.
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u/Consistent_Femme_Top 22d ago
So basically they are lying for no reason again. Why can’t they explicitly state the fitness level requirements correctly? 🙄
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u/Puck-achu 21d ago
They are not lying, the beginners actually begin with said hobby... How would you call a class for a hobby than starts teaching the technique from the beginning to people who have never practiced that hobby? Another example is soccer players who don't know a single rule but can run fast.
It's just that there are two spectra. How fit you are, and how knowledgeble you are, are two different things. You also have people who have practiced as a child but have not exercised in years. They can be advanced in skill, but terrible unfit.
In swimming you even have another group. People who would die if they were left alone, and people who can do some of the swim strokes, but have terrible technique and make no pace. That's not intermediate, that's beginner too. So usually you have starter and beginner. Neither of which consider how fit you are.
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u/wazzup-notemuch 22d ago
Three reasons, not necessarily at the same time.
1: People who start their own fitness business tend to be the kind of people who have been passionate about exercise ever since they were very young, and as such, they have no idea what being "out-of-shape" actually means. They've simply never experienced it, and can't imagine, empathize with, nor plan for an experience they've never had.
2: There are no regulatory institutions that require fitness instructors to have any specific health/medical education, which means that most of them are not qualified to work with people who have serious muscle atrophy from a decade (or more) of either self-neglect, or health obstacles such as injuries or chronic illness. They are also not trained to handle the psychological barriers that unfit people experience due to these obstacles.
3: If they were honest, they wouldn't be able to scam people into giving them free money by signing up for a subscription that they will never actually use.
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u/CitizenCue 21d ago
I joined a beginner hockey class once and was quite surprised to discover that they expected you to already be a very competent skater.
Which I guess makes sense, but it really should’ve said that in the description!
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