There’s no excuse not to workout and take steps to a better healthier version of you.

I have been teaching fitness for over 27 years now. I see things that happen in a fitness class and never wrote about it. I thought I would share a few things that I get to see that you may not. There are a few things you need to know before entering into a classroom, as a common courtesy to the other people in the class with you!

No need to worry thought as we all are guilty of workout slip-ups from time to time! When you take one of my fitness classes, I want it to be an inclusive space where everyone feels comfortable. I love teaching and throughout my years of being an instructor, I have worked with all different personalities, body types, and level of fitness ability.

Here are some lessons from what I’ve seen as a fitness instructor over the years.

Sometimes we just don’t feel like working out, other times you’re physically unable to work out to your full extent.

Tell the instructor what’s going on so they are aware and don’t push you too hard. If you come to class with half the attitude of wanting to get a good workout in, then re-evaluate if you really want to come. It’s not fair to yourself or the other people in the class if you are half asleep or being lazy. If you’re not up for my 6 a.m. class and know you can't give it your best, that’s okay! Pick a time that you will be at the top of your game and highly motivated to get your best work out! If you want to come to class then you should give it all your time and energy!

Let’s stick to what the instructor has planned for the class! It’s one thing to modify a workout depending on your fitness ability but let’s not do something entirely different than what is being taught.

For example, someone will come to a class and will start doing their own workout and use my music. This is not only disrespectful to the teacher but to the other students taking the class with you because what’s the point of paying for a class if you are going to do your own workout? Also, there is no need to be an attention hog, everyone is there to learn! There is no need to show off during class. My biggest tip is to find an instructor you will want to guide you through the type of workout you are looking for!

Sometimes students who come to class early to set up their spot will grab extra weights and there will not be enough for everyone in the class. I ask that students only grab the weights they plan to use to allow other students to have the weights as well. Also, allow enough personal space for the people around you to be comfortable.

You may not be a beginner, you may have more fitness ability, or you may just have a big ego. Think about others, their struggles and how you did not become great right away, it all takes time and practice. Encouraging others is the best way to spread positivity in our classes and to be part of our AMAZING community!

Leave your phone in your bag, you are here to work out! There is nothing more rude and annoying than to be interrupted by a ringing phone or someone who keeps checking their phone in the middle of class.

Also, save the conversation for later! If you are trying to catch up with an old friend, this is not the place to do so. Lastly, show up on time! You want to be warmed up and ready to go for the entire class — warming up allows your muscles to loosen and to prevent injury. You don’t want to interrupt the class and it is disrespectful to the people who made the effort to show up on time.

We want to make our classroom environment clean and inviting so, it is appreciated very much if you wear deodorant for workouts. Believe it or not, when you engage in physical activity your body sweats, which can be smelly. Body odor is not a lovely fresh smell and makes the workout less fun for others around you. If you are in doubt if you need the DEO, put it on to be safe. I love it when someone says that they "never smell." We all smell and have our own body odor. Best to come to class smelling fine and fresh!

The most important thing is your attitude during class! If you come with a bad attitude, chances are your class experience will not be great. Before entering the classroom allow yourself to shift into a state of mind that will allow you to put your thoughts and bad attitude to the side. This will allow you to have the best work out! All energies circulate throughout the class and everyone feeds off one another and we want the most positive environment for our students!

After all that, if you have decided that this is the class for you, here is what you need to bring physically! You will need to wear comfortable clothes that can breathe and are easy to move around in. Wear shoes that easy for you to dance in, I recommend you wear a pair of broken in sneakers, so your feet don’t hurt. Most importantly, don’t forget to stay hydrated! You should be drinking about half a gallon of water a day, especially when you’re working out.

With all of that, I hope you decide to visit Masala Bhangra and take a class if you haven’t already! We want everyone to feel welcome and get their BEST work out on! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below!

Please excuse any typos!

Stay fit and keep smiling.