What Your Aerobics Instructor is Really Thinking

Reader s Digest Magazine

1. Follow my lead.


I get aggravated when students do a different workout than the one I'm teaching -- and they're in the front row! You come to class but choose to do your own thing... really, what's the point?!

2. Be on time.
Showing up late to class is rude and disrupts everyone. Plus, you miss the most important part of class - the warm-up! The best is when you walk in, 5 minutes after class starts, to set up your bike or your mat and you're on the phone!

3. Leave your cell at home.
Can you not exercise for an hour without checking your text messages?

4. Stop weighing yourself constantly.
Newbies expect miracles without realizing that the added muscle will not only make them smaller and leaner, but also heavier (muscle weighs more than fat, remember?). You can't change your physique simply by working out; 80 percent of any change and fat loss is the result of a clean diet.

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5. Dress appropriately.
Ladies, consider wearing a cami or additional liner under your low cut Lululemon or Lucy yoga tops. I get an eyeful I really don't wish to see when you're in downward dog. And guys, don't forget your liner shorts!

6. When you're sick, stay home.
You may want to sweat out your cold or flu, but I don't want your germs, especially when you want a really good workout and position yourself in the front row and cough and sneeze your way through the class.

7. It kills me when you come into the fitness studio without water!

8. Work within your own limits and abilities.
If I suggest a modification for an exercise, it would be helpful if you'd follow the suggested guideline. It's for your own good!

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9. I'm not your doctor. I'm also not your therapist.

10. Be careful what you complain about.
When I'm cranky and short-tempered I'm more likely to make you do something hard and brutal because you whined about something else.

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