A Classroom Code of Conduct ...................................................................
An exercise class is a great opportunity to make friends, so don’t blow your
chances by annoying the people around you, like the guy who sits in front
of you and talks during a movie. Here’s how to keep everybody sweating in
harmony:If the class requires a sign-up, honor it.In a group cycling class that Liz
taught, a woman signed up, went to the ladies’ room, and then returned
to find that her spot had been taken by someone else who had arrived
late. The latecomer refused to give the first woman back her bike, and
Liz had to use Jimmy Carter–like skills to negotiate a peace agreement
between the two women.Don’t walk into a class 15 minutes late and make a big fuss setting
yourself up — dragging your step, jump rope, and dumbbells across
the room in multiple trips as if you’re unloading a U-Haul.
Follow what the instructor says instead of improvising your own rou-
tine.If you can’t perform the arm movements in a step-aerobics class,
that’s fine — just use your legs; but don’t distract the rest of the class by
belly dancing or practicing the latest salsa step.Don’t talk so loudly that no one can hear the instructor.
Wear shoes and proper attire.This is for your safety as well as sanitary
reasons, and most gyms have strict rules about what’s acceptable and
unacceptable. A weight could drop on your foot, or someone could step
on your toes. If you wear street shoes, you can damage the floors by dig-
ging holes or leaving indelible black marks.Avoid walking in front of the instructor when entering late or leaving
early. If you do have to leave early, signal the instructor that you’re okay
so that she doesn’t worry that you’re going to the restroom to lie down
because you’re feeling ill.282 Part VI: Conquering the Gym (Even at Home)