11 x awkward moments while exercising

The moment of truth: the gyms are open again. I can no longer hide behind anything officially, so as soon as I arrive back in the country, I will do my best to train off all the burritos and nachos. It's not like I'm really looking forward to it, but I'm still glad we can exercise again. It will probably take some getting used to and come with some discomfort, as I often feel more like a clumsy fool than a Sporty Spice while working out. For example, during a spinning class, where I absolutely can't keep up with the ‘rhythm’ of the music, or in a HIIT class, where I never dare to say that it's way too hard and would rather just break my back. Recognizable? Then the situations below will undoubtedly feel familiar to you as well.

1. Everyone looks well-groomed and you just rolled out of bed 

Especially during my Pilates classes, this is often the case. The people in my class wear the most beautiful outfits, their hair looks good, and some even wear makeup? Apparently, they consider this class a fashion show. And then I show up: hair uncombed, in an old pair of workout leggings with a sleep shirt on top or a large football shirt from my boyfriend. Well, I just think it feels comfortable, they should be happy that I even get out of bed for this class.

2. People encouraging each other during a workout class

It's all well-intentioned, but I find this quite uncomfortable. In some workout classes I take, you sometimes have to perform exercises in pairs, taking turns. It sometimes happens that my partner feels the need to cheer me on. Sorry, but I really find this awful and it just distracts me. Another terrible thing: when you have to give your neighbor a high five during a spinning class from the instructor. No one is really waiting for that, right?

3. The therapeutic statements during a workout class

Back to spinning, which I actually think is a great class: a love-hate relationship. I always feel a bit uncomfortable when the instructor decides to throw in some inspiring quotes: ‘Let go of everything and focus on what matters. It is about what is made in the dark. You are here for a reason.’ Usually, I'm just there to sweat out my hangover, so I don't really need all this. And don't forget the yoga classes where you have to plant the roots of your body into the ground. How exactly do I do that? I always get a bit fidgety with all these therapeutic statements. But hey, I also like to complain about everything.

4. Eye contact in the gym mirror

Actually, I find any form of contact during workouts unpleasant. I also hate running into acquaintances at the gym, especially if they are men. Often, I'm just doing some self-invented exercises that probably don't look too smooth. The worst is when I'm squatting and catch someone's gaze in the mirror. Therefore, I'm often more focused on avoiding people than on training.

5. A see-through legging

Or just wearing the wrong thong under your leggings, with all the bows that are quite visible. You only find out about this when you look in the gym mirror. At that point, you should just go home because training quietly is not going to happen anymore.

6. The idiot in the group class

For a while now, I've been doing reformer Pilates, on a board with six different ropes, handles, and various springs that you can adjust. I'm getting better at finding everything, but I still often fumble with it. Then I get confused about what is front and back. I think I'm sitting on the front and suddenly see in the mirror that everyone on the opposite side is doing an exercise. But that shouldn't spoil the fun, we keep going steadily.

7. No one is sweating, except for you

I really feel this after every workout. With a bright red face and soaking wet hair, I leave the class while everyone looks like nothing has happened. Quite lame.

8. Taking a sip of water doesn't always go smoothly

‘Okay guys, now take a sip of water.’ Yes, I certainly won't let this be said to me twice. But when I eagerly reach for my water bottle during my workout class, it sometimes happens that the water doesn't end up in my mouth but all over me. Or I'm so out of breath that it just spills out of my mouth. Again, not a charming sight.

9. A minimum of 10 kg is expected but your maximum is 5 kg

I always experience this during the classes at Saints & Stars. These classes are really good but extremely tough. I'm always in class with people who seem to do this five times a week. I get blind panic when the instructor shouts: ‘At least ten kilograms, more is allowed.’ More? What do you mean: more? Five kilograms is really the maximum I can handle; I don't want to come home with a hernia.

10. The ‘playtime’ at the end of the yoga class

Yoga is not something I do often, but when I do, I always feel so uncomfortable during that last quarter when you can decide what to do. Usually, I just lie next to very enthusiastic yogis who are standing on their heads or taking all sorts of other strange poses. I use that quarter to always lie flat on my back under my blanket. There has to be a difference.

11. You try a new workout class without success

Motivated as you are, you decide to try a new workout class. The last time I did this, I signed up for ‘Brazilian Booty’. I assumed I would be training my butt, but nothing could be further from the truth: for three quarters of an hour, I had to learn a Zumba choreography, completely against my will. What a drama. My ten years of dance experience suddenly seemed very far away. My tip is to stick to your familiar places for working out.