Overcoming the fear and intimidation of attending your first exercise class is a real challenge. In this insightful episode, Mark Seeto speaks with Virgin Active Singapore's head of Pilates, Renee Rommeswinkel, about the anxiety many people feel when going to a group exercise class for the first time, especially alone. They discuss the reasons behind this fear, including the fear of the unknown, comparing oneself to others, and feeling like you don't belong. They also highlight the benefits of group exercise, such as the joy and transformation it can bring, and share personal experiences of overcoming their fears. Tune in to experience a confidence boost and excitement to try group exercise classes for a fulfilling and enjoyable workout experience.
Our favourite quotable moments:
"The fear and intimidation factor before attending your very first exercise class is so real." - Mark Seeto
"That fear and anxiety about doing a class, going to a class for the first time, going alone...we've all been there." - Renee Rommeswinkel
"[Group exercise] is a beautiful way to exercise...it's a shame if people are missing out simply because of fear of the unknown." - Renee Rommeswinkel
"Some reasons why people can be intimidated include: comparing themselves to others, feeling like they're not good enough, lack of belonging, and uncertainty about enjoyment." - Renee Rommeswinkel
"Once you've done something and found a passion for a type of exercise that you love, it's amazing." - Renee Rommeswinkel
Renee’s Instagram
Renee is a fitness professional breaking the glass ceiling of traditional Pilates and bringing her passion for the practice straight to the studio. She is passionate about creating an inclusive and dynamic exercise experience for her students. As the Head of Pilates at Virgin Active Singapore, Renee is intent on curating a practice accessible to all and one that fellow Pilates instructors will adopt in their classes, as well. In her spare time, Renee stays competitive on the Ju Jitsu mat.