We’re All in Need of Group Fitness Etiquette

Allow us to set the scene. You arrive ten minutes early for your group fitness class and station your mat in a quiet corner of the room. As people file in, someone sets their mat uncomfortably close to yours, rather than taking advantage of all the open space in the studio. 15 minutes into class, one last participant rushes in while the people behind you dive deeper into their impressively loud conversation. Somewhere nearby, a ringtone blares. Elsewhere, someone is recording the entirety of the class for TikTok. You try to follow along with the instructor from your place on the mat, but the people in the front row seem to be doing an entirely different workout. You leave the class feeling sweaty, but also a little stressed and overwhelmed.

It seems like everyone has forgotten how to act in a group fitness class, it’s for good reason. “We need to talk about etiquette in group fitness classes kids, because . . . it is not there anymore,” group fitness instructor Bransen Gates says in a February TikTok with over 30K likes. Gates names lateness and in-class phone usage as some of his personal pet peeves, but notes that fitness etiquette in general has gone downhill the past few years.

Commenters were quick to chime in with some of their own grievances and group etiquette pointers. “I love solidcore but grip socks need to be mandatory, not optional,” one person wrote. “Also using an excess amount [of] body sprays/fragrance before class makes [it] unpleasant for everyone,” another said. Others recommended getting your things out of the cubbies or lockers in a timely manner, trying not to step on other people’s mats with your bare feet, asking before recording, and staying for the entirety of the class (as opposed to skipping the cool down).

We all deserve to enjoy a seamless group workout class, which means it might be time for a refresher on group fitness etiquette. To get a better sense of what is and is not appropriate, we spoke to actual group fitness instructors to see how they felt about some of these hot-button topics. Read on to find out where they stand, and what you should know before your next class.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Carrie Minter Ebers is a certified Pilates instructor and founder of Carrie’s Pilates Plus.

Elise Joan is a holistic wellness coach and on-air fitness expert.

Group Fitness Etiquette

Whether you want to make sure you’re being polite in your own group fitness classes, or you’re sending these tips to someone who needs them – we asked actual group fitness instructors recommend for a positive, safe, and respectful experience. Here are their thoughts:

1. On being late: When it comes to group fitness etiquette, one of the most pressing topics has to do with timeliness (and a lack thereof). Both of the instructors we spoke to agreed that it’s better to arrive five to 10 minutes early to give yourself some time to get settled. “If you’re late – no big deal – but slip in quietly, come prepared, and minimize disruptions,” says certified Pilates instructor Carrie Minter Ebers. On-air fitness expert Elise Joan agrees, adding that sometimes it’s better (and more polite) to skip the class altogether. “If you’re more than a few minutes behind, it’s best to slip in the back quietly if the class isn’t full, or wait for the next class to avoid disrupting the group’s momentum,” Joan says.
2. On phone usage during class: Both instructors acknowledge that life happens. Generally speaking though, they recommend staying off your phone. “If you need to step out to text or take a call, that’s fine. Just try to keep it outside the room so others can stay focused,” Minter Ebers advises. A bonus? Joan says keeping your phone silent and stowed away can also help you stay more present and engaged with the rest of the class. “Plus, screens can be very distracting to others who are fully in the zone,” she says.
3. On recording your workout: Who among us hasn’t seen a fitfluencer’s workout come across our FYP? Whether you want to record to document your progress, post on social media, or send to friends and family, Joan says it’s important to do so respectfully. “If you want to record yourself, check with the instructor beforehand and make sure you’re not capturing others without their consent,” she says. “A quick post-class clip or setup in a designated area is ideal so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of the session.”
4. On modifications: Modifying a workout when necessary will never be rude. Doing a completely different workout (from the front row, no less)? That’s a different story. “Fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and modifications allow you to honor your body’s needs,” Joan says. “That said, modifications should still align with the class structure to maintain flow and safety.” If there’s anything your instructor needs to know to better support you and help you stay safe (injuries, certain health conditions, etc.), feel free to let them know ahead of time. Always take breaks if you need. If you’re making a major change, or you have an injury, let the instructor know so they can support you in staying safe and strong. “We’re here to help,” Minter Ebers says. “Be sure to stay mindful of cues, follow guidance, and remember, this isn’t an open gym.”
5. On side conversations: “A quick comment or some encouragement? Love it. But to maintain a focused atmosphere, we kindly ask that loud, ongoing convos be saved for after class,” Minter Ebers says. Talking (or shouting) over the music is another big no no, as it can be distracting. “Ongoing side conversations pull focus from the workout and can be distracting to the instructor and other participants,” Joan agrees. Long story short: “Save the deep chats for before or after class.”
6. On overall Energy: If you’re worried about group fitness etiquette, just know that coming to class with good energy will take you far. “In group fitness, your energy matters – it affects everyone around you,” Minter Ebers says. “When the whole class is dialed in, the vibe is unbeatable. But if people are wandering in and out, doing their own thing, or not participating, it throws things off.” To optimize your group fitness experience, come early, get to know other people in the class, and feel free to socialize after. The main thing is to “just be mindful and respectful of the people sweating next to you,” Minter Ebers says.

The Bottom Line

Learning more about group fitness etiquette shows that you care about the other people in the room. Plus, it helps ensure that class runs smoothly and safely. “Group fitness is about community,” Joan says. “Being mindful of the energy in the room and the shared space makes the experience better for everyone. This means arriving on time, keeping distractions to a minimum, and being encouraging rather than competitive.”

Remember to be mindful of personal space – especially in crowded classes – and don’t forget to introduce yourself to the instructor before class (if you’re feeling up to it). The bottom line? “We’re all here to get stronger together,” Minter Ebers says. And above all else: “Bring good vibes,” Joan says.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.