How do I know? Well, when I was more than 50 pounds overweight, I went to my first exercise class at my local YMCA. And guess what? It wasn't nearly as bad as I feared. So, I wanted to share with you some of the things I learned as a newbie!
My first bit of advice would be to go to your exercise classes with a friend. Draft a co-worker, get mom out of the house or kidnap that neighbor who has seen one too many daytime reality programs. Right from the start, you'll both find out how well the buddy system works!
You'll feel more confident and self-assured when you're not the lone ranger at your first few classes. Plus, as time goes by, you'll have somebody to pump you up about going to class when you're not in the mood and you can return the favor when her enthusiasm wanes.
I went to my first aerobics class with a co-worker who had been taking the class for a while. While I was as nervous as a turkey before Thanksgiving, it certainly helped to have someone I knew and was comfortable with standing alongside me ( ... and who could giggle along with me when I went left while everyone else stepped right!).

