By Lorra Garrick Step aerobics is probably the most popular cardio group fitness class, but there may be times in which annoyances arise. Let’s begin with the instructor. You may enjoy the class, but not be too fond of who’s conducting it. Perhaps the instructor runs all over the room, hollering in each and every person’s face. Or maybe the instructor plays the same music over and over, or never changes up the routine. Nevertheless, you continue to show up because you enjoy being led, and/or you like the group camaraderie.

If you have a concern with the instructor, then speak to her before or after class. Are her warm-ups too lengthy? Are the warm-downs too long? Fans blowing too hard? Let her know what you think. Many instructors thrive on class feedback, and continually evolve their programs according to what participants suggest. Don’t like the music? Suggest a change. Too loud? It’s perfectly fine to signal during class to the instructor to lower the volume. Or, point it out during a water break or even before class. If it’s still too loud, then wearing earplugs will help a little bit. If the routines are confusing, mention this to the instructor after class. You are paying for that class, either on a per-class basis, or as part of your gym membership fee. You are entitled to share your impressions with the instructor. But very few people actually do, assuming the role of subordinate. But in reality, the participant is the customer, and as customers, you need to make your voice heard if you believe the instructor isn’t quite coming through. If you just plain don’t like the instructor, see I’d mind if she set up behind me and copy my if step classes are offered at other times. Also, have you ever thought of conducting your very own step session? Set up the stepper when the room is empty, and just go at it. One time I did this, and someone asked me if I was an instructor. What about difficult participants? Do you sometimes nearly choke on the perfume of a person near you – a person who shows up every time you do? One option is to mention this to the instructor first chance you get. Moving away from the participant isn’t always an option. The other alternative is to quietly point it out to the individual, though few people will actually do this. Mentioning this obviously won’t change things for that moment, but chances are very high that next time the offender plans a gym visit, she (or he, in the case of excessive cologne) will be more subtle with the fragrance application. One time I was not quite following the instructor’s pattern, and during a water break, a woman who was somewhat behind me told me that I was distracting her (though I couldn’t imagine how). It’s okay not to follow the instructor to a tee. For instance, if you get dizzy pivoting, then don’t pivot, and instead, just do straight stepping. If someone complains, the smart response is to simply explain why you’re straying a little, then continue enjoying the class as you’ve been. If you’re the one being distracted, then focus more on the instructor and not on other participants. Concentrate on your breathing, form and posture. Be sure not to place your belongings in a potential stepping path, such as placing a water bottle between your stepper and someone else’s. If your sweat is dripping to the floor, immediately wipe it. After class, chat with the instructor for a few minutes to get to know him or her. You never know, your instructor may start asking you for feedback!