All day today, I was looking forward to this evening’s workout date with Bo. While we rarely workout after work, this morning the snooze button won and instead, we decided that we’d find a class on Classpass that worked for both our schedules and make it a date. I know guys, we’re so romantic sometimes but seriously, when you’re working long hours, sometimes it’s nice to be together even if it’s sweating  in a class and then commuting home together.

Unfortunately, as soon as I sat down on my bike I realized the vibe of the class wasn’t what either of us wanted. The teacher we were excited to try, whose classes were called challenging and inspiring on the ClassPass site, was out sick. Instead, the substitute teacher said that his goal was to make us dance on the bike and have fun with new moves. After a long day, I wanted to zone in and just sweat out the day’s stress. I didn’t want to focus on choreography moves. I wanted a class that would push me physically. Within a few minutes of class starting, I was tempted to leave. While I’m sure some people love this teacher, his constant reference to the co-ed class as “ladies” and “girls” annoyed me and his focus on fun choreography just isn’t my style.

During the warm-up song, I tried to look past my disappointment and frustration, instead, taking a moment to focus in on why I came to class.

• I came to class to sweat out the knots in my back, the stress in my head and the tension I was holding after work.
• I came to class to feel strong physically.
• I came to class to spend time with Bo.
• I came to class hoping I would leave feeling the endorphin high.

Instead of leaving, after the warm-up we moved from our front row bikes to empty bikes in the back row. In the anonymity of that back corner, we were able to spend the next 45-minutes zoning out and focusing on what we each needed and wanted from the class.  We didn’t change the vibe of the class or stand out since no one could see us. I ignored his complex choreography cues and instead did mini sprints during the bike dancing. During the climbs, I pushed the tension on the wheel, progressively making it harder until reaching the top. Changing my mindset allowed me to enjoy the 45-minute class and even find myself smiling and nodding my head to the final song of class,  Evanescence’s, Bring Me To Life.

Sometimes it’s important to remember why you walk through doors of a workout studio or class. While the teacher may be one aspect, it most likely isn’t the only reason. So next time you accidentally end up with a teacher or class that isn’t your style, take a few deep breaths and find your happy place. Then spend the rest of the class doing your best to make the time meet your needs – whether that is physically or mentally. After all, it’s your workout and your time, right?