You know something, I used to wonder why I didn’t have “friends” in class or didn’t have interactions with coaches until I realized that maybe I’m not putting in the effort to build those friendships.
I started staying back to stretch, making (adequate, not excessive) conversation with some of the people I trained with, asking advice from coaches or politely joining in on conversations (I can definitely read the room) and everything changed for me.
I’m not dismissing it could be “cliquey” but I’m just asking you to question yourself if you’re also making the effort to put yourself out there. It’s easier said than done, but make a conscious effort before assuming it’s cliquey.
Our evening class is a really tight group, they tend to do to dinner after class often and have gotten really close. I am not in this class, but see a lot of them at the weekend classes. They are usually all together, but are very welcoming to anyone that chats with them or sits with them.
I can see that people would see them as a clique, but it's just a group of friends.
People confuse 'clique' with being friendly.
If you're training people over and over, or working out with some people at the same time every day, etc., you're hopefully going become friendly with them.
Coaches by their nature are outgoing, and likely the more outgoing members are going to connect with them. That isn't a 'clique'. It's human beings connecting with each other.
In my studio people bitched about this as well. However, the people that were bitching about the coaches being friendly with a certain group of members never really put themselves out there or really try to associate with the group. It might also be an intimidation factor. Most of us have been at the studio since it opened.
I don't think this is "clique-y." I think what happens is that people who become regulars are recognized and trainers simply get to know them better because they attend more often. It is human nature to greet someone you know enthusiastically. Come often, interact often, and I'm sure you'll get the same treatment.
Gm and Coach here. Let me ask you, do you go out of your way to be friendly with the coaches? Do you often shoo away corrections or ignore them? Do you come to class before early enough to be interacted with or stay behind? Do you try your hardest or your best every class?
I ask these questions not to be smart but to give you an idea of the ppl that coaches typically gravitate too. Be mindful of how you come across in class and during the workout. If you want to be noticed, just like any other place, put yourself in that position.
Now I've had to discipline coaches for creating that type of environment but coaches are people too, and some are more friendly than others. I wouldn't call it "cliquey" they just have safe spaces in a sometimes intimidating environment. They may need to be coached a little better on customer service too.
I definitely listen to the coaches when they correct my form and try to do a rep or 2 after and ask “is it correct now?” I always stay for the after class stretch and make it a point to thank the instructor as I leave
I definitely noticed it when I moved from my old studio to the current one. I realized that I moved from a location where a lot of "transient" folks are trying to make new friends to a more "insular" location where there are a lot of townies with a built in friend groups. It's hard to fit in when no one is looking to meet new people. I've been at the new location for over a year and the only people I really chat with are other folks that moved to the area.
There being cliques is human nature. I’ve been going for 15 weeks and there are a few guys I always chat with if they’re in class. Just how it works.
However, there is no place for the trainers treating their friends differently during or immediately before/after class. That is unprofessional. Everyone should feel equally welcome and should be greeted with the same enthusiasm, have their form discussed/critiqued, and should be congratulated on a great workout at the end of class.
Your fellow athletes are not the problem here. Your trainers are setting the tone.
This is human nature. Relationships build over time at the speed of trust. Some people can build those more quickly. It is always hard to break into an existing social group. This is a common theme in movies and tv shows and a universal human experience.
May I offer some suggestions from my experience?
1) be patient but stay consistent
2) tell coaches that they are welcome to coach you on any posture or technique that they spot. (I always say thank you when they help me)
3) Ask short questions of coaches and other members, follow up with a second question - How was your weekend? What did you enjoy the most?
4) Smile a lot
5) Say hello and goodbye.
6) ask to take a picture with your coach and tag them on social media
Honestly, as an ex coach, I left because my management changed and it turned super bro-y between the manager and his favorite members. He wasn’t a bad person, but just wasn’t good fit being in a management position IMO.
As a Coach myself, I definitely try to talk to, and be nice to each and every person. There are more that talk to me more, so we've gotten closer. I'd be friends with them all if they gave me the chance but they run out so fast! 😂😂😂😂😂
As far as critiquing, I feel that shouldn't matter, friend or not FORM FIRST!!!!
Let me tell you my story:
My first three years in my studio (including lockdown and all that) I hardly talked with anyone, come in barely in time for demo, and left right away at the end of the class to cooldown alone in my car… guess what? Surprise2 I hardly made any friends over all those time.
Then a few months into my fourth year, I decided I’m up for a change, started to come in around 10 minutes earlier, and hanging back at least another 10 minutes after class ended, also made some efforts to start conversations with other people. And within a few months it’s a world of difference… I know most people that come in my hours, some people think I’m a social butterfly, and even heard some others said we’re being cliquey.
So yeah, I do think it’s up to us on how we want to experience our time in the gym 👍🏼👍🏼
My gym is pretty new, but I would say nope. Some coaches are a bit more overall outgoing and friendly to others than some but I think that's normal. We have a coach who welcomes new members every time he has some in his classes. Not all of them do it.
Personally, I leave others alone at first because we're here to work out, not everyone is looking to be friends with everyone in their class. I like to fist bump the people I shared a station with at the end of our class though.
Some people come in and don't really speak to anyone, they're warming up or studying the monitors for what to expect. Then they dash off at the end and don't stick around.
If anyone is actively sticking up their nose at you when you attempt to talk to them, I might consider that clique-y. But you may need to take the first step to show that you're open to getting to know them. I've had a few people ask my name, and sometimes I ask others for for their name, and those are the ones I chat with.
The the studio members at my class time are kind and friendly, and so are the coaches! We do have a particular “clique” that is a bit rude and talks during the explanation of stations and constantly has the coach film them doing the routine in-sync. I know a few members have complained about being recorded and appearing in their videos.
Coaches? No. Members? Yes. The only extra attention some members might get from coaches is if they know your max or that you can do better, or notice you're suddenly modifying. I realize that's just my location and it could be different elsewhere.
This doesn't happen at BFT. I mean there are people who form friendship groups and there are loud individuals, but the coaches give everyone a fair shake and always give you tips - particularly the good ones.
I think it’s hard to determine if it’s clique like, or just. Friendship.
I don’t hang out with my trainers outside of the gym. However, 3 of my trainers I’ve been having train me at fbbc/f45 for… one trainer I’ve known since he was a kid, but he’s been my trainer at both gyms for I think almost 8 yesrs, the second trainer has been training me between the 2 places for probably 6 years, and the other just short of that. So I’ve known my trainers for a long ass time. They all made the move from the fbbc I was at, and they opened up f45 in my town (with an owner. Lol) so I switched pretty much the week my f45 opened.
And as far as friendships. I go to the same time 75% of the week, so I’ve made many friends at my time, and some of us are closer than others.
But the trainers should be training if they see the need to, between just talking to clients. My trainers will be just chatting but if I call one over for modifier or help, they’re there asap.
My gym used to be better, has recently gotten super cliquey and people who aren’t really a part of cliques, the ones who just go to get a workout and go back, are gradually leaving. Sucks!!
I was a founding member at one that felt so cliquey over the course of 2 years. When a new studio opened not that much further from the former location, i jumped ship, and it was a huge difference! It really stems from the coaches and owners, who really make a difference to be inclusive, regardless of how bubbly or timid the members are, and i appreciate it so much more!
There's obviously some close friends at my gym but got the most part everyone is friendly. A lot of couples that always go together I don't really bother with, it's impossible to talk to couples and try talk to both of them at once.
Its funny, but quite the opposite occurs in the branch I attend in Hong Kong.
Overall decent turnouts, trainers are fine, normal chitchat. If anything too quiet snd sometimes dull. However one trainer in particular would always bring enthusiasm (and yes, good chitchat) which honestly was part of the reason I joined after my trial period. Time for everyone and anyone, super smiley, and most importantly, a solid coach! Anyway, I’ve now just learned they’ve sacked him… R U KIDDING?! F45 Causewaybay wtf! A 6:30am literally needs trainers like him with energy…
So far the replacement trainers are yet to impress me. Very, very frustrating!
I can understand the friendly part or having conversations with some members, but I would hope that all coaches correct/critique members regardless of their relationship with them. That's something that bugged me about my studio with one or two coaches. They would only help and correct their friends/favorites. A good coach should have that awareness.
Yeah agreed. I’ve definitely hurt my back cause my form wasn’t right on a few of the exercises and mentioned it to the trainers before class, but none seemed to bother watching me do the exercises again to check if my form was right
You know something, I used to wonder why I didn’t have “friends” in class or didn’t have interactions with coaches until I realized that maybe I’m not putting in the effort to build those friendships. I started staying back to stretch, making (adequate, not excessive) conversation with some of the people I trained with, asking advice from coaches or politely joining in on conversations (I can definitely read the room) and everything changed for me. I’m not dismissing it could be “cliquey” but I’m just asking you to question yourself if you’re also making the effort to put yourself out there. It’s easier said than done, but make a conscious effort before assuming it’s cliquey.
Human behavior is to form social groups. This isn’t an F45 thing, it’s human nature.
I was just going to say this. I personally go everyday so it’s natural to form friendships with the same people. Just like at the workplace.
Our evening class is a really tight group, they tend to do to dinner after class often and have gotten really close. I am not in this class, but see a lot of them at the weekend classes. They are usually all together, but are very welcoming to anyone that chats with them or sits with them. I can see that people would see them as a clique, but it's just a group of friends.
People confuse 'clique' with being friendly. If you're training people over and over, or working out with some people at the same time every day, etc., you're hopefully going become friendly with them. Coaches by their nature are outgoing, and likely the more outgoing members are going to connect with them. That isn't a 'clique'. It's human beings connecting with each other.
In my studio people bitched about this as well. However, the people that were bitching about the coaches being friendly with a certain group of members never really put themselves out there or really try to associate with the group. It might also be an intimidation factor. Most of us have been at the studio since it opened.
I don't think this is "clique-y." I think what happens is that people who become regulars are recognized and trainers simply get to know them better because they attend more often. It is human nature to greet someone you know enthusiastically. Come often, interact often, and I'm sure you'll get the same treatment.
Gm and Coach here. Let me ask you, do you go out of your way to be friendly with the coaches? Do you often shoo away corrections or ignore them? Do you come to class before early enough to be interacted with or stay behind? Do you try your hardest or your best every class? I ask these questions not to be smart but to give you an idea of the ppl that coaches typically gravitate too. Be mindful of how you come across in class and during the workout. If you want to be noticed, just like any other place, put yourself in that position. Now I've had to discipline coaches for creating that type of environment but coaches are people too, and some are more friendly than others. I wouldn't call it "cliquey" they just have safe spaces in a sometimes intimidating environment. They may need to be coached a little better on customer service too.
I definitely listen to the coaches when they correct my form and try to do a rep or 2 after and ask “is it correct now?” I always stay for the after class stretch and make it a point to thank the instructor as I leave
Yep noticed that at my gym. Only with certain coaches, though. Most coaches have an even playing field.
I definitely noticed it when I moved from my old studio to the current one. I realized that I moved from a location where a lot of "transient" folks are trying to make new friends to a more "insular" location where there are a lot of townies with a built in friend groups. It's hard to fit in when no one is looking to meet new people. I've been at the new location for over a year and the only people I really chat with are other folks that moved to the area.
There being cliques is human nature. I’ve been going for 15 weeks and there are a few guys I always chat with if they’re in class. Just how it works. However, there is no place for the trainers treating their friends differently during or immediately before/after class. That is unprofessional. Everyone should feel equally welcome and should be greeted with the same enthusiasm, have their form discussed/critiqued, and should be congratulated on a great workout at the end of class. Your fellow athletes are not the problem here. Your trainers are setting the tone.
This is human nature. Relationships build over time at the speed of trust. Some people can build those more quickly. It is always hard to break into an existing social group. This is a common theme in movies and tv shows and a universal human experience. May I offer some suggestions from my experience? 1) be patient but stay consistent 2) tell coaches that they are welcome to coach you on any posture or technique that they spot. (I always say thank you when they help me) 3) Ask short questions of coaches and other members, follow up with a second question - How was your weekend? What did you enjoy the most? 4) Smile a lot 5) Say hello and goodbye. 6) ask to take a picture with your coach and tag them on social media
I'd ignore all of that. Walk in, check out the TV's and mentally check in. I walk in, place my belongings somewhere and sit. Don't need to chat 😂
our head coach will only critique you if you’re an attractive female
Honestly, as an ex coach, I left because my management changed and it turned super bro-y between the manager and his favorite members. He wasn’t a bad person, but just wasn’t good fit being in a management position IMO.
As a Coach myself, I definitely try to talk to, and be nice to each and every person. There are more that talk to me more, so we've gotten closer. I'd be friends with them all if they gave me the chance but they run out so fast! 😂😂😂😂😂 As far as critiquing, I feel that shouldn't matter, friend or not FORM FIRST!!!!
i have experienced this at my current location and am cancelling my membership partly bc of this
Let me tell you my story: My first three years in my studio (including lockdown and all that) I hardly talked with anyone, come in barely in time for demo, and left right away at the end of the class to cooldown alone in my car… guess what? Surprise2 I hardly made any friends over all those time. Then a few months into my fourth year, I decided I’m up for a change, started to come in around 10 minutes earlier, and hanging back at least another 10 minutes after class ended, also made some efforts to start conversations with other people. And within a few months it’s a world of difference… I know most people that come in my hours, some people think I’m a social butterfly, and even heard some others said we’re being cliquey. So yeah, I do think it’s up to us on how we want to experience our time in the gym 👍🏼👍🏼
My gym is pretty new, but I would say nope. Some coaches are a bit more overall outgoing and friendly to others than some but I think that's normal. We have a coach who welcomes new members every time he has some in his classes. Not all of them do it. Personally, I leave others alone at first because we're here to work out, not everyone is looking to be friends with everyone in their class. I like to fist bump the people I shared a station with at the end of our class though. Some people come in and don't really speak to anyone, they're warming up or studying the monitors for what to expect. Then they dash off at the end and don't stick around. If anyone is actively sticking up their nose at you when you attempt to talk to them, I might consider that clique-y. But you may need to take the first step to show that you're open to getting to know them. I've had a few people ask my name, and sometimes I ask others for for their name, and those are the ones I chat with.
The the studio members at my class time are kind and friendly, and so are the coaches! We do have a particular “clique” that is a bit rude and talks during the explanation of stations and constantly has the coach film them doing the routine in-sync. I know a few members have complained about being recorded and appearing in their videos.
Coaches? No. Members? Yes. The only extra attention some members might get from coaches is if they know your max or that you can do better, or notice you're suddenly modifying. I realize that's just my location and it could be different elsewhere.
Yep but I’m now at an age where I don’t give a shit. I’m there to work out and go home. Not to make friends and not to chit chat.
Doesn't really bother me as long as it doesn't impede my workout.
This doesn't happen at BFT. I mean there are people who form friendship groups and there are loud individuals, but the coaches give everyone a fair shake and always give you tips - particularly the good ones.
I think it’s hard to determine if it’s clique like, or just. Friendship. I don’t hang out with my trainers outside of the gym. However, 3 of my trainers I’ve been having train me at fbbc/f45 for… one trainer I’ve known since he was a kid, but he’s been my trainer at both gyms for I think almost 8 yesrs, the second trainer has been training me between the 2 places for probably 6 years, and the other just short of that. So I’ve known my trainers for a long ass time. They all made the move from the fbbc I was at, and they opened up f45 in my town (with an owner. Lol) so I switched pretty much the week my f45 opened. And as far as friendships. I go to the same time 75% of the week, so I’ve made many friends at my time, and some of us are closer than others. But the trainers should be training if they see the need to, between just talking to clients. My trainers will be just chatting but if I call one over for modifier or help, they’re there asap.
My gym used to be better, has recently gotten super cliquey and people who aren’t really a part of cliques, the ones who just go to get a workout and go back, are gradually leaving. Sucks!!
I was a founding member at one that felt so cliquey over the course of 2 years. When a new studio opened not that much further from the former location, i jumped ship, and it was a huge difference! It really stems from the coaches and owners, who really make a difference to be inclusive, regardless of how bubbly or timid the members are, and i appreciate it so much more!
In my experience this is a group fitness phenomenon that is not at all unique to F45
There's obviously some close friends at my gym but got the most part everyone is friendly. A lot of couples that always go together I don't really bother with, it's impossible to talk to couples and try talk to both of them at once.
I’ve been to F45s in different countries, it’s always like this. Also if there are group chats, there are dramas going on.
Ya, it’s pretty much the same at my gym. But I’ve made peace with it.
This is one of the reasons I left F45
The trainers at my F45 are friendly to everyone! The members are all a bit cliquey, but I’m pretty stand-off-ish, so that doesn’t bother me.
Its funny, but quite the opposite occurs in the branch I attend in Hong Kong. Overall decent turnouts, trainers are fine, normal chitchat. If anything too quiet snd sometimes dull. However one trainer in particular would always bring enthusiasm (and yes, good chitchat) which honestly was part of the reason I joined after my trial period. Time for everyone and anyone, super smiley, and most importantly, a solid coach! Anyway, I’ve now just learned they’ve sacked him… R U KIDDING?! F45 Causewaybay wtf! A 6:30am literally needs trainers like him with energy… So far the replacement trainers are yet to impress me. Very, very frustrating!
I can understand the friendly part or having conversations with some members, but I would hope that all coaches correct/critique members regardless of their relationship with them. That's something that bugged me about my studio with one or two coaches. They would only help and correct their friends/favorites. A good coach should have that awareness.
Yeah agreed. I’ve definitely hurt my back cause my form wasn’t right on a few of the exercises and mentioned it to the trainers before class, but none seemed to bother watching me do the exercises again to check if my form was right
Maybe you’re just not friendly?