YOUR FIRST Group training session: WHAT TO EXPECT
We get it; the first time entering or re-entering the gym can be intimidating. In the past, fitness has been poorly represented as an exclusive place for only the communities fittest. We’re here to change the narrative. We believe that fitness is a normal part of a healthy life, similar to brushing your teeth, it’s a daily habit. We created Jolt Fitness, so that health minded, goal orientated, busy people can prioritize their health and build a high quality life. We offer personal training, classes, nutrition programs and more that build a resilient body and make life outside the gym that much better.
We have all felt the nerves before our first class. There can be a lot of thoughts running through your mind. You may be worried that you won’t make it through an entire class, that you won’t know how to lift, or that people will judge you. It’s common to feel a little bit nervous about your first class, we recognize that, and our trainers are highly trained to ensure you leave feeling better than when you walked in.
A note from Siggy, Owner of Jolt Fitness:
“When I first started working out, I didn’t have anyone to teach me the ins and outs. I would walk into the big machine filled busy gym and feel intimidated. I wondered where to start, what to do and of course how to do it. It felt like everyone else, except me, knew what to do with all the weights lying around. I made a lot of mistakes in those first few years, I compared myself to others and felt out of place.
I have fallen off a treadmill, spilt my barbell during back squats and been pinned under weights in movements I wasn’t confident in. I wasted a lot of time and effort just trying to figure out how to string this whole “working out” thing together.
Fast forward 15 years, and we have opened a space where anyone can walk through our doors and be welcomed into our Jolt Fam. We built a facility and methods that would counteract everything I had to struggle through on my own. Because of what I experienced as a beginner, we strive to provide educated training rooted in integrity and respect. We embrace questions and learning at your own pace because we believe you can grow here. We believe that you don’t have to know all the answers to get started. We want you to walk in as you are and we will meet you where you’re at. There’s no judgement here as we all progress through and build our resilient lives.
If you feel what I felt when I started at the gym, then this is the home for you. Come meet me at Jolt, I’ll show you around and help you get settled into your new health and fitness routine. You’ve never experienced fitness like this before and we look forward to sharing what we have started here!
Welcome to the Jolt Fam!”
We believe the fitness industry has failed in providing meaningful group fitness that changes lives, not just changes bodies. The gym has created an image for itself that it is a place of punishment for how our bodies look. Unhealthy body ideals and routines have been idolized and fitness for health and longevity has been placed on the back burner. Fitness has excluded many populations who didn’t fit society’s mold.
Jolt Fitness challenges the status quo by offering active health care methods that build resilient bodies and create high quality lives outside the gym doors. We offer innovative programs that welcome people into our space who would have been neglected in a typical fitness environment.
Everyone feels a little unsure before walking into try something new, whether its lifting weights, a job interview, sky diving or karaoke. As we age, it becomes less and less common to get outside our comfort zone and try something brand new. Yes, we know you may feel this way – because we have ALL been there. There are plenty of current members at Jolt who remember being in your running shoes, nervous about this new environment. That’s why we pride ourselves on being the Jolt Fam. We rely on each other to get in the door and get through the tough workouts. Our Jolt Fam, will help guide you through your first class with encouragement and education; nobody gets left behind. At Jolt, we are in this together.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR A GROUP SESSION:
Head to joltfitness.ca/schedule
Select the group session you’d like to attend
Create an account and select your desired membership (learn more about membership options here)
Once you arrive at the gym, you can remove outdoor shoes, leave your belongings in a cubby, and check in with the coach. You will need to sign the waiver before participating.
You read more FAQ questions here. Please take time to review the wait list and late cancel policies.
GROUP TRAINING SESSIONS VS. CLASSES
Jolt offers small group training sessions designed to provide a high-quality fitness experience. Unlike traditional large group fitness classes, which often prioritize synchronized movements over individualized coaching and sound training principles, our approach emphasizes both effective methodology and a supportive community.
Our sessions average 6-8 participants, with a maximum of 13, ensuring an optimal trainer-to-client ratio. This allows our coaches to deliver personalized attention within a dynamic group setting, combining the benefits of personal training with the energy and camaraderie of a group workout. We prioritize training rooted in sound strength and conditioning principles, fostering a results-oriented environment while maintaining a strong sense of community.
TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST GROUP TRAINING SESSION:
1. GO EASIER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED TOO
Sometimes, just walking into the gym can leave us sore after taking a hiatus from the gym. We recommend taking it easier than you think you need too. Consider the first two weeks, a practice of the movements and new routine. Our coaches will never force you into a movement or a moment. At Jolt you have the ability to move at your own pace and take breaks when you need to. Our trainers will meet you where you’re at and encourage you to move at your own pace. We give options for different fitness levels and our highly educated trainers are able to modify every exercise to ensure it works well for you right now. Our goal is to build you up not break you down.
2. ARRIVE 10 MINUTES EARLY
This will allow you time to get comfortable in the gym. When you arrive you will need your door code to get in as our door is always locked. You will receive your door code via email within 48 hours of activating your membership. If you have not received a door code, just knock loud and we will be right there to let you in! We will show you around and give you the run down on your arrival. We will get you set up with everything you need to feel good during class. Just bring your own water and clean indoor shoes (mandatory). The workout is always written on the whiteboard. The workouts can look like a mix of code and a foreign language, so try not to stress the details. Many of our members have been with us for years and still haven’t quite mastered the art of reading the board. Your trainer will show you exactly what to do, how to do it and further customize the movements to best suit your fitness level and goals.
3. DRINK WATER
In the day(s) leading up to your first class please ensure you are well hydrated. We typically recommend .5 oz for every pound you weigh. Therefore, if you’re 200 pounds you should be drinking 100 oz. of water each day. You also want to eat something small 60-90 minutes before class. Try fruit and yogurt, an egg and toast, or a peanut butter and banana protein smoothie. You don’t want to show up on an empty stomach. However, all meals should be consumed before the one-hour mark leading up to class. Of course, everyone is different so find what works for you. Water and high quality food will help with your recovery and any soreness.
LOCATION:
We are located off Highway 4, just 5 minutes outside of Exeter, Ontario. Our gym faces the highway and you’ll be able to see Bay #3 and 4 from the road. Look for our blue lightning bolt outside. Our front door is always locked, as a member you will be emailed a door code to enter. If you’re not a member yet, knock loud and we will let you in. Once you enter, you’ll see lobby and a front desk. You can leave your outdoor shoes and belongings in the lockers/cubbies. Grab a seat and put your indoor shoes on. A trainer will be there to greet you shortly and get you set up for your first class. We have parking, change rooms, and shower on-site. Click here for more directions.
TRAINING RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend starting with personal training or Lift sessions.
Personal training is a great place to start if you have never entered a gym before, suffer from chronic pain, feel limited in classes, want to train for a specific goal, or take your fitness to the next level. For beginners, we will go over the basics on how to squat, deadlift, push, pull and brace. These are our basic movement patterns. We will also conduct individualized testing on mobility, cardiovascular health, and strength. These tests will enable us to build custom programming that addresses your specific needs. Personal training includes basic education on nutrition, stress management and sleep strategies addressing 360 degree health. All personal training includes specific goal setting and accountability. Personal training can be a great option for more experienced lifters to set custom goals, address deficiencies, and ensure progression long term. If you think personal training may interest you, apply for a free movement consultation here.
If personal training is not an option for you to get started, Lift and Fit for Life sessions are a great option. These are slower paced sessions that can be modified for beginner to advanced intensities. The slower pace offers time for education, so that we can explain how and why to do the exercise. We can offer movement modifications, so that beginner can perform a bodyweight squat and an advanced member can perform a back squat. This is our signature “bread and butter” session that offers health and longevity for members of all ages. We recommend building up to 2-3 Lift sessions per week and then supplementing other sessions in as desired.
BRING THIS:
Indoor shoes are mandatory
Water
Work ethic
Positive attitude
Remember, to be an expert you must be willing to be a beginner first. If you have any questions please send us a message and we can help set you up for your first class.
Learn 3 more tips for getting started at the link below.
