A participant new to the group exercise scene mentioned to me that she loved the fact that I stated "listen to your body" at the beginning of class. The meaning behind such a simple phrase is true: no single exercise can accommodate all fitness abilities. What works for one typically will feel different for the next. Just because someone does not get hurt doing one thing does not mean that the next person will not.
This situation is often found in group settings; small group training, group exercise, aerobics classes, even partner training. Take an aerobics class for example, a newcomer will typically peer through the door for the first week, scoping out what they would like to try and getting a feel for the class. The next week they take the class but hang in the back for fear of embarrassing themselves in front of others. They perform the exercises purely mimicking what they see the other classtakers doing.
This is all well and good but only if the person that they are copying is indeed performing the exercises correctly. That person could be incorrect, using different equipment or weights, or even modifiying the exercise due to an injury. A good instructor will pick up on these things and correct any potentially harmful situations but that is also when it is most important for you to listen to your body! If something hurts you, a muscle feels overstretched, or you feel your form is off, then you need to stop before you get hurt. If you are doing an exercise and something just doesn't feel quite right, it probably is wrong! Find the correct way to do the exercise using YOUR body. Ask the instructor or meet with a trainer to go over exercises that you are having difficulty with because if you aren't doing them right, then you are doing your body no good.
The number one rule in training, LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
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