Even if you usually prefer to exercise on your own, consider a group fitness class to add variety to your workout routine. The winter (or off season) of your competitive sport is a good time to try a group exercise class, when you're not under pressure to train for a big event. Some benefits of group fitness classes include:

• Meet fellow fitness fanatics. Someone you meet in a spinning class might become your weekend cycling training partner.
• Feel the group energy. Yes, you can do a yoga practice at home with a DVD. But many people find that they are able to get more from a class by drawing on the collective energy of a group, and you may find yourself energized by being with others who are as committed to improving their fitness as you are.
• Get tips and advice. When you take a yoga class, for example, the instructor will likely walk around and adjust your form or offer props so you can get the maximum benefits from each pose. You can't replicate that experience by following a yoga video on your own at home.

No matter what group fitness class you might take, keep these points of etiquette in mind to avoid annoying your classmates:

• Be on time. Know when the class starts and be dressed and ready (not walking in the door) at that time. Most gyms have busy class schedules, with one class directly following the next, and some have a policy of not allowing people into the class if they are even 2 minutes late.
• Sign up if you need to. Some classes have limited space and require you to sign up in advance. If this is true of your class, be sure to sign up to secure your spot.