What We Wish Everyone Knew About Joining Their First Class

You’ve looked at the website.
You’ve hovered over the “book now” button.
You’ve stalked the Instagram stories to see what the classes actually look like.
And yet… you haven’t clicked.

We get it. Joining your first class at a new gym is nerve-racking.
Whether it’s your first time training in years or just the first time trying something new, there’s a voice in your head going:

“Will I be the least fit person there?”
“What if I can’t keep up?”
“What if everyone knows what they’re doing and I don’t?”
“Am I going to feel judged?”
“Is this going to be like every other gym I quit?”

So we wanted to write this—for the people thinking about trying their first BARCH class and need a little real talk.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. It’s normal to feel nervous.

Most people who train with us now once stood outside that same door, wondering whether they belonged.
They did. And so do you.

2. You won’t be the only beginner.

Every week, we welcome people into their first class.
You won’t be “the new one” for long. And you’ll never be expected to know what you’re doing—we coach everything, every class.

3. No one is watching you.

This might sound harsh, but it’s actually freeing:
People are focused on their progress, not yours.
No one cares what you lift, how you move, or if you need to modify something.
(And if they did? They wouldn’t last long at BARCH—this is a no ego space.)

4. You don’t need to be fit to start.

We’ll keep saying this forever: You don’t get fit to join—you get fit by joining.
Every movement can be scaled. Every class is coached. You’ll be guided the whole way.

5. You’ll leave feeling better than when you walked in.

Every coach’s goal is to help you finish your first session thinking:

“I didn’t think I could do that… but I did.”

And if you ever feel overwhelmed during the class?
Just tell us. We’re humans, not drill sergeants. We’ll help you adjust.

What our members often say after their first session:

“I wish I’d started sooner.”
“I thought everyone would be intense, but they were just friendly and normal.”
“I felt supported—not judged.”
“It didn’t feel like other gyms. I felt like I could be myself here.”

So if you’re still hovering over the button…

Take the pressure off.
You don’t need to commit to anything. Just come and try a class.
No contracts. No mirror selfies. No proving anything to anyone.

Just your first step toward feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident.
On your terms.