1. Taking in the other people there

Walking into a new class is intimidating on the first day of school or, even, in college lecture halls. But, add buff fitness buffs and 20-pound weights to the mix, and the whole thing can be a bit overwhelming.

I generally avoid set classes for working out for the very reason that I get nervous working out in such close proximity to other people, especially other fit people. I felt happy this time because of my friend and the general openness of the other students. In general, though, this part adds the most pressure.

2. Immediately loving your trainer's vibe

When my trainer walked in, I immediately felt like I was in the most capable hands. This isn't usually always the case, but if the trainer doesn't make me feel comfortable, the rest of the phases below usually don't happen anyways.

There's something about someone about to be impossibly happy about the worst kind of pain and physical exertion that brings me comfort. I don't know about you, but trainers that smile through the struggle are the best kind.

3. Wondering what all the fuss is about

The biggest element that throws me off at the start of a class is the dynamic stretching. I'm led through a false sense of security before the real mayhem begins. I always find myself, somewhere around the halfway point of a fitness class, hating the start-of-class-me for being so naive.

4. Realizing what all the fuss is about

Like I said, eventually the "work" part of the workout kicks in and my arms turn into jelly doughnuts. I get exhausted from the constant changes in the workout, and in particular, I start getting angry at the peppiness. My anger is uncalled for and I generally end up regretting it by the time I get to stretching.

5. Trying to both breath and see your form in the mirror

There's a point in the workout when I get serious. I start checking my form and making the corrections that I need to make. My favorite kind of trainers are the ones that walk around and make minute changes to forms and positions. I was lucky enough to have one of those this class, but trying to both succeed and survive became a trying battle.

6. Stretch while feeling your body go into a different dimension

Stretching is golden. Stretching is bliss. Stretching is golden bliss.

I always imagine myself to have gone through some rigorous ballet program in the last hour (which included my trying to clench everything to stay up during a 30-second plank). Then, the stretching allows me to truly reveal my graceful form.

In reality, I look like a mediocre dancer who started taking classes out of necessity for their cousin's wedding. Either way, it feels awesome.

7. Feel a strange urge to come back the next week

Like I said, by the end of the class, I felt awesome and truly felt like coming back. The entire class is a rollercoaster with wildly swinging emotions.