You know you need to get into shape. Friends tell you how much being a member of a regular fitness class helps them get their exercising in and keeps them in shape. You may even belong to a gym where they hold fitness classes and you have watched a group of people working out and looking like they are all having fun.

So, why aren't you joining in? What's holding you back? I bet it is one of the many myths of fitness classes, or even a myth that you have created in your own mind. Let's examine some of the myths - and get over them together!

You have to be thin to take part in a fitness class.

Nothing is farther from the truth - except some of the other myths I am going to share with you. As I looked around one of my morning step `n' sculpt classes last week, I was amazed by all of the different sizes and shapes. I would estimate that the body weights of those participating varied from 110 lbs. to close to 300 lbs. I was so proud of every one of them.

Yes, the heavier participants were taking it a bit easier than the lighter ones, but they were working as hard as they could. And, as I see them return on a regular basis, I notice that they are not only slimming down, they are also able to work longer and harder.

You have to be young to take part in a fitness class.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of teaching for me is appealing to a wide variety of age groups. I have students as young as 20 years-old and as old as 75. In the summertime when college students are on vacation, they come back to my classes. All year long I have the 30-somethings, 40-somethings, 50-somethings, 60-somethings, 70-somethings and probably 80-somethings (they just don't look it because of exercise).

I hope you are getting the picture that age doesn't matter. Yes, some of the older students may not jump around quite as much as the younger participants, but actually I feel it depends upon fitness level, and not age. And this segues into my next topic.

You have to be fit to start participating in a fitness class.

If everyone waited until they were "fit" to attend a fitness class, there would be small attendance and few fit people. Again, as I watch the people in my class, I observe a huge range of fitness levels. Some can barely move, while others are pushing themselves and their hearts and bodies to the limit.

If you have read any of my other columns, you know that fitness takes time, patience, persistence and commitment. We all have to start somewhere and everyone who takes part in a class realizes that. I love the fact that when someone new visits, he or she is greeted enthusiastically by others in the class, and as they continue to attend, a true camaraderie builds up. Everyone encourages everyone else.

You have to be super coordinated to be able to follow the moves.

When I started working out back in 1983, I thought I was a coordinated person until I attended my first aerobics class. I had always loved to dance and had danced a lot. But when I got into that class, I felt like I was always at least one beat behind.

We all tend to be self-conscious - I know I was - but the true fact is that no-one else in the class is worrying about or noticing what you are doing or not doing. As an instructor I watch to make sure that everyone is safe and working safely, but if you are doing something different from what I'm doing, or you are off-beat, who cares as long as you are moving? I'm just glad to see that you are there and trying.

You have to wear stylish, expensive workout clothing.

There was a time when this seemed to be true. Everyone was wearing the latest style, and the clothing wasn't cheap. Today, the norm is to be comfortable and there are many places where you can purchase good-looking, reasonably priced workout gear.

The only fitness wear that should be the best you can afford are your workout shoes. Poorly made, improperly fitting and/or worn down shoes can be damaging to your feet, legs and back. Don't skimp here. And the minute your shoes start giving you problems - they may not look worn out - replace them immediately.

So, which of these myths are holding you back? Realize that you don't have to be able to keep up all the time to join a class. You don't have to look like a movie star or dance like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. You just need to be you.

Take a risk and try a class for FUN! And let me know how you are doing. You'll be glad you did!