Let's be honest: the amount of validation you get from group fitness classes can feel good . . . like, really good. A simple form callout from an instructor or "great job" at the end of class means a lot. In life, we aren't often told we're doing a good job, which makes this kind of kudos all the more meaningful - even in a workout setting. But it can also become a little addicting. In fact, some take this wayward praise as an invitation to push their bodies to the absolute limits - a phenomenon we're calling "star student syndrome." It may seem a bit extreme from the outside looking in, but haven't we all wanted to be star students before?
"POV: it's your first class at a new workout studio and your ballerina perfectionist mindset starts kicking in because you want to impress the instructor just like you wanted to impress your Russian Ballet Master growing up," one creator writes in a March TikTok with over 66K likes. Many commenters could relate, with people expressing a shared desire to be "best in class," impress their fitness instructors, or at the very least, avoid any kind of criticism. "I don't have the motivation to do anything on my own but put me in a class and I'll be the hardest working one," one person wrote. "All for affirmation."
Whether you're a former athlete trying to overcome that perfectionism, or just a people-pleaser in general, star student syndrome is clearly something many people resonate with. But that's not necessarily a good thing. In an effort to dig a little deeper, we asked actual trainers how the pursuit of star student status might negatively impact your workouts. Read on to learn whether instructors actually take notice of their star students, why this phenomenon isn't as helpful as it might seem, and how you can overcome star student syndrome once and for all.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Elise Joan is an on-air fitness expert with certifications in mat Pilates, barre, and more.
Andy Stern is the co-founder of Rumble Boxing.
Do Instructors Notice "Star Students"?
Overachievers will be pleased to know that their efforts do not go unnoticed in group fitness classes. That said, going above and beyond to impress the instructor isn't everything. "Yes, seasoned instructors can absolutely spot the student who's going the extra mile to stand out," says on-air fitness expert Elise Joan. "While we appreciate effort, we're far more impressed by consistency, form, and self-awareness than by theatrics or ego-driven performance."
Rumble Boxing co-founder Andy Stern adds that "star students" deserve to be recognized for putting in the work, but so does the rest of the class. "If you are only focused on your star students, you are missing the majority and can easily turn the broader audience off by their feeling of inadequate performance," he says.
Can Star Student Syndrome Hurt Your Workout?
Obsessing over your instructor's approval and trying to perfect every last move can definitely cause issues down the line. "When you prioritize performance over presence, you risk sacrificing form, breath and true alignment," Joan says. "Pushing for external validation can disconnect you from your body's cues, leading to burnout, injury, or missed opportunities for sustainable growth."
Stern emphasizes that star student syndrome can actually be dangerous in the long run, especially if you're unwilling to listen to your body. "If you're obsessed with impressing the coach, you might injure yourself because you avoid modifying," he says. Try to remember that you're working out for your own benefit, not your instructor's. "Don't exercise for validation or applause. If you are training to impress the coach or compare yourself to others, it can take the focus off internal progress," Stern says.
How to Overcome Star Student Syndrome
It's one thing to acknowledge our desire to go above and beyond, but overcoming that impulse is easier said than done. Our experts suggest starting with an internal shift. "Anchor your movement in purpose and self-awareness, and remind yourself that the most powerful transformation happens when you're attuned to your body-not the spotlight," Joan says.
If you need additional support, Stern also recommends talking to a trainer who can help you get in a better mindset (one that doesn't involve the approval of others). You might also intentionally practice being "imperfect" by taking breaks between sets, intentionally modifying certain exercises, or lifting less than your max weight. "You need to redefine what success means to you, instead of measuring success by perfection or praise, define it by progress or effort."
Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. Related: We Can't Escape the Allure of Reality Competition Shows Read More Details
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