How long does the New Year rush for the gym last?
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5 pages in and I am still stuck on the person with 9 gym memberships. I thought I was daft with 2.
Ive done the new years thing in the gym in the past and its petered out. This time I started over the summer and its stuck. I couldnt tell you when day 1 was. Maybe thats the reason its stuck. For me if people stick to it power to them. I prefer weights to cardio anyway so that side shouldnt be more cluttered than usual and if my more mainstream gym feels overcrowded I will go hide at my other one which isnt very well known about til it dies down. Joys of having both.0 -
While I don't like the "crowding" of the gym after New Year's, it's what keeps our business going. I meet new clients and get a change of scenery. It also may help that one person who really needs it.
Does it suck for "veterans"? Sure, but only because it disrupts their routine especially since many know that the commitment rate is low and have the "why bother then" attitude when it comes to newbies.
But we were ALL there once too. And others were saying the same thing under their breath. Just like they do when we Americans go try to drive the Autobahn, go down Lombard street, etc. There will always be a time when someone is going to be a newbie to something. Even veteran lifters/exercisers will try a new program and may get snickered at by the vets of it.
So give them a break. Or better yet, smile and say hi or just give them a thumbs up for the attempt. You may actually get them to stay.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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1.5-2 months max. Then everyone goes back to their bon bons for 10 months and tries again a year later.0
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Sometimes the New Years crowd actually has a ton of long term members who just happen to come in all at once. After a few years at the same gym I started to notice they weren't always brand new faces. Think of the over indulgence many of us participate in during the holidays. Someone even mentioned earlier in the thread how the place was packed just before thanksgiving - heck yes!! That totally makes sense to me. Sometimes I'll bump up my workouts just before traveling because I know I'll have a couple days without really exercising like I want. And after eating quadruple what I burn for two weeks straight at the end of the year, YEAH, I'm gonna be in the gym!0
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yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..0 -
While I don't like the "crowding" of the gym after New Year's, it's what keeps our business going. I meet new clients and get a change of scenery. It also may help that one person who really needs it.
Does it suck for "veterans"? Sure, but only because it disrupts their routine especially since many know that the commitment rate is low and have the "why bother then" attitude when it comes to newbies.
But we were ALL there once too. And others were saying the same thing under their breath. Just like they do when we Americans go try to drive the Autobahn, go down Lombard street, etc. There will always be a time when someone is going to be a newbie to something. Even veteran lifters/exercisers will try a new program and may get snickered at by the vets of it.
So give them a break. Or better yet, smile and say hi or just give them a thumbs up for the attempt. You may actually get them to stay.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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They're there to try. Scared, worried and unsure, they open the door and walk in.
Yay them.0 -
if this is really that important ask your gym for stats.0
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Yay us!
who manage to have got into a mindset of regular exercise after years of downright laziness
who worry that any change to the current status quo may affect our ability to commit to going in the first place
who adjust our workouts to the available equipment anyway but find it more and more difficult the more crowded their gym is
who go to the gym and don't notice individual people there, unless they are a) staring or b) using equipment you want to get on. so have no concept of whether they're there for the first time of the 500th, it's just about the cumulative pressure on available equipment
if I wanted to queue interminably I'd visit Disneyland Paris
- it was a simple innocuous question - with lots of lovely answers of mid-February, which I will now steel myself for
- the schmaltz-overloading cheerleader attitude from some posters is rather OTT to my English psyche-3 -
I think it's great that lots of people are giving gym memberships a go - on an individual level, one human to another, I hope they enjoy it and get something out of it.
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But as I'm spoilt 45 weeks of the year in my lovely quiet gym where I can get on/use any equipment almost without ever having to wait, I find the NYR period a bit of a shock to the system! With any influx of new people you're inevitably going to get the minority who sit on the machines to chat without using them, leave their sweat everywhere, and use the changing room hairdryers to dry off intimate areas.
I'm happy to share and to work round people, but it's just a bit frustrating knowing that most of them will be gone within a month. It is just me being grumpy, which is why I don't take it out on these newbies and am happy to chat/answer questions if asked, that kind of thing.
Still happy in March when the gym is quiet again.0 -
When those people figure out their goal that requires a long-term commitment cannot be accomplished with a short-term plan.
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yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..
unfortunately there is only a flag button, so that when someone writes a post personally attacking you based on nothing, MFP can hide your response where you explain that all you are doing is defending the newcomers to the fitness world so they don't get scared off.
GOOD JOB MFP! WAY TO STAY CONSISTENT! YOU DON't DISAPPOINT!
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It usually lasts till the first week of February, I avoid the gym on the weekends until it dies down. It's great having new faces at the gym embarking on their journey and I enjoy the additional classes that are typically added during that time. I don't enjoy the surge in searching for weights as they didn't re-rack, the additional individuals not wiping down equipment, and towels all over the locker room.0
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I don't knock anyone for wanting to get in shape and don't care when it happens. I answered the OPs questions, from my perspective with no editorializing on my feelings. I'm happy for anyone who wants to workout, whether they are new or not. My "problem" is with the "gym". There is such a thing as "too crowded". Any frustration I have experienced is when I'm not able to go through a normal workout. The cardio machines are full so you have to wait and sometimes for a LONG time (30-60 minutes). I have waited for machines longer than my planned cardio session. As for free weights and strength machines, there are long lines as well. In addition, some noobs aren't up on gym etiquette (some experienced ones aren't either, lol) and will not allow anyone to jump in and use a machine. Add to that the number of people dropping weights, misusing machines, leaving them sweaty/soiled... it's annoying. Sure, sometimes that happens at other times of the year (not just New Years) but not as much. I'm lucky enough to have a pretty nice home gym and I go between home and club for variety.
So, my posts were not meant deflate or ridicule anyone. Just like any other post/comments, it's my opinion of what occurs annually.
Good luck to the newbies and resolutioners. At least a small percent of them will become lifers and change their lives. Just like I'm trying to do...0 -
yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..
unfortunately there is only a flag button, so that when someone writes a post personally attacking you based on nothing, MFP can hide your response where you explain that all you are doing is defending the newcomers to the fitness world so they don't get scared off.
GOOD JOB MFP! WAY TO STAY CONSISTENT! YOU DON't DISAPPOINT!
Seems like someone is getting a little mad. Not to mention to totally backtracked and agreed with people you argued with in previous posts. More words dont end an agruement, and I already said sorry for misinterpting the original point to person who started this thread. Oh AND I saw your little comment saying "Shove it" :P Sarcasm wont get you far in a thread with people looking to better themselves :P You start ruining your credibility0 -
I don't knock anyone for wanting to get in shape and don't care when it happens. I answered the OPs questions, from my perspective with no editorializing on my feelings. I'm happy for anyone who wants to workout, whether they are new or not. My "problem" is with the "gym". There is such a thing as "too crowded". Any frustration I have experienced is when I'm not able to go through a normal workout. The cardio machines are full so you have to wait and sometimes for a LONG time (30-60 minutes). I have waited for machines longer than my planned cardio session. As for free weights and strength machines, there are long lines as well. In addition, some noobs aren't up on gym etiquette (some experienced ones aren't either, lol) and will not allow anyone to jump in and use a machine. Add to that the number of people dropping weights, misusing machines, leaving them sweaty/soiled... it's annoying. Sure, sometimes that happens at other times of the year (not just New Years) but not as much. I'm lucky enough to have a pretty nice home gym and I go between home and club for variety.
So, my posts were not meant deflate or ridicule anyone. Just like any other post/comments, it's my opinion of what occurs annually.
Good luck to the newbies and resolutioners. At least a small percent of them will become lifers and change their lives. Just like I'm trying to do...
Nobody should be made to feel any guilt for feeling any of those incredibly valid things
The guilt-tripping cheerleaders on this thread got, IMHO, completely the wrong end of the stick...but if it makes them feel better to project their 'aren't I the most wonderful, caring person and aren't you awful in comparison' attitude into the great, wide interweb then fine <shrugs> it takes all sorts.0 -
yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..
unfortunately there is only a flag button, so that when someone writes a post personally attacking you based on nothing, MFP can hide your response where you explain that all you are doing is defending the newcomers to the fitness world so they don't get scared off.
GOOD JOB MFP! WAY TO STAY CONSISTENT! YOU DON't DISAPPOINT!
Someone is putting down newcomers, where was that...I totally missed it.
I though we were discussing, to me anyway, a fairly interesting and what seems to be a statistically backed phenomena.
I thought it was a pretty fair game question, I mean, the new year's rush is a thing...right?
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lewispwest wrote: »
I wouldn't mind them if they didn't waste my time for a few weeks then walk out the door and not com back ever.
People who wait until a certain calendar date to change their life generally fail from what I've seen.-2 -
NJDevilsFan7576 wrote: »
Seems like someone is getting a little mad. Not to mention to totally backtracked and agreed with people you argued with in previous posts. More words dont end an agruement, and I already said sorry for misinterpting the original point to person who started this thread. Oh AND I saw your little comment saying "Shove it" :P Sarcasm wont get you far in a thread with people looking to better themselves :P You start ruining your credibility
You're completely 100% correct.
I deleted that comment because it was immature and unnecessary to respond in kind to someone who made public accusations about my character for no reason other than the laughs it would get.
If you wrote back and apologized to me I didn't see it.
Yes I got mad. Yes, my feelings were terribly hurt. Yes I got a bit emotional and had a few tears when I saw what you said.
If you spent as much time as me here, trying to hard to help people all the time who ignore me or flag me or throw crap in my face that I can't control - only to constantly get called a problem child, is very discouraging, you might understand.
Im a real person, and I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to help. I don't come here to stir up stuff unless it's in a way that might help someone wake up and treat themselves better, like they deserve it.
The only time of year I am more tolerant is this time, when so many people show up all at once trying to change their lives. I have social anxiety. I get nervous and perform badly when my gym is packed. But i dont want those people to give up and go home and hate themselves because they see a thread like this. I want everyone to win.
It an unpopular opinion but i stand by it, because i know what it's like to honestly, truly truly hate yourself so much that you'd run into traffic.
Im not here to cause problems.
Im here hoping individuals have personal revolutions.-1 -
and im not trying to argue with you, im just being me and talking too much like im known to do.-1
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It is most certainly a thing. Last year during the rush I went to the gym at night. I now go at 5AM, and this thread taught me (based on others' experience) that I most likely won't have to deal with the rush this time. Party, bonus.yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..
unfortunately there is only a flag button, so that when someone writes a post personally attacking you based on nothing, MFP can hide your response where you explain that all you are doing is defending the newcomers to the fitness world so they don't get scared off.
GOOD JOB MFP! WAY TO STAY CONSISTENT! YOU DON't DISAPPOINT!
Someone is putting down newcomers, where was that...I totally missed it.
I though we were discussing, to me anyway, a fairly interesting and what seems to be a statistically backed phenomena.
I thought it was a pretty fair game question, I mean, the new year's rush is a thing...right?
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levitateme wrote: »
It is most certainly a thing. Last year during the rush I went to the gym at night. I now go at 5AM, and this thread taught me (based on others' experience) that I most likely won't have to deal with the rush this time. Party, bonus.yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..
unfortunately there is only a flag button, so that when someone writes a post personally attacking you based on nothing, MFP can hide your response where you explain that all you are doing is defending the newcomers to the fitness world so they don't get scared off.
GOOD JOB MFP! WAY TO STAY CONSISTENT! YOU DON't DISAPPOINT!
Someone is putting down newcomers, where was that...I totally missed it.
I though we were discussing, to me anyway, a fairly interesting and what seems to be a statistically backed phenomena.
I thought it was a pretty fair game question, I mean, the new year's rush is a thing...right?
5AM is brutal! How do you do it? I notice at least a 30% decrease in strength and stamina in the morning for me...
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I have a couple observations:
I suggest that NY Resolutioners might unintentionally sabotage their own efforts by sprinting out of the gate. At least for me, it is small incremental changes that I was able to sustain that brought about the biggest change.
A Weight Watchers representative noted that the biggest rise in new membership is now in the fall .The new goal seems to be to get trim for the mid-winter vacation. January would be too late for that.0 -
uconnwinsnc1 wrote: »levitateme wrote: »
It is most certainly a thing. Last year during the rush I went to the gym at night. I now go at 5AM, and this thread taught me (based on others' experience) that I most likely won't have to deal with the rush this time. Party, bonus.yoovie, I wish there was a like option.
Also, this is my first year of going to the gym, I've never thought about this OP, LOL! Be interesting to see the crowd. At least people are trying, even if it's for a little bit..
unfortunately there is only a flag button, so that when someone writes a post personally attacking you based on nothing, MFP can hide your response where you explain that all you are doing is defending the newcomers to the fitness world so they don't get scared off.
GOOD JOB MFP! WAY TO STAY CONSISTENT! YOU DON't DISAPPOINT!
Someone is putting down newcomers, where was that...I totally missed it.
I though we were discussing, to me anyway, a fairly interesting and what seems to be a statistically backed phenomena.
I thought it was a pretty fair game question, I mean, the new year's rush is a thing...right?
5AM is brutal! How do you do it? I notice at least a 30% decrease in strength and stamina in the morning for me...
I'm usually in by 4:30am.....if it's when you have the time you just have to suck it up and use it.0 -
I think it depends on the gym. I was fully expecting my gym last year to be packed after the 1st, but I didn't notice much increase in people, which was nice.0
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ruqayyahsmum wrote: »i use 9 different gyms and vary my days and times massivly between those gyms, im always viewed as a noob despite doing this for 3 years lol
I don't believe this poster has been back to explain her 9 different gyms, not that she needs to, but I wanted to point out that I'm enrolled in a program through my health insurance for $25.00 per month and I can go to any gym in my city. It's a mid-sized town, so I can go to any of the 20+ gyms at any time. Some are way out of my way, of course, so I only frequent the handful that are close by. Also, this is a nationwide program, so if I'm traveling I just go to their website and find participating gyms in that area and can go there as well.0 -
uconnwinsnc1 wrote: »People who wait until a certain calendar date to change their life generally fail from what I've seen.
I can't tell you how many times I've done that! It got to the point where it was almost a joke -- I'd include "lose weight" in my list of New Year's resolutions with the caveat that I didn't expect to actually do it. I joined gyms in January for the year and stopped going by February. I'd get on a healthy eating kick that would last a week or two at most. It was kind of ridiculous.
This time, I decided on a random Tuesday afternoon in October to start... and I started that very same Tuesday afternoon. Okay, it wasn't totally random -- it was right after Thanksgiving and a post-Thanksgiving doctor's appointment and wake-up call on the scale -- but even so. I didn't say "I'll start next week" or "I'll start tomorrow". I just started.
So, yeah, I agree with that.
(Having said that, once again, a lot of people may be travelling or out of town during the Christmas/New Year's holiday period and wait until they get home to join their local gym. They might overeat during the holidays and get home and decide to start then. Or they might get a gym membership as a Christmas gift and start using that instead of working out at home. Some people may also only use an indoor gym during the coldest months of the year because they work out indoors the rest of the year, so maybe they're just buying a 90-day membership and they look like a newbie every January. So there are lots of people who join in January who are "just doing it" and have a reasonably good chance of success.
But yes, most gyms bank on 75-80% dropout rate on the January signups... that's how they make their money and how they give you the luxury of using a half-empty facility for most of the rest of the year for a reasonable price.)0 -
There is a difference between being "the most wonderful, caring person" and lashing out with nasty comments. Big, giant middle ground there. Vast! Those aren't the only two options, lol.I don't knock anyone for wanting to get in shape and don't care when it happens. I answered the OPs questions, from my perspective with no editorializing on my feelings. I'm happy for anyone who wants to workout, whether they are new or not. My "problem" is with the "gym". There is such a thing as "too crowded". Any frustration I have experienced is when I'm not able to go through a normal workout. The cardio machines are full so you have to wait and sometimes for a LONG time (30-60 minutes). I have waited for machines longer than my planned cardio session. As for free weights and strength machines, there are long lines as well. In addition, some noobs aren't up on gym etiquette (some experienced ones aren't either, lol) and will not allow anyone to jump in and use a machine. Add to that the number of people dropping weights, misusing machines, leaving them sweaty/soiled... it's annoying. Sure, sometimes that happens at other times of the year (not just New Years) but not as much. I'm lucky enough to have a pretty nice home gym and I go between home and club for variety.
So, my posts were not meant deflate or ridicule anyone. Just like any other post/comments, it's my opinion of what occurs annually.
Good luck to the newbies and resolutioners. At least a small percent of them will become lifers and change their lives. Just like I'm trying to do...
Nobody should be made to feel any guilt for feeling any of those incredibly valid things
The guilt-tripping cheerleaders on this thread got, IMHO, completely the wrong end of the stick...but if it makes them feel better to project their 'aren't I the most wonderful, caring person and aren't you awful in comparison' attitude into the great, wide interweb then fine <shrugs> it takes all sorts.
I don't think offering up some support for the newbies makes one "the most wonderful, caring person."
Your nasty, personal attacks will not stop others from making positive comments if they feel like making them.
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This discussion has been closed.
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