Resolutioner Season
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These resolutioners are the ones that keep your gym membership costs down, so stop complaining!!7
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MistressSara wrote: »Gotta say it again... there is almost nothing you can do to help them stay. People who wait until an arbitrary date don't have much resolve to begin with. You might be able to motivate them to stick around longer, but I wouldn't count on that. Not by a long shot.
Idk about this. For all of the cool things I've done in my life, including quitting smoking, losing a lot of weight, getting fit, I've picked a date in the not too distant future, did some research and prep and used the time leading up to psych myself up for it. It works for me. I haven't smoked in 15 years, have maintained my weight for over a year, continue to pursue fitness. I'm planning to use this technique for other things pretty soon.
All that said, I choose the date and don't always wait for the new year, so it's not an arbitrary date.
It doesn't sound like you're a real resolutioner, though. You picked a time that's "in the not too distant future." If it just happened to be in January, then that was merely happenstance. Obviously, this is entirely different from waiting until after the holiday feastings and then starting on January 1st "just because."
And even if you were a NY resolutioner, you would simply be an exception to the rule. The overwhelming majority fail spectacularly, precisely because waiting until January 1st strongly indicates a lack of resolve.0 -
Nonsense. One can recognize that there are benefits to having the resolutioners around while also recognizing the inconveniences that they introduce. The fact that there is SOME benefit to having them around doesn't render all these other grievances null and void.These resolutioners are the ones that keep your gym membership costs down, so stop complaining!!
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Nonsense. One can recognize that there are benefits to having the resolutioners around while also recognizing the inconveniences that they introduce. The fact that there is SOME benefit to having them around doesn't render all these other grievances null and void.These resolutioners are the ones that keep your gym membership costs down, so stop complaining!!
Don't forget, that many of them will be back for the last 2 weeks of April and the beginning of May.0 -
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canadianlbs wrote: »And that's the key. People don't tend to be annoyed at mere newcomers, especially if these folks are serious about making changes in their lives.
i find the jan crowds as challenging as anyone does, but i just don't get where anybody gets off thinking they know who's serious and who isn't . . . and why.
I think I've explained that in great detail. With all due respect, if you don't understand, it's because you haven't been trying to do so.
To recap just a few points... excessive gabbing, long waits between sets, and quitting after just a few weeks are pretty strong indications that someone isn't very serious.
With regard to that last criterion, one admittedly can't tell which individuals are going to quit. However, year after year, we see that most of the January 1st crowd does exactly that. So without judging any given individual, it's not difficult to infer that MOST of the newly arrived crowd will quit soon, which in turn indicates a lack of resolve.
motorsheen also talked about resolutioners treating the equipment as places to relax, and I think that's an excellent point as well. Ditto for the other violations of gym etiquette. Most gym etiquette is pretty much common sense to those who take exercise seriously.
Again, these points have been explained in this discussion before. I think any reasonable person would recognize them to be pretty clear indications that someone has made resolutions, but without the necessary resolve to follow through.
I'd add to the list dance parties between sets- and you just described me.
And I've been lifting for years. And I never "leave" the gym- I've always been at the gym. Does this make me a bad lifter? or a horrible person?
The reality is we all know it- sure they aren't dedicated- so what.
If it takes 10 annoying people at your gym trying to improve their lives and ONE sticks it out- then that's worth it.
There are far more annoying things in my life than inconsistent people who don't have the self will to start something NOT on January 1.
So what. its' there- we all know it- we get it. it's annoying. I refuse to let myself be wildly annoyed by something I know is coming- like mall traffic in December.
It's awful. I know it. I think it's stupid. But there it is. You deal with it- and then its' over.
IMHO it's not even remotely worth getting panties in a wad over. So what. Who cares- they tried. And then they gave up. You're still cruising along doing what your doing.9 -
JerSchmare wrote: »You'll probably feel better if you try a welcoming attitude instead of deciding ahead of time to be annoyed.
No matter how fully explained it is, a simple rebuke such as this continues. Please read all previous discussion above for your answer as to why this isn’t quite as simple as that.
I did read all previous discussion. I used to be a critical, easily-annoyed person. So, I do understand what is annoying you.
But, I learned the hard way that we'll be about as annoyed as we let ourselves be.
There's more than one way to approach the situation-- and the patient, supportive one will leave you (and everyone around you) happier.
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JerSchmare wrote: »You'll probably feel better if you try a welcoming attitude instead of deciding ahead of time to be annoyed.
No matter how fully explained it is, a simple rebuke such as this continues. Please read all previous discussion above for your answer as to why this isn’t quite as simple as that.
<snip>
we'll be about as annoyed as we let ourselves be.
<snip>
This is great.1 -
^^^ agreed- it's a much more eloquent way to put what I was trying to say.
I know I've been actively working on being less annoyed by things- it's hard. But it's an active choice. Some things are better than others. Something- not so much. But it's a choice.1 -
^^^ agreed- it's a much more eloquent way to put what I was trying to say.
I know I've been actively working on being less annoyed by things- it's hard. But it's an active choice. Some things are better than others. Something- not so much. But it's a choice.
Same. I have a very low annoyance threshold. Been trying to work on it. I say "not my circus, not my monkeys" to myself under my breath a LOT. :laugh:2 -
canadianlbs wrote: »And that's the key. People don't tend to be annoyed at mere newcomers, especially if these folks are serious about making changes in their lives.
i find the jan crowds as challenging as anyone does, but i just don't get where anybody gets off thinking they know who's serious and who isn't . . . and why.
I think I've explained that in great detail. With all due respect, if you don't understand, it's because you haven't been trying to do so.
To recap just a few points... excessive gabbing, long waits between sets, and quitting after just a few weeks are pretty strong indications that someone isn't very serious.
With regard to that last criterion, one admittedly can't tell which individuals are going to quit. However, year after year, we see that most of the January 1st crowd does exactly that. So without judging any given individual, it's not difficult to infer that MOST of the newly arrived crowd will quit soon, which in turn indicates a lack of resolve.
motorsheen also talked about resolutioners treating the equipment as places to relax, and I think that's an excellent point as well. Ditto for the other violations of gym etiquette. Most gym etiquette is pretty much common sense to those who take exercise seriously.
Again, these points have been explained in this discussion before. I think any reasonable person would recognize them to be pretty clear indications that someone has made resolutions, but without the necessary resolve to follow through.
Don't even have to take exercise seriously. Most gyms have basic rules/gym etiquette posted on signs all over the place. No problem seeing if one gets their nose out of the phone. No problem following if one has respect for other people and the gym property.0 -
I think one of the biggest misconceptions and self-conceits in the threads on this topic is the idea that you have more "resolve" or "dedication" or basically have a higher moral character because you work out regularly.
No. You just enjoy working out. And so you are willing to prioritize that and devote time to it.
Some of the "resolutionists" that you find it so important to denigrate aren't wired that way. They understand the importance of exercise for health and they are trying to make it work the best they can. But they don't have an intuitive connection or enjoyment of physical exertion. Or they have other priorities in their lives than looking at themselves in the mirror after every 10 sets of biceps curls.
We are wired up different ways. Some people have an internal locus of control, some an external. Some people respond better to external cues like "new year's resolutions" to get started. Doesn't make them weak or shallow.
The fact is that exercise adherence statistics are pretty awful for EVERYONE, regardless of when they start their programs. January, June, September, whenever--40%-60% will drop out within the first 12 months. That has been the global challenge for health professionals for decades.
Your level of exercise experience has zero bearing on the quality of your behavior in the gym. Selfish jerks are selfish jerks, whether they have been there for a day or 10 years. Some of the biggest jerks in our gym are the regulars who have been dedicated exercisers for years. They are selfish, they hog equipment, they feel entitled, they leave their crap laying around everywhere--not just weights, but towels, water bottles, food wrappers, foam rollers, bands, etc. OTOH, other "regulars" are some of the most helpful and considerate people in the building.
The point is: you are either a jerk or you aren't. And all the "experience" and "resolve" doesn't change that.
I like working out--I enjoy the physical sensations of exertion. I always have.
I feel lucky, not superior. Lucky because I know the long-term health benefits of regular exercise; lucky because I don't have to dread going to workout.
I like the newbies. I like the energy they bring to the club. I like their eagerness to learn and to ask questions, their gratefulness for giving them honest and accurate information about losing weight and exercise. I like it on MFP as well. I respect that, against the odds, they try each and every year to try to improve their health. Most of them don't make it, but it is intensely satisfying to see the ones who are still there in December.
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quiksylver296 wrote: »^^^ agreed- it's a much more eloquent way to put what I was trying to say.
I know I've been actively working on being less annoyed by things- it's hard. But it's an active choice. Some things are better than others. Something- not so much. But it's a choice.
Same. I have a very low annoyance threshold. Been trying to work on it. I say "not my circus, not my monkeys" to myself under my breath a LOT. :laugh:
yes. and yes. I say it. A lot.1 -
If it takes 10 annoying people at your gym trying to improve their lives and ONE sticks it out- then that's worth it.
I'm going to largely agree with you on that point, actually. I'm not sure that I'd say it's "worth it," but I wholeheartedly agree that we can hope for the best.
Remember, all I'm doing here is explaining WHY people find them annoying and WHY they complain. I totally agree about finding positive solutions when possible.0 -
And I would agree with that... but it's a big "IF." The reality is that only a tiny minority of resolutioners fit that mold.MistressSara wrote: »
I see what you’re saying, but I think that if resolutioners learn to use that waiting period for preparation, a lot more of them could be successful. Making a resolution for the new year is not inherently doomed to fail.MistressSara wrote: »Gotta say it again... there is almost nothing you can do to help them stay. People who wait until an arbitrary date don't have much resolve to begin with. You might be able to motivate them to stick around longer, but I wouldn't count on that. Not by a long shot.
Idk about this. For all of the cool things I've done in my life, including quitting smoking, losing a lot of weight, getting fit, I've picked a date in the not too distant future, did some research and prep and used the time leading up to psych myself up for it. It works for me. I haven't smoked in 15 years, have maintained my weight for over a year, continue to pursue fitness. I'm planning to use this technique for other things pretty soon.
All that said, I choose the date and don't always wait for the new year, so it's not an arbitrary date.
It doesn't sound like you're a real resolutioner, though. You picked a time that's "in the not too distant future." If it just happened to be in January, then that was merely happenstance. Obviously, this is entirely different from waiting until after the holiday feastings and then starting on January 1st "just because."
And even if you were a NY resolutioner, you would simply be an exception to the rule. The overwhelming majority fail spectacularly, precisely because waiting until January 1st strongly indicates a lack of resolve.
Again, I'm not saying that we shouldn't try to avoid being annoyed. Nor am I denying the value of positive solutions. I'm just emphasizing why the majority of them fail and why regular gym goers do find them annoying.
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That's what resolve and dedication are. Making it a priority. Not quitting. So yes, this has everything to do with resolve and dedication.I think one of the biggest misconceptions and self-conceits in the threads on this topic is the idea that you have more "resolve" or "dedication" or basically have a higher moral character because you work out regularly.
No. You just enjoy working out. And so you are willing to prioritize that and devote time to it.
This has nothing to do with moral character, so let's not bring that red herring into the discussion.
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JerSchmare wrote: »JerSchmare wrote: »You'll probably feel better if you try a welcoming attitude instead of deciding ahead of time to be annoyed.
No matter how fully explained it is, a simple rebuke such as this continues. Please read all previous discussion above for your answer as to why this isn’t quite as simple as that.
I did read all previous discussion. I used to be a critical, easily-annoyed person. So, I do understand what is annoying you.
But, I learned the hard way that we'll be about as annoyed as we let ourselves be.
There's more than one way to approach the situation-- and the patient, supportive one will leave you (and everyone around you) happier.
But there are many douche bags in the world.
*raises hand
... I would say more on the subject but I need to jump into my 12 year old BMW for a trip to the dry cleaners; my affliction t-shirts are ready.
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Motorsheen wrote: »JerSchmare wrote: »JerSchmare wrote: »You'll probably feel better if you try a welcoming attitude instead of deciding ahead of time to be annoyed.
No matter how fully explained it is, a simple rebuke such as this continues. Please read all previous discussion above for your answer as to why this isn’t quite as simple as that.
I did read all previous discussion. I used to be a critical, easily-annoyed person. So, I do understand what is annoying you.
But, I learned the hard way that we'll be about as annoyed as we let ourselves be.
There's more than one way to approach the situation-- and the patient, supportive one will leave you (and everyone around you) happier.
But there are many douche bags in the world.
*raises hand
... I would say more on the subject but I need to jump into my 12 year old BMW for a trip to the dry cleaners; my affliction t-shirts are ready.
I wear mine once- throw them away and buy new ones.2 -
ijs
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Motorsheen wrote: »JerSchmare wrote: »JerSchmare wrote: »You'll probably feel better if you try a welcoming attitude instead of deciding ahead of time to be annoyed.
No matter how fully explained it is, a simple rebuke such as this continues. Please read all previous discussion above for your answer as to why this isn’t quite as simple as that.
I did read all previous discussion. I used to be a critical, easily-annoyed person. So, I do understand what is annoying you.
But, I learned the hard way that we'll be about as annoyed as we let ourselves be.
There's more than one way to approach the situation-- and the patient, supportive one will leave you (and everyone around you) happier.
But there are many douche bags in the world.
*raises hand
... I would say more on the subject but I need to jump into my 12 year old BMW for a trip to the dry cleaners; my affliction t-shirts are ready.
Yes. Haha. I despise your kind but I love them oh so much as well.
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JerSchmare wrote: »JerSchmare wrote: »You'll probably feel better if you try a welcoming attitude instead of deciding ahead of time to be annoyed.
No matter how fully explained it is, a simple rebuke such as this continues. Please read all previous discussion above for your answer as to why this isn’t quite as simple as that.
I did read all previous discussion. I used to be a critical, easily-annoyed person. So, I do understand what is annoying you.
But, I learned the hard way that we'll be about as annoyed as we let ourselves be.
There's more than one way to approach the situation-- and the patient, supportive one will leave you (and everyone around you) happier.
I am very supportive. But there are many douche bags in the world. And, often, they come to the gym to lose weight and get fit. They flail around like beheaded chickens, cause disruptions, and get no where. I don’t support that kind of behavior.
Okay, I agree that many of the resolutioners are uncommitted and stupid. And, yes, I am beyond happy to see the idiots leave. I really dislike people who go to the gym for a "show." - guys trying to lift big weights they shouldn't be around, squatting with crummy form just for a video, hogging a bench just to do a couple sets and instagram, girls standing in the squat rack for a photo op, classes full of people who just talk etc etc.
But, I'm saying that not all newbies are going to be like this. The majority likely will, but there will also be ones who are actually interested in trying to improve. And the ones who are, don't deserve to be treated like trash just because they showed up with the rest of the idiots.
I don't have time for stupidity either, but I'm also not mean enough to tell someone to "F off" if they are unsure of how to set a machine or use a piece of equipment, or if they are using my usual piece of equipment to actually improve themselves and not to snap a selfie.3 -
Meh. January is as good of a time to start as any other time. I am not looking forward to it because I hate going to the gym when it’s crowded and try to go during non busy times as much as I can, which isn’t often because I work a typical business hours job.1
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JerSchmare wrote: »I never wait until Jan 1 to do something.
I just started partway through this past summer, so this will be my first Resolutioner season. One thing that nobody's brought up is marketing and/or promotions by the fitness centers. I can't help wondering if/how that affects people's decisions of whether or when to join.
For example, since January 1 falls on a Monday, that means that in addition to any New Year promos, it will also be Pizza Day at Planet Fitness. ;D0 -
JerSchmare wrote: »To people saying, we were all there once before:
I don’t wait for some magical date to get shredded. And then spend 3 weeks flailing around like a dork, and then stop. No. I have never done that, ever.
Like you, I chose my time to look like a dork in another season. Mine was October. I did look like a dork though.2 -
When it comes to the gym, I'd say that it's actually the worst possible time. Y'know... for reasons that we've been discussing here. The crowds.Meh. January is as good of a time to start as any other time.
Not to mention that starting in January is one thing. Specifically waiting until January 1st, while not a magical key to failure, does usually indicate a lack of proper resolve.
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Believe i saw a thread like this back when i was a newbie and its the reason why iv yet to sign up for a gym and still want to cry even considering going to one. People are judgemental and rude at gyms threads like this prove that to me >.<
Thought of going to a gym and learning the mchines while all the "old folk" stare at you and judge you for being new.....*kitten* that.12 -
AGAIN, it's not a matter of being new. Being new and being part of the huge resolutioner crowd are not the same thing. Regardless of what our response to the January 1st crowd may be, this distinction should be obvious to all.1
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JaydedMiss wrote: »Believe i saw a thread like this back when i was a newbie and its the reason why iv yet to sign up for a gym and still want to cry even considering going to one. People are judgemental and rude at gyms threads like this prove that to me >.<
Thought of going to a gym and learning the mchines while all the "old folk" stare at you and judge you for being new.....*kitten* that.
^ And that attitude is just as negative and destructive as the ones complaining about resolutioners.
I've belonged to over 20 different gyms in my life. Never once in any of those gyms have I ever seen anybody shamed or openly "judged" unless they were doing something extraordinarily rude and/or stupid (in which case they fully deserved it). I've been a member at my current gym for almost 2 1/2 years. In that time I've never once seen a rude word exchanged, or anybody leave the gym in tears because they were "judged" or "shamed". And in every one of those over 20 gyms, I walked in as a new person and never had anybody say a word to me or eyeball me like I didn't belong there. Everybody just went about their business because that's what they're there for.
Walking into the gym is no different than walking into the post office, the grocery store, the library or a gas station. There's a cross section of society in there - gym people aren't mythical unicorns who only exist in the gym. They're the same people you shop with, sit with at concerts, ball games or plays, walk down the street with, and eat next to in restaurants. Yeah, there's the occasional rude, full-of-themself *kitten* who thinks they're superior to everybody else, but that's no different than anywhere else you go. You're not walking into a dungeon filled with monsters, you're walking into a building full of ordinary everyday people. That building just happens to have weights and fitness machines in it instead of groceries or postage stamps.13
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