Onslaught of New Gym Members

jazzy550

I am getting anxiety thinking about all of the new people at the gym. It's already crowded. Does anyone else have issues working out in crowded gyms?

Chef_Barbell

I tend to go at times where there isn't anyone but the die hard regulars. That helps.

snowflake954

Yes--try and go on off hours, if that's possible. If not, you just have to grit your teeth and get through it. A large percentage will drop out after January. I usually just tell myself that I prefer this to the gym closing for lack of customers--it's just a necessary evil.

MikePTY

I'm not in love with crowded gyms for sure, but I've gotten better about asking someone to work in with them if they are using a machine I want to use. I've never had anyone say no or give any attitude to it.

But like Chef, I prefer to workout on off hours, especially weekends, when there are less casual gym goers. No "resolutioner" is gonna be there at 6pm on a Sunday.

Theoldguy1

I tend to do things at the gym the noobies don't touch. Deadlifts, goblet squats, pushups on rings, etc. Virtually nothing on a weight machine except hang rings from smith machine and the cable towers.

The noobies will be on the machines.

Have a Rogue Echo bike at home so no gym cardio.

hesn92

I don't go to the gym now but a couple years ago I took a break from the gym in January and worked out at home for a month and a half or so. Lol. Mine in particular was insane. It was so crowded, there were tons of people just standing around waiting to use something. I need to get in and out quickly, I don't have time for that. Or try going early in the morning, it might be less crowded then.

Azdak

Being retired now, I have the option of going at off times. However, sometimes it's not any better. You don't get the crush of newbies, but you have a bunch of doddering old people who do the exact same thing every workout and who "protect" certain machines like it was their lucky seat at bingo.

And they NEVER clean up after themselves. Worse than the kids.

88olds

The gym I go to is crowded now. Not anxiety but it will be a pain in the neck to have even more people. But a few weeks and it will pass.

jlhalley7835

It's not too crowded at 4:30 AM

I missed a couple of early morning workouts last week and had to workout mid morning and late afternoon. No thanks.

As for the inrush of new members, that was me last year. It happens every year just stay patient or have your alternative workouts ready to go incase a machine or bench is occupied. It also serves as a good exercise in patience and stress management.

sgt1372

Yes, that's why I bought all of the equipment I need to be able to work out at home alone

ecjim

sgt1372 wrote: »

Yes, that's why I bought all of the equipment I need to be able to work out at home alone

Ditto - same here

Machka9

When I went to the gym, I would usually take January off from the gym and do things like ski (if I was in Canada) or cycling (here in Australia).

Now I've got my own equipment and work out at home.

MPDean

Think of it as an exchange programme. Many "gym" types make their only visits to bars in December and the "bar" types make their only visits to gyms during January.

FinelyFermented

MPDean wrote: »

Think of it as an exchange programme. Many "gym" types make their only visits to bars in December and the "bar" types make their only visits to gyms during January.

They all typically clear out about mid February when the realization that putting in the work really is hard to do

oedipuss

Another one who uses Off Peak. Bit busier in January but 95% are gone by February....."too much hard work".

jazzy550

MPDean wrote: »

Think of it as an exchange programme. Many "gym" types make their only visits to bars in December and the "bar" types make their only visits to gyms during January.

LOL!!!!!

jazzy550

sgt1372 wrote: »

Yes, that's why I bought all of the equipment I need to be able to work out at home alone

I had a garage full of equipment and used it but had to sell it all due to economic issues. I live in a small apartment and have some kettlebells and such. I work out with a trainer at the gym after work during the busiest time! 😥 But at least we have first dibs. I just hate working out on my own.

jazzy550

Thanks everyone!

jazzy550

Theoldguy1 wrote: »

I tend to do things at the gym the noobies don't touch. Deadlifts, goblet squats, pushups on rings, etc. Virtually nothing on a weight machine except hang rings from smith machine and the cable towers.

The noobies will be on the machines.

Have a Rogue Echo bike at home so no gym cardio.

I use mostly free weights too! Just, as a girl, there's not many of us in the free weight section. 🤔

Bari_Tone

jazzy550 wrote: »

I am getting anxiety thinking about all of the new people at the gym. It's already crowded. Does anyone else have issues working out in crowded gyms?

It'll die down in 6-8 weeks...hang in there.

lorrpb

I don’t love the crowds either, especially because my Y isn’t usually super busy when I go. I remind myself that I’m always happy to see people trying to better themselves. And the crowds in Jan help they gum pay the bills the rest of the year.
The thing that annoys me the most is newbies using their phones in the locker room, right next to the “No Cell Phones 🚫” sign. 😬