Noob season at the gym already?

I've noticed it too. I try to stay positive: "Good for them for trying to exercise more!"

What actually happens: "Get off my ****ing squat rack."

Aaannnddd now because of the post below mine, I feel like a jerk.

I've noticed a lot more faces too but I'm assuming they aren't all new. Likely that some people are just shifting to morning workouts to account for more evening plans this time of year.

Just out of interest - is it just weights rooms and gyms where you get this anti behaviour towards new members? does it happen when new folks join running and cycling clubs as well? I've never seen it in yoga classes, but then your own mat is your own space. How about swimming clubs?

Agreed.

But I noticed mine come in with the time change, so they probably worked out outside and now it's too dark when they get home. So then they're not really noobs.

Yep...cardio deck has been pretty packed since Thanksgiving. But the free weights and classes have been about the same, maybe even fewer patrons - which is fine by me since that's where I spend about 95% of my time! :bigsmile:

People might consider me a "noob" even though I've had a membership since last spring ... when the weather got nice, hubby & I spent most of our time doing outside activities - walking on greenways, kayaking, etc. We started going to back to the gym as the weather got worse & after the time change, when it was dark in the evenings & we couldn't go to the greenways after work.

Sometimes it's a mix of new people hoping to change their lifestyle, plus "older" members who tend to be seasonal visitors to the gym. I don't enjoy a crowded gym any more than anybody else, but people getting healthy & paying to support the gym is a good thing. :-)

If overcrowding is an issue for you, especially in the peak times for new memberships, consider signing up or moving to an independently owned gym. I used to get incredibly frustrated going to the YMCA. They have lovely facilities, but they are so packed that I would get stressed out just trying to make some space for myself, and having to limit my workout time so the line of other members could get on a machine. This time around, I found a indie family owned gym near my home. It has an indoor pool (plus spa, steam room & whirlpool) & walking track, offers group classes, & has an extensive array of cardio & strength training machines. The equipment isn't the newest, but it's all in good repair & more than functional. It's in a dated retail center, but it's safe & accessible. The gym is clean & maintained properly. The monthly fee is extremely reasonable & the hours are good. And even when it's "busy", it's never the level of insane you find in a Y or other big chain gym. Plenty of room for newcomers and old timers alike.

Just a thought ...

I don't really mind them being there... I think it is great that they are taking an active role in their health. It just bugs me that there are more people at the gym.

Think of it this way: on your commute home, would you rather there be no traffic on the road, or there to be a large volume of cars along your way? You don't dislike those other cars, but you would just prefer them not to be there.

Seriously? Why does it bother you? Lt the Moore on getting healthy rather than impose your thoughts

Who said they were bothered by them?

My gym is actually virtually deserted. But I also go to one that's in the city near a lot of office buildings so most people might be on vacation. The membership rep has told me to stick to non-peak hours come January because it's crazy for a month or two.

How about picking out one of those noobs who looks particularly uncomfortable being there, and walking over and saying hi? It seems every day there is a post on here by someone afraid to hit the free weight area or even walk into a gym. Why don't we all be part of the solution to that and try to help rather than just being a d*ck.

LOVE this!

Great post. My friend was one of these people and he now turned to training people and is in amazing shape! It is now his passion lol.

Yup, same thing here, seen a couple of new faces myself this week. Probably trying to get in shape before the end of the world.

How about picking out one of those noobs who looks particularly uncomfortable being there, and walking over and saying hi? It seems every day there is a post on here by someone afraid to hit the free weight area or even walk into a gym. Why don't we all be part of the solution to that and try to help rather than just being a d*ck.

Agreed... It can be a little intimidating when you first start. It doesn't help when people look at you as a "noob" and you can tell. I was lucky enough o be able to stick to my weight loss program, but I know I would have definitely appreciated a hand/direction at first. Let's motivates others to stay instead of looking down.

How about picking out one of those noobs who looks particularly uncomfortable being there, and walking over and saying hi? It seems every day there is a post on here by someone afraid to hit the free weight area or even walk into a gym. Why don't we all be part of the solution to that and try to help rather than just being a d*ck.

THIS!

I love this post.. why isn't there a like button on here! I feel like I'm the only dork saying hi to people in the gym!

You know what else is awesome? All the threads that start up around this time with the gym vets and rats b!tching up a storm about the n00bs at the gym.

Get over yourselves. Yes, people are new. Yes, many of these people will not make it past February. Maybe many of these people fail at fitness because of the Judgy McJudgersons at the gym. Instead of being a douchecanoe towards the people, help them out.

Thread made me lol, I was talking about this today with my instructor. At least there trying, some may even stick it out.

Great positive response! And for the person laughing at them standing around looking clueless, why don't you ask if you can help them?