Why do we get annoyed by Resolutionists

So there was another thread about gym newbies and as typical it degenerated into a discussion about "why the newbie hate". So rather than continue side tracking that thread, I felt like putting that up here as a separate discussion. I've asked myself this same question. Why is it the influx of new gym members at the start of the new year so invariably frustrating. I agree that as regular gym goers, we should be trying to encourage these folks to succeed. I don't believe it's hate, I'm not even sure it's really that we're being judgmental but many of "us" do become frustrated. So here are some thoughts I have as to why.

First, we all know what happens in the gym after the new year. New memberships skyrocket, evenings that saw moderate usage suddenly are packed with people. Everyone is left competing and waiting for equipment. That alone is frustrating and since it's the "newbies" or "resolutionists" that caused it, of course they become the target of our frustration.

Second, we also all know that within a few short months, the gym will go back down to its normal usage levels. Indeed I can say from talking to folks at a few of the gyms I've been a member at, their expected retention rate for New Year's enrollments is under 50% (meaning less than half the people will be members at the end of the year). Of those that remain members the majority will stop showing up consistently and will only use the club on a very sporadic basis. So now those of us that use the gym on a committed basis see these folks and the "havoc" they cause as completely unnecessary because most will not reach the goals we assume they have.

Third, most of the folks here on MFP have made real commitments to improving our health. We didn't just decide that it's a New Year so we better get in shape (an attitude we project on the mass New Year's resolutionists showing up at the club). We know from experience that New Year's resolutions don't hold up and are not sufficient motivation to be successful at improving ones health. I believe we scorn the newbies because we know how much hard work it really takes and there is a belief that the majority of these folks lack the commitment and think all they have to do is sign up for a gym membership and it'll be easy to lose weight. Indeed many of them likely do have that attitude and that's really too bad.

Fourth and related to the third is that most of these newbies come in not even realizing that there is this thing called gym etiquette let alone actually understanding and practicing it. They are often unfamiliar with the equipment, misuse it, have bad form, talk on cell phones and just exhibit a true lack of any desire to educate themselves on proper gym conduct before getting involved in a gym. Those of us who've spent countless hours self-educating, researching and/or working with trainers can become distracted and annoyed by this attitude. Now the question is how much of it is really their attitude and how much again is simply ignorance where they've been conditioned to believe this "gym thing" is easy (in some cases by the gyms themselves).

So I'll go so far as to say that while we can't assume that everyone of the newbies at the club fits into this stereotype we have of them, history and experience shows that the majority do. So whether it's judgmental or not, to a degree the assumptions we make are justified. Our annoyance with the situation of packed clubs (which is annoying no matter what causes it) gets directed in this case as what we perceive to be the cause, the influx of new members. So to those that are annoyed, we need to remember that not all of the newbies are what we think they are. I'm sure many want to be successful but just don't know how. Some empathy and understanding might be called for. For those that think we're a-holes for "judging" them, the same empathy could be employed. We've all made huge commitments and have been dedicated and don't like seeing our routines negatively impacted by those without the same level of commitment and dedication. It's an understandable feeling.

Now, finally I'll offer up some reasons to actually like the influx of "resolutionist". First and foremost, they are what keep your gym membership fees low. We all like the gym to be fairly empty so we don't have to compete for eqiupment but that's not sustainable unless there are members paying but not going to the gym. This time of year is a huge money maker for fitness clubs. Remember if these newbies had our commitment to working out regularly, the club would be packed all the time. Second, some of them are actually committed and will be successful. They need to be encouraged. Third, Remember what it was like when you were new to the gym. Those people that looked down on you because you didn't do things the right way. Now's your turn to break that mold. It's an opportunity for you to showcase your success to those that are just getting started (I mean you've been working out, you look damn good, be proud of it). You can be an inspiration to them even if you never talk to them. Just be friendly, don't judge and imagine how much better you can make their experience. Show them that serious gym goers aren't always judgmental know-it-all's. Related to that theme, use that opportunity as your inspiration to further improve your workouts. Show off your best form, your hardest effort, your detailed attention to gym etiquette so they can learn from your example. It's actually kind of an exciting opportunity when you think about it, at least it is to me.

So what do you think? Fair enough?