On Resolutionists

2

Replies

  • themedalist
    themedalist Posts: 3,218 Member
    It saddens me that so many people avoid the gym because of their perceptions or experiences of how others will treat them. Personally, I couldn't care less of what people at the gym think of me. We are all new at some point and going to the gym regularly was integral to achieving my goal weight and size (and now maintaining it).

    For a much different perspective, check this out. THIS is how I view determined newbies:

    http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html
  • NattieJoan
    NattieJoan Posts: 72
    Really happy to see this post (:
  • mcflat29
    mcflat29 Posts: 2,159 Member
    It saddens me that so many people avoid the gym because of their perceptions or experiences of how others will treat them. Personally, I couldn't care less of what people at the gym think of me. We are all new at some point and going to the gym regularly was integral to achieving my goal weight and size (and now maintaining it).

    For a much different perspective, check this out. THIS is how I view determined newbies:

    http://flintland.blogspot.ca/2012/05/hey-fat-girl.html

    Beautiful! I still remember the first time someone walked up to me in a gym and said, "Nice set!" after I'd finished some curls and gave me a high five. Eventually, at some point, those of us serious about it do shed our shells. And for those saying the judgement doesn't exist. Believe me, there are places it does. I checked out a lot of gyms before I joined my current one and a few had their own cliches who were not afraid of blaring the "you are not welcome" sign. Again, it was only a few, and I did walk in confident. The gym holds no fear for me now. Then again, I didn't join those gyms. ;) I found the place I felt comfortable and if I think someone is being judgmental or outright laughing at me (yes, it's happened), I will simply smile and keep going. :flowerforyou: This is MY journey, people can either ignore me, cheer me on or get the heck out of my way :wink: Makes no difference to me.
  • jesz124
    jesz124 Posts: 1,004 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.
  • tempest501
    tempest501 Posts: 329 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I so agree with this 110%
  • MissJanet55
    MissJanet55 Posts: 457 Member
    My gym gets busy in January, and in September when the weather gets cooler. It means having to line up for a whle to get into my favourite spin class, and I sometimes need to wait to use machines. I put in my ear buds, listen to music, and do some stretching. Waiting a few minutes never killed anybody.

    Lots of people may start up with best intentions in a new year and then fall away in the next month or so. Sometimes it takes starting and failing and starting and failing a number of times for it to stick. People have to find the right thing. i have a friend who has been heavy her whole life. Last January she hired a trainer and said "I'm going to do a 5K." No one supported her because she has made this resolution so many times, but for the first time, it stuck. She ran her 5K, raised money for teen suicide prevention, and is now training for a half marathon.

    Personally, I feel inspired when I see people who are really struggling to get fit. I look at how hard they are working and redouble my own efforts.

    If I have any gripe with new gym members it's that they haven't yet learned gym etiquette,like maximum 30 minutes on the cardio machines and wiping down the machines when they're done with them (my number one gym pet peeve).
  • mcflat29
    mcflat29 Posts: 2,159 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I'd agree with this 95% of the time. But, as I said, I have been laughed at directly in my face a few times with one girl even telling me, "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men." Disgusting and rare but it DOES happen. Oh and before I get the typical "I asked for it" response. I was riding one of the many stationary bikes, minding my own business with plenty of machines open for her and her couple of friends. I finished my workout without a word or glance at her but it did sting.
  • Lois_1989
    Lois_1989 Posts: 6,410 Member
    I'm really happy for the newbies! Particularly the larger ones! There is a fairly large man that has joined my gym and I've seen him twice, I never said anything to him but I felt proud for him for returning! I look out for him now to see if he is keeping it up. Go him! :)
  • mcflat29
    mcflat29 Posts: 2,159 Member
    I'm really happy for the newbies! Particularly the larger ones! There is a fairly large man that has joined my gym and I've seen him twice, I never said anything to him but I felt proud for him for returning! I look out for him now to see if he is keeping it up. Go him! :)

    YAY! People like you are the reason people fall in love with their gym. Thank you!.
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    more people=stupider you get for some reason.
    The irony of this statement is that the whole "resolution" thing is based on a herd mentality to begin with. I don't belong to a gym nor care about what happens inside them. I just find that the whole "resolution" thing is in general the equivalent of "I want to have lots of money so I'm buying a lottery ticket."

    I also find it humorous that the people who complain about being judged are judging others based on what they imagine they are thinking.
  • MissJanet55
    MissJanet55 Posts: 457 Member
    "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men."

    Wow, No words.
  • AverageUkDude
    AverageUkDude Posts: 371 Member
    Learn not to give a **** about what other people think or say. Problem solved
  • Lois_1989
    Lois_1989 Posts: 6,410 Member
    I'm really happy for the newbies! Particularly the larger ones! There is a fairly large man that has joined my gym and I've seen him twice, I never said anything to him but I felt proud for him for returning! I look out for him now to see if he is keeping it up. Go him! :)

    YAY! People like you are the reason people fall in love with their gym. Thank you!.

    No need to thank me! I'll support anyone who works their butt off to achieve personal happiness. Just keep going! :happy:
  • onyxgirl17
    onyxgirl17 Posts: 1,722 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I'd agree with this 95% of the time. But, as I said, I have been laughed at directly in my face a few times with one girl even telling me, "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men." Disgusting and rare but it DOES happen. Oh and before I get the typical "I asked for it" response. I was riding one of the many stationary bikes, minding my own business with plenty of machines open for her and her couple of friends. I finished my workout without a word or glance at her but it did sting.

    what the hell...
  • Moviegal77
    Moviegal77 Posts: 65 Member
    So true. I did the exact opposite, I'm sure this time of year the gym memberships are through the roof, well I called last week to cancel my gym membership (they probably didn't see that coming). I know, I know it seems a bit silly, but over the year I barely went and when I did I didn't enjoy myself. So I pretty much flushed money down the toilet. I figure what I can do at the gym I can do for free at home, ie walk the dog, take the stairs in my apartment building, start using my EA sports active so on and so forth.

    Now on another note I read somewhere that there is a gym, I think either in BC or AB, and the only qualification to join is to be in the plus sizes. I looked to see if there was anything like that here, but no luck because I think I would join such a gym.
  • Moviegal77
    Moviegal77 Posts: 65 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I'd agree with this 95% of the time. But, as I said, I have been laughed at directly in my face a few times with one girl even telling me, "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men." Disgusting and rare but it DOES happen. Oh and before I get the typical "I asked for it" response. I was riding one of the many stationary bikes, minding my own business with plenty of machines open for her and her couple of friends. I finished my workout without a word or glance at her but it did sting.

    what the hell...

    "Fatties don't come here..." I would of replied "Do you want to know what fatties do to skinny little b!tch twigs? We snap them in half" I hope you complained to the gym office, one thing gyms always say is that it's a place to make everyone feel comfortable no matter of size and fitness level. Everyone has to start somewhere.
  • jesz124
    jesz124 Posts: 1,004 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I'd agree with this 95% of the time. But, as I said, I have been laughed at directly in my face a few times with one girl even telling me, "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men." Disgusting and rare but it DOES happen. Oh and before I get the typical "I asked for it" response. I was riding one of the many stationary bikes, minding my own business with plenty of machines open for her and her couple of friends. I finished my workout without a word or glance at her but it did sting.

    That's truly unbelievable. What a horrible nasty piece of s*it that girl was. You know what I'd of done in that situation? I would of taken that comment and used it as the best motivation ever. Id I'd made sure I used that gym every single day, just for the pleasure of pissing her off then watch her eat her words as you lost the weight and looked fantastic! What a horrible person!!
  • Cyngen
    Cyngen Posts: 557 Member
    I've not heard that from anyone at my gym but then, I don't give a rats furry output port what anyone thinks or says. I go in, do my thing, chat with the desk folks now and again about something, get some training advice now and again and leave happy as a clam in sauce.
  • SummerNights32
    SummerNights32 Posts: 86 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I'd agree with this 95% of the time. But, as I said, I have been laughed at directly in my face a few times with one girl even telling me, "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men." Disgusting and rare but it DOES happen. Oh and before I get the typical "I asked for it" response. I was riding one of the many stationary bikes, minding my own business with plenty of machines open for her and her couple of friends. I finished my workout without a word or glance at her but it did sting.

    I am truely sorry you had to listen to that. But, that is not normal. 99% of the population would agree that she is the one with the issue, and not you. People like that are just dumb, and not worth a response. She will get hers one day...it is called Karma!!!
  • tempest501
    tempest501 Posts: 329 Member
    Sometimes I think just maybe, that people spend far too much time worrying about what other people think about them. The chances are they haven't even noticed you, much less judging you and resenting your presence in the gym. It's a minor inconvienience when the gym is full, but in my experience there's no laughing at the newbies or judging going on. I think perhaps people are judging the regulars attitudes rather than the regulars judging the newbies.

    I'd agree with this 95% of the time. But, as I said, I have been laughed at directly in my face a few times with one girl even telling me, "Fatties don't come here. You're taking up space for us pretty girls to find men." Disgusting and rare but it DOES happen. Oh and before I get the typical "I asked for it" response. I was riding one of the many stationary bikes, minding my own business with plenty of machines open for her and her couple of friends. I finished my workout without a word or glance at her but it did sting.

    Jesus it must have been really hard not to sock that ***** clean in the face. Ignore anyone that they are not worth it. The thing with people like that is I bet in 20 Yrs time you will be happy and meeting your goals and she will doing the same **** and miserable as hell.

    For what its worth im sorry you had to experience that, If i saw that happen in my gym I would jump down there throat and tell them to get the hell out lol
  • fotofreak01
    fotofreak01 Posts: 397 Member
    I find it funny that so many complain about newbs at "MY gym". It's not YOUR gym. It's the gym you pay to frequent, as do the newbies. If you don't like sharing a machine or walking a little further in the parking lot, buy your own equipment and make a home gym. Then it will be "MY gym" and you don't have to deal with it. It always amazes me how people lay claim to things that were never theirs to begin with. Just because you use a public service more often then someone else does not make it yours. The road I travel to work is not MINE simply because I drive on it.
  • justal313
    justal313 Posts: 1,375 Member
    Ok, I was a resolutionist last year. I remember being on the Ellipticals and someone came over to talk to the guy next to me and he may or may not have thought I could hear him over my headphones.

    He told his buddy that he couldn't wait for all the "fakers" taking up his gym to be gone by February. Well it's a year later, I'm still there, I got 346 days of 30+ minutes of exercise last year 280 of which happened at that gym according to foursquare (the rest I was running outside). I haven't seen him or his buddy since.

    I'm in excellent shape and they are jerkfaces. Phhhhhbpt :tongue:
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    I agree with you. Sometimes humans are *kitten*. Only thing you can do is try to stay positive and ignore it.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    amen! it's the single biggest reason i will NEVER join another gym as long as i live.. gym snobs

    sorry... holier than thou gym snobs

    Well, that'll show 'em....

    Seriously?

    I was a lot heavier than I am now, when I started going to gym. I've only ever experienced pleasant and encouraging treatment there. I wouldn't take a thread like the one the OP refers to as evidence of anything other than a few people being frustrated with overcrowded gyms. You might also want to read the many responses on that thread from regular gym goers saying they were always happy to see new people, etc etc. It's possible some of the presumed hostility is in people's heads - it's their anxiety - rather than out there in the real world.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    ...the single biggest reason i will NEVER join another gym as long as i live...

    Nonsense! That's the stupidest reason I've ever heard for not going to the gym. I've been a member of several gyms over my lifetime (which means I've been new to a gym several times, too). I've never had anyone say anything or do anything to make me feel unwelcome because I was a NEW PERSON! And who cares what someone is THINKING to themselves?! There are going to be times in life (both inside and outside of a gym setting) when strangers look at you and think bad thoughts. Are you going to hide in a hole for your entire life?

    Ignore people on the Internet who say things that bother you. Don't let other people's opinions control your life. Go to the gym and work out. If you're a "resolutionist" then they can say "I told you so" when you drop out next week. If you are in it for the long haul, then you'll be proving them wrong. Either way, who cares? Just do your thing. :drinker:
  • mcflat29
    mcflat29 Posts: 2,159 Member

    Jesus it must have been really hard not to sock that ***** clean in the face. Ignore anyone that they are not worth it. The thing with people like that is I bet in 20 Yrs time you will be happy and meeting your goals and she will doing the same **** and miserable as hell.

    For what its worth im sorry you had to experience that, If i saw that happen in my gym I would jump down there throat and tell them to get the hell out lol

    It was very hard every time something like that happened, but I just made it motivate me more. I wouldn't ignore it if I saw it happen to someone either, but I have seen a shift in the attitudes of people at the gym. Thank goodness for nice people, they make up for the small groups of idiots that roam the world lol
  • Spokez70
    Spokez70 Posts: 548 Member
    I feel the judgment when I walk into the gym, every single time. I use a university gym where most of the girls there only show up to pretend to work out and look cute in little clothing, and when I walk in wearing sweats I get looked up and down at least once a day! I'm there to lose weight, not show off... maybe that's the problem? Last week I sat down at a rowing machine next to a skinny minnie... she was rowing with poor form on the lowest setting. Yet she still snickered at me when I started rowing, correctly, on the highest setting, because I was moving more slowly than she was. I think I had a better burn in the end,

    Sorry you feel that way- but glad to see you are leading by example and not judging or labeling others.
  • SoViLicious
    SoViLicious Posts: 2,633 Member
    Everyone was new at one time. But the truth is lots of people start then stop. I don't judge, heck I don't even belong to a gym. If I did I would hope I would not be judged when attending. Perhaps instead of New Years Eve maybe wait until St. Pattys day?
  • peckish_pomegranate
    peckish_pomegranate Posts: 242 Member
    People are so desperate to feel good about themselves they'll come up with any stupid reason to pretend to be better than others. Resolutionist hate is one of them.
  • TheConsciousFoody
    TheConsciousFoody Posts: 607 Member
    That thread has motivated me to make the silliest calendar with a photographer friend of mine. I'm going to take the 12 most ridiculous complaints on that thread and another one about what people hate at the gym and show how dumb it is to complain about and worry about others. It will be epic and hilarious!

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