Tips for the New Year's Resolution rush

ninerbuff
ninerbuff Posts: 49,188 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
It's inevitable. Every beginning of the New Year, there's a rush of people looking to get into shape and lose weight. My tips here are to help keep some continuity in your program:

1. Try your best not to workout during rush hours.
2. Park further away. Save time by not waiting for a parking spot.
3. Stay away from machines if you can. Newbies and restarters usually flock to machines due to ease of use.
4. If you can't get a cardio machine, this may be the time to learn some plyometrics, jump roping, or a cardio class (although you'd have to go early).
5. If taking a cardio class, go in the front. There's more room and it's much easier to follow the instructor.
6. Make your workouts concise. Don't dawdle around because you'll end up doing a half effort workout.
7. Be ready to modify whatever workout you're doing. If it's legs and the squat racks and leg presses are packed, then try doing things like pistol squats, step ups, sumos, etc. instead. Knowing variety of exercises won't leave you out in the cold.
8. Be calm. Losing your cool due to the influx will just distract you from what you're trying to achieve.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Replies

  • FatMoojor
    FatMoojor Posts: 483 Member
    9. Don't rush your workout because of people trying to jump in on you sets. Take your planned rest between sets.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    edited December 2015
    I agree, especially with #7. Have a plan going in for what you want to do... and have that plan include alternative lifts/exercises, just in case.


    The only thing you didn't mention was this - Don't be a dick. Sometimes it seems like ripping on new folks, especially new years starters, is the cool thing to do. Don't be that guy (or girl).
  • Annie_01
    Annie_01 Posts: 3,096 Member
    I would add...

    Everyone was that new person at one time. Try to be patient, understanding, kind and helpful.

    Remember that your actions could make the difference on whether that new person stays or leaves.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,188 Member
    Forgot to add: do volume sets. Working the chest doesn't need to be 4 different exercises. How about 10 sets of incline bench? Yes, there's a little monopolizing happening, but you can offer others to work in with you due to the crowd.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    Annie_01 wrote: »
    I would add...

    Everyone was that new person at one time. Try to be patient, understanding, kind and helpful.

    Remember that your actions could make the difference on whether that new person stays or leaves.

    That was the one I was going to add too.

    Who knows, maybe YOU will be the reason someone beats the odds and becomes one of the 10% (totally made up stat) who actually sticks to it and makes a life long change for the better!
  • jmule24
    jmule24 Posts: 1,382 Member
    Don't spend excessive time at the gym. I remember thinking I need to be lifting for two hours every session. Now I lift 3x/week for 45-75 mins and I see the best results from it.
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