Resolutionists at the gym?
alyssamiller77
Posts: 891 Member
So for those of you that are members at a gym, how bad is the resolutionist crowd right now (i.e. those folks who make a new years resolution and join the club). I know from past experience that January is always the busiest month at the club, especially up here in Wisconsin where January's arrival also means weather that is far too cold to be exercising outside. My club in particular is getting extremely busy right now. Part of it is that they're still new (having opened in November) and so they're still signing people up. That coupled with the New Years crowd is really getting crazy.
I'm happy to see the gym doing well and certainly want them to make lots of money so they can stay in business but man it's frustrating to have so many noobies there who simply have no clue about gym etiquette or even how to use a gym in the first place. College girls that come in groups of 2-4 and go from machine to machine doing 2-3 reps before deciding "this machine's too hard" and then giggling and talking for 10 minutes before moving on to something else. College guys who are there just to try and show off to their buddies how much they can bench or curl. One guy tonight was so intent on keeping his muscles flexed at all times while walking around the gym that he literally looked like someone had shoved a telephone pole up his rectum.
How I long for February and March and the inevitable return to sanity at the gym. When all of the novelty wears off, the uncommitted start making excuses to not go to the gym and only those that are truly serious and committed to their fitness show up on a daily basis. I see it every year, I know the end of the insanity will come but right now it's become pretty frustrating.
I'm happy to see the gym doing well and certainly want them to make lots of money so they can stay in business but man it's frustrating to have so many noobies there who simply have no clue about gym etiquette or even how to use a gym in the first place. College girls that come in groups of 2-4 and go from machine to machine doing 2-3 reps before deciding "this machine's too hard" and then giggling and talking for 10 minutes before moving on to something else. College guys who are there just to try and show off to their buddies how much they can bench or curl. One guy tonight was so intent on keeping his muscles flexed at all times while walking around the gym that he literally looked like someone had shoved a telephone pole up his rectum.
How I long for February and March and the inevitable return to sanity at the gym. When all of the novelty wears off, the uncommitted start making excuses to not go to the gym and only those that are truly serious and committed to their fitness show up on a daily basis. I see it every year, I know the end of the insanity will come but right now it's become pretty frustrating.
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omg..its horrible.
i went to the gym last week at the same time i went tonight..it was empty..tonight it was packed.
i made a facebook post about it tonight..lol..
i said all the resolution people at the gym..cant wait for next month when they realize getting in shape is hard work.
its all good that they want to try..and its sad that only a very small number may actually stick with it. but ya, its a big influx of money.0 -
Oh my gosh! I totally agree about the gym etiquette. These two college girls jumped on the elliptical machines next to me and were talking so loud I could hear them through my headphones - which were turned up loud enough to drown out the music of the class going on at the other side of the gym. And everyone on all the machines kept looking at them as if they really wanted to tell them to shut up.
However, my gym has only been open a year and it's locally owned so I am extremely happy to see them getting a lot of business. I'll just be staying home with Jillian for the next week or two.
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could not agree more with all of the above. The major downside for me is that because one of my gyms (I belong to 2, one close to my work & one close to where I live so I can go in the weekends) is really small so I've had to change the time I go to that one because these 'resolutionists' take up all the machines!
Oh well, another month or so and it should be back to normal :laugh:0 -
I haven't noticed a change at my gym, thank goodness, but then again it's a pretty small gym, women's only, and not in a super busy part of town. Then again, I've only been once this year because I came down with a cold and the decongestants make me super sleepy - not the safest time to be lifting weights...0
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I'm quite lucky, my town has quite a few of the big chains so people tend to go there when they don't know any better. The gym I go to tends to only have people more committed to working out. It has a steady flow of new people and this is my second year going and I've not noticed any excessive intake of morons in January0
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Well I for one like to see new people at the gym IF they are there because they are committed and want to be healthy and fit. However, we all know that there are many people who just join because they feel like they should, take up space and aren't committed to the process. That's frustrating to me. At my gym (24 hour fitness downtown in a large city) there is a pretty big influx of new faces but they haven't been too bad this year. I do most of my cardio running outside now so It's not really a problem for me personally that they hog the cardio machines (though, the definently do!). Those people are scarce in the weight room so I am fine!0
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Yeah it's pretty bad right now. It's frustrating that I had to change the time I come because I dislike standing in line for 30 minutes to use a treadmill. Normally, I'm there running with spare machines all around. I just have to wait it out til about March and they usually go back to couch surfing by then.0
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i was expecting an influx but my two visits so far this year has shown only the usual faces and, actually, fewer of them though i think that might just be the stormy weather we are having at the moment.
bad for the gym but good for me! i've decided to finally commit to the NROLFW program for the next few months so i'm learning a whole bunch of new exercises (picking up a barbell for the first time. eep!) & i hate doing that when i think other people are watching 0 -
What I find interesting with the etiquette is the fact the new folks are not looking around to see how things are done.
So either they have been before and just have bad habits, so focused they don't think about things, just impolite in general.
Couple guys grabbed their dumbbells and proceeded to do their curls or side lifts, right in front of the dumbbell rack. No one could get any sets within 4 of either side of them.
Because of course, rest of us polite and not wanting to interrupt a lift.
And then the normal not putting weight plates back where they found them. I guess it never crosses their mind they didn't find them on the machine, they got them.
Someone had left their plates on a calf lift, and older lady trying to get them off had it roll off, hit her toe, and hit a hanging mirror/divider cracking that too. Poor lady thought she could handle 45 lbs.
I see the kettle balls left in lonely corners where someone must have been doing their private workout. And after a bit realize no one is going back.
And then someone plays their own music in the spin room during non-class times, when others may want to use the space for core exercises. Oh wait, that's me and my music, forget that one.0 -
. I do most of my cardio running outside now so It's not really a problem for me personally that they hog the cardio machines (though, the definently do!). Those people are scarce in the weight room so I am fine!
Yeah same at my gym, the cardio is packed, weight machines not so much & I have the free weights more or less to myself0 -
Haha I totally agree with this! I'm waiting for the day everyone decides to screw their resolutions!0
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I would like to say even though I don't go to a gym, surely you all were new once at a gym.
How about you try help these people rather than look down on them. You meantioned that some people are looking around lost. HELP THEM! I'm sure that you would feel pretty good if you could use all you knowledge and experience to help someone continue their resolution. It's a daunting experience walking into a gym for the first time, so try make it a less painfully experience for the new members. I have idea what gym etiquette is, neither will they do just explain it to them....0 -
I have been really naughty and not been to my gym for months and I know when I go back Monday, I'm going to look like the resolutionists, lol. Oh well I know this time I will still be there come Feb/March time. Looking forward to getting back into the gym.0
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To be patient with all of the "New Year Resolution" people that will flock to the gyms for the first 3 months of the year and then disappear by April.
Also, to not growl at that personal trainers and their students using the power rack for a TRX station. Ok, I am still going to scowl.
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I have mixed feelings about these ppl. Though I am glad that 95% of them will be gone in a matter of weeks, and the other 4% by March. I welcome the 1% that will stick it out. I am a 1%-er. I got serious about my health in January (after having my membership for over a year, unused). I have lost a ton of weight and am still going strong. I wish that more would stick with it because we have a serious weight problem in this country.
With that say...... Get off my machine. Stopped acting and talking like you own this gym. No walking on the treadmill for 5 mins at 2.0, while talking to your BF on the next machine is not considered a work out. And yes grunting and dropping the weight and acting like a BA is not welcome nor wanted in this gym.
Thank you. *stepping on my soapbox* 0 -
THERE ARE NONE AT MY GYM!
In fact, over the last month there have been less than half the people around then there usually are.
Maybe the resolutionists dont do group fitness classes?
(All I do it group fitness classes and swim laps!)0 -
I would like to say even though I don't go to a gym, surely you all were new once at a gym.
How about you try help these people rather than look down on them. You meantioned that some people are looking around lost. HELP THEM! I'm sure that you would feel pretty good if you could use all you knowledge and experience to help someone continue their resolution. It's a daunting experience walking into a gym for the first time, so try make it a less painfully experience for the new members. I have idea what gym etiquette is, neither will they do just explain it to them....
thank you..i finally joined a gym last week after sweating it out in my locked boring bedroom with jillian michaels and my treadmill for the last year...iam so grateful that i was given this gift from my parents for xmas that i have 2 hours a day to myself ...on my first visit to the gym i asked the trainer what the protocol was and he said there wasn't one...hello...so i just hoped on the treadmil ect....it might not be the newbie but the staff...yesterday i had a training session which was great but i was never told this was extra with my membership....i just wanted someone to show me how to use the machines and give a little guidance...i can do the rest on my own....i understand what you are saying about teenagers,ect..but don't lump us all in the newbie section...you were once a newbie yourself....0 -
Our gym has trainers there to help the new people. That said, I only get an hour to work out a day during my normal work week. I really don't have time to help the newbies. I just go about my normal routine and suggest they talk to a trainer if they look lost.
I personally can't wait till it becomes more normal again Every year this happens and every year only a handful of new people stay. I actually hope the new people succeed! I am just not qualified or have the time to help them. 0 -
I would like to say even though I don't go to a gym, surely you all were new once at a gym.
How about you try help these people rather than look down on them. You meantioned that some people are looking around lost. HELP THEM! I'm sure that you would feel pretty good if you could use all you knowledge and experience to help someone continue their resolution. It's a daunting experience walking into a gym for the first time, so try make it a less painfully experience for the new members. I have idea what gym etiquette is, neither will they do just explain it to them....
thank you..i finally joined a gym last week after sweating it out in my locked boring bedroom with jillian michaels and my treadmill for the last year...iam so grateful that i was given this gift from my parents for xmas that i have 2 hours a day to myself ...on my first visit to the gym i asked the trainer what the protocol was and he said there wasn't one...hello...so i just hoped on the treadmil ect....it might not be the newbie but the staff...yesterday i had a training session which was great but i was never told this was extra with my membership....i just wanted someone to show me how to use the machines and give a little guidance...i can do the rest on my own....i understand what you are saying about teenagers,ect..but don't lump us all in the newbie section...you were once a newbie yourself....
I'm certainly happy to help any time I can. The problem is a lot of people either just don't care or are actually unapproachable about it. Many people don't like to be told that they're practicing improper etiquette, and you can't really tell who's who until you try to correct them and then if they don't take it well it can get ugly. If I see a person who's using a machine incorrectly or who is having obvious problems figuring out how to use something, I'll go over to them and suggest the proper technique. However, how do you approach a person who leaves plates hanging on a smith machine or leaves his jacket hanging on one bench while he goes over and works on a stack machine?
Just so I'm clear, I know my post comes off kind of pompous and judgmental. I certainly do not root for people to fail in their resolutions. However what I do root for is a gym experience where people care enough about other people to either practice good etiquette or try to learn it. The people who are committed to improving themselves typically will do this, those that have joined on nothing more than a whim and a new years resolution typically never get it (and that's not to say that no one who joins a club as part of a resolution is committed, many are).0 -
I work at a gym on a college campus. Right now, kids are still on break, but once they get back our numbers go through the roof. Generally lasts until spring break as kids are crash dieting and over exercising in preparation for drunken beach shenanigans.0
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Our gym has trainers there to help the new people. That said, I only get an hour to work out a day during my normal work week. I really don't have time to help the newbies. I just go about my normal routine and suggest they talk to a trainer if they look lost.
I personally can't wait till it becomes more normal again Every year this happens and every year only a handful of new people stay. I actually hope the new people succeed! I am just not qualified or have the time to help them.
Exactly. If someone is about to hurt themselves then I may say something, but otherwise people should be taking advantage of the gym staff - that's why they are there.0 -
It's been seriously packed for the last couple of weeks with the newbies. Hasn't really bothered me much except when I get out on the walking track and have to dodge folks going the wrong way or not watching where they're going because texting is more important (cellphones are banned on the floor BTW).
The good news for me is I go back to work on Monday, so I'll be back to going to the gym at 5 a.m. when only the diehards show up.0 -
I think people are mistaking the complaints here for people being pompous and arrogant. That's not it. I am totally in favour of new people and I know how daunting a gym is when you are new to it but I also know that my nervousness made me keen to ensure I was doing things properly so I didn't annoy the regulars. Maybe other gyms are different but the few I've been to have signs around with a few points of general etiquette like wipe machines down, unload weight bars, avoid long periods on a machine when the gym is busy, be polite and courteous to other members.
These seem like common sense but people still ignore them.
It's one thing to not understand HOW to correctly work out but it's another to disregard common decency.
That said, I wish the staff at my gym would do more 'rounds' checking on peoples workouts cos I often see people doing things wrong (repping weights at 100mph is the most common) but I don't feel it's my place to correct them, after all, I'm not a trained instructor and they might get mad at me.0 -
I had the opposite on Friday.
I have been going to a gym on and off for about 4 months due to back injury. Quit that in December and moved to my current gym which has a pool so if my back does pop out again I can still swim.
Friday I was using a machine which had adjustable chest position (Seated row). so I moved it for my comfort.
After each set I would look around to see if anyone was looking to use the machine.. Just polite while I recover. could see a guy waiting so offered up the machine while I recovered.
He proceeded to mouth off to his mate about having to adjust the machine. I supposedly should not have to adjust the machine.
But he did not see fit to offer suggestion to me.
So it does go both ways. Yes there should be some kind of gym etiquette (Clean machines etc) during induction. It only takes 2 minutes. But also I think there should be a respect to all other gym members whether you are seasoned or brand new.
Politeness does not cost anything but it really can enhance your workout.
Just my 2 penath.0 -
didnt make a resolution this year only heart and determination for this year. resolutions are made to be broken not determination and heart...0
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Ironically, I just posted this on my wall:
Took my dad swimming this morning. He's 74, first time he's back doing a fitness activity in a year, as he's been caring for my mum through the travails of cancer and hasn't been out. He struggled a bit, understandably, was taking breaks in between lengths. Some old bat took it upon herself to complain really loudly about 'January swimmers' in his earshot, and it's really undermined him. He's always been fit and active, so it was hard enough for him that he was having to take the breaks, without this old dear (who incidentally was swimming so slowly I lapped her twice in a single lap!!!) having a go at him. I do wish people would think before they open their ignorant mouths!
I'm a 'regular' at gym and have been for a while, so I do understand the frustration of it being busier. But really, it's not the end of the world, is it? And yes, we were all newbies once. Myself, I've always been very anxious about 'getting it right' when working out, not annoying people, not showing myself up. I'd like to bet that most of the people who are starting out in Jan feel much the same.
Cut them some slack.0 -
That said, I wish the staff at my gym would do more 'rounds' checking on peoples workouts cos I often see people doing things wrong (repping weights at 100mph is the most common) but I don't feel it's my place to correct them, after all, I'm not a trained instructor and they might get mad at me.
This I think is an important point. But it's a year round point, for me, at my gym. Because to be honest, most of the rudeness and equipment hogging I see at gym comes from regulars, who seem to feel they own the place. People who'll set themselves up in the squat rack, hold onto it for an hour, and never seem to actually do any squats, for instance. Or the blokey who likes to sit and chat to his girlfriend on the phone while sitting on the upright rower. Or the group of fit young things who hang onto the equipment around the piece they're actually using, making it impossible for anyone else to access about five pieces of equipment....
Selfish thoughtlessness isn't just for January....0 -
ok i joined the gym in november, i've been wanting to join for the whole of 2011 but just couldnt afford it 2011 payrise = gym membership :happy: anyway i've been going to the gym 3-5 times a week, doing the classes, using the gym etc.
this week it has been MENTAL at the gym, the zumba class was so busy that one woman walked out because she just didnt feel she had enough space to move around.
i went to the gym yesterday and there was hardly anyone there, within 30 mins it was rammed!!0 -
Insanity!!! But the only thing I'll complain about are the kids (my gym allows 12 year olds in) who are playing on the cardio equipment, tying it up for people who are actually serious about being there! Grrrrr!0
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Remember, these dunderheads keep our membership dues low.So for those of you that are members at a gym, how bad is the resolutionist crowd right now (i.e. those folks who make a new years resolution and join the club). I know from past experience that January is always the busiest month at the club, especially up here in Wisconsin where January's arrival also means weather that is far too cold to be exercising outside. My club in particular is getting extremely busy right now. Part of it is that they're still new (having opened in November) and so they're still signing people up. That coupled with the New Years crowd is really getting crazy.
I'm happy to see the gym doing well and certainly want them to make lots of money so they can stay in business but man it's frustrating to have so many noobies there who simply have no clue about gym etiquette or even how to use a gym in the first place. College girls that come in groups of 2-4 and go from machine to machine doing 2-3 reps before deciding "this machine's too hard" and then giggling and talking for 10 minutes before moving on to something else. College guys who are there just to try and show off to their buddies how much they can bench or curl. One guy tonight was so intent on keeping his muscles flexed at all times while walking around the gym that he literally looked like someone had shoved a telephone pole up his rectum.
How I long for February and March and the inevitable return to sanity at the gym. When all of the novelty wears off, the uncommitted start making excuses to not go to the gym and only those that are truly serious and committed to their fitness show up on a daily basis. I see it every year, I know the end of the insanity will come but right now it's become pretty frustrating.
And yes, most will fail by mid-Feb, then herd back a few weeks before summer in a vain effort to salvage their dream of getting fit.:laugh: :laugh:
After that it's smooth sailing!0
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