Let's do this!

Ha Ha!! I loved your fb comment cause I totally agree. The gym in the month of January is a nightmare, but come February it clears out which just reinforces the comment you made!

I agree also. People aren't willing to do what it takes to be fit. Everyone has that pain threshold that they have to face, most just aren't willing to push through it and that's why they quit. Exercising isn't easy. Be healthy isn't easy. You can't be healthy doing fad diets and 3 days of treadmill. It's a lifestyle that people have to be willing to make, but for most they just can't push past the initial discomfort.

I actually think some of us are a little to hard on people who are not in as good of shape as us - people have to start somewhere. Do you know which ones are going to follow through and which ones are going to drop? I personally try really hard to be welcoming and encouraging to people who are trying hard to make changes in their life. It is not easy, especially if you have been sedentary for a long period of time or are extremely overweight. And, you know, unless we have walked a mile in their shoes we have no idea how they got that way -- what if the overweight person you see was in a bad accident and unable to do physical activity for a long time ... could you tell them apart from someone has "chosen" to be inactive? I put "chosen" in quotes because some people have not been exposed to a healthy lifestyle, they have no idea how to start, how to stick with it, and sometimes even how to make realistic goals for themselves. I used to live in the inner city of Washington DC - some people there had *never* been farther than a 4 block radius from their houses (in the projects), the markets only offer horrible food - chips, soda, fried food - primarily because it is cheaper than the healthy alternative (this is a fact, healthy food is more expensive than the alternative). The schools offer crappy food as well - and no healthy alternatives. Exactly where are these people supposed to learn about how to take care of themselves? Really, most of them are primarily interested in survival predominately.

Anyway, I guess my point is that in the past I have also gotten a little upset with the holiday crunch in the gyms -- especially when it inconveniences me -- but then I try to remember that these people are trying to do better -- and a little encouragement can go a long way -- especially since they are likely a bit intimidated by the prospect of exercising around very fit people.

whooaah Bonnie, that was a long comment! :) You deserve an award.

I see all your points and I do try to remember some of those things. But just in general, it's still a little obnoxious during this month every year. Mass amounts of people fighting for machines isn't the best morning joe if you know what I mean. :)

Well, here's the deal. I have no problems with those people showing up. It is certainly their right and kudos to them for making the attempt. However, those are the same people that complain about exercising and running because "it hurts", or "its boring", or "it's just not making a difference". The truth is that those are just excuses to quit. It should hurt, it can be boring, however it WILL make a difference if you stick with it.

I agree with Bonnie about lifesyles and accessibility. But on the other hand, I'm not complaining about the people who live in urban neiborhoods and don't have access to a healthier lifestyle like I do, or Lily does. I guarantee that everyone who can afford to go to Gold's gym can afford to understand and live a healthy lifestyle.

And people's weight and circumstance isn't the issue. I don't have to walk in anyone's shoes. I've walked in my own and it is hard enough. I remember the days of running 2 miles and thinking I was going to die. I remember the dedication it took to push past the pain and loneliness before it became enjoyable. I know what it's like to have to sacrifice something I love for what I'm doing, to wake up at 4:30am every morning just so I can get in a few miles or summit a peak. I can attest to the dedication it takes to have tiny children, a spouse in school, working full-time, having church responsibilities, and finding time to spend with a growing son who is often at his mom's. Yet I still run and get out there. It isn't easy, sometimes it isn't fun. Luckily I have a supportive spouse and boss who appreciate what I'm doing. But it boils down to commitment and the "fake resolution" people just don't have. And even that is OK. Unfortunately, they are often also the people who complain the most. It boils down to this: "Put up or shut up". Either put in the work or they should keep their mouth shut because I'm tired of hearing it (I speak first-hand as I have several people in my family who fall into this category and I constantly have to hear them bitch).

Lil, how about that for a response?

I feel you on the new years resolution thing, but surprisingly our gym wasn't much different this morning. I LOVE to encourage people that are working their way back from a sedentary life, I just don't understand why EVERYONE must decide to do it Jan 1st. You can start a diet in the middle of a bag of chips. So, I get crazy about the 'new years crowd' too, I just wish people would make resolutions to start exercising and being healthy EVERY DAY!

Jun, I was typing the same time you were :) However, I must agree with you. Put up or shut up. We've all been at the beginning and we will encourage and support those people that really want to do this to the bitter end. BUT if you are just going to whine and complain about it all and quit, don't bug us or waste our time and/or resources. But, here again I say - why can't we decided to do things like this any week/month/day. Why do the same people try the same failing plan the same day every year?!? THAT is what I complain about. Again my favorite motto: "you can start a diet in the middle of a bag of chips" you don't need the new year to do it for you! If you keep doing the same things you'll keep getting the same result. Quit whining about it - put up or shut up - and we'll be here to support you at EVERY and ANY turn!

Precisely the reason why I don't make New Year's Resolutions. If someone wants it bad enough they'll start it right now, not on Monday, or next month, or at the beginning of the year.

Holy novels!

Well I love all the responses. I have to agree with Jun heavily. We don't live in the projects. We live in modern suburbia.

And I stand by my opinion that people's new years resolutions are crap. Most (not all) don't stand by the resolution to get fit, or drop a few. If they could grasp the concept that being active is a daily thing, and you have to make it a part of who you are, it would change them. But most people can't get past the dedication of making it a daily thing. When you are truly dedicated in your mind and in your heart, that is when things happen. Period.

ps. I have all the respect in the world for people with physical ailments that try to stay fit. Those people are inspiring and I have seen and known a few in my short 30 year old life :)

I am just saying not everyone is as perfect as us ;-). The projects was an extreme example, but there are others (meaning people who just have not been lucky enough to be given a good example or have a HARD TIME getting going for a variety of reasons we might not even know). And yes, I know you all had a hard time too, but again, "until you walk a mile in someone else's shoes" I don't think it is fair to paint with such a large brush.

New Years Day is as good as any other to do something "better" -- I can't believe you guys are making it into a bad thing to have a new years resolution -- yes, many don't follow through, but you know what, I am happy if just ONE person does!!! I did not know we were discussing the whiners ... we were discussing a bunch of people in the gym for the first time in who knows how long -- seeing all you fit and trim people stare at them (they might not know you are staring -- covetlingly -- at their treadmill and not them ;-) ).

For the record, I don't make NY resolutions either, but I do evaluate and re-evaluate the multitude of things that I SHOULD change ... sometimes I wish I did make a resolution to change them.

ps there are many ailments that are just as difficult as physical ones to overcome when trying to stay fit (including body image problems, self-loathing, etc.).

BTW - I love you guys ... sorry for the novella Burt.

I have to get back to work.

Burt needs to suck it up and read like the rest of us. This stuff has to be better than the toilet smut he reads. Speaking of toilet reading, I was given a book specifically for reading will in the bathroom. I was so excited. Now I can cut down on my poo-Yahzee playing.

I read it all. I have no opinion on it because I don't go to the gym.

Toilet smut. :\

That's because you live in AZ and you can run outside all year. I am jealous of you Burty!

Jun, you are making me laugh so hard. :)

Hey, I think that all of us would encourage or help anyone that was starting out or wanting to get back into shape. I try and do that with everyone that I know. That being said, Jan and Feb are my least fav months at the gym because it is soooo crowded and stinky. It seems like the noobs love to chill out on machines and benches for several minutes without moving while they rest and wait. It can be very frustrating. I'll be there tonight and I am not looking forward to it.

Jun- Remember the guy at your office that used to leave his Cosmopolitan in the stall? I miss those days.

You seem to have touched a nerve with your thread. I agree with you though. January at the gym is no fun. I'm all for those who stick with it, but it's frustrating knowing the majority of New Years Resolutioners won't make it a month. So, we struggle with crowded clubs,and a lack of gym etiquette. I'm hoping my 5 a.m.schedule will keep things somewhat normal for me. It generally takes die hards to get up that early.

My parents managed health clubs for years, so I basically grew up in one. It's funny the sense of entitlement and ownership that comes with regular gym attendance. I even get my panties in a twist if someone is working out on my favorite machine. I guess my New Year's Resolution should be to be more patient with health club newbies! At least it's a resolution that only needs to last 1 month!

Ok, I'm going to put a different spin on this thread, this is how I see it.

If it weren't for the 90% of people that pay for a gym membership and then stop using it, gyms wouldn't be affordable for the 10% of us that actually do use them. There is no way a gym could stay in business if the regulars were the only ones paying for maintenance, and visa versa, if everyone that actually had a membership used it everyday there is no way a gym could keep up on all the maintenance.

So tomorrow when you go into the gym just look at all those people and thank them for subsidizing your gym membership for the other 11 months of the year!!

Amen to that Rob.

Emily, be careful about doing a lot of running with twisted undies. The chafing issues are severe.

Getting fit requires navigating a long steep, curve. Even though most of the new people at the gym are going to "fail" by not showing up in the coming months, they are succeeding today. Who knows, it may take for some of them.

i used to have an opinion on this subject back in the day when i had a gym membership.

i no longer have an opinion because i found a compromise: run outside and eat chips all day.

I like your style allie.

it took a new years resolution to get me back to the gym this week and I consider myself fit and I don't usually complain about working out... It just seemed like the right time to go back and hopefully I can continue to go for more than just this month. Sometimes it just takes a resolution to get you going. I know I would have gone back to the gym when I felt ready after the baby, regardless of what month it fell in. It just happened to fall in January :). But I think good job to people for atleast trying. And maybe one of these years their resolution will stick throughout the year :)

I think if there's anyone to be bugged at, it's golds for not having enough equipment/parking to meet the number of memberships they sell. Well, I have a million issues with Golds so... I'll always blame them :)

I love conversations about resolutions! My wife doesn't make resolution at the beginning of a new year because she thinks (like RAD) that if there is something that you want to change about yourself, do it now! I love the beginning of a new year! As a closet accountant, I evaluate my previous years expenditures and make a new budget. Nearly every year, I resolve to make my lunch before I go to bed so that I can get to work sooner and therefore be home with my family sooner. I almost always resolve to wake up earlier, as well exercise more. But a couple of years ago, some of these resolutions made it well past January, February and March. Last year, I ran more than ever, slept less than anytime since high school and made more loaves of bread than I ever thought I would. I make goals year round, but if a specific date makes people focus on things they want to change, enough to even start trying, I say more power to them!

As far as the gym goes, I made a resolution in October to not be in the gym in January. It's cold outside, but the alternative (crowded treadmillville) is worse.

Lani I am sooo glad you are back to running. :) I agree with most of what you have said. Esp the part about Gold's...those fetchers! :)

Jason your comments make complete sense, except the running out in the cold part. That is crazy. Those that are running outside right now are nuts. It's just to cold. Give me another 8 weeks and I can take that weather but now...ugh just to cold. I'd like to see a guy make a loaf of bread to btw. Awesome!

Hey Scott, I smell a yak's ... you know the rest. :)

Oh and Bonnie. I i.e. your last comment, I do know what it feels like to be the person who is suffering inside. I went through a really severe case of postpartum depression and anxiety/panic attacks about 3 years ago. Scariest thing I have ever been through. I didn't sleep much for over a a year and also developed TMJ syndrome during the time which added physical pain to the mix. Somehow through it all, I was able to wade back to a running/weight lifting routine, which now looking back, I believe saved me when nothing else worked. If I can do it with pain in my body and intense suffering in my mind, anybody can do it. :)

You know Lily I never see anybody out on the roads right now...so if you get sick of the crowded gym just hit the pavement. I don't know how you can run every morning on the dreadmill...I bought a gym pass for the winter months and I have only been 3 times. I personally hate the gyms, I think the gym is just a show off place for a lot of people. It was fun today when we ran past the gym this morning in Salem..It was completely full..I kind of laughed a little. Happ Trails...

Tyler I LOVE LOVE LOVE running on the roads and trails, but the thing for me in the dead of winter is I hate running in the cold. I lack upper body fat and so I am always soooo cold.

Maybe sometime I will just be brave and come and run with you guys. Though I am not sure I can keep up - you are seriously like lightening Mr. Talent!