I hate the gym in January (2 Viewers)

[Dexter Manley]

5 *'s for the OP. I can't stand the gym this time of year either. It's like Circus of the Stars at the gym the first few weeks of January, except in a bad way.

I completely respect and encourage people to get in shape, but I see the same people packing the gym the first half of January every year never to be seen again Feb - Dec. Seriously, just stay home and quit cramping workoutguys' style.

 

[Sundays Rule]

I joined a small backup local gym for 10 bucks a month for this very reason. I go early on the weekends and try and stay away from my regular gym during the weekdays to avoid the afterwork resolution people. Todays going to be hells bells i'm sure of it, the gym is right in the middle of midtown Manhattan so it'll be at least 20 minutes waiting for a locker.

 

[17seconds]

I usually never go to the gym in Jan but this year I'll have to as I'm doing a Biggest Loser competition at work for the next 2 mos.

It's gonna suck for sure. Most of my workouts, as usual, will be running outside though.

 

[Major]

I joined a small backup local gym for 10 bucks a month for this very reason. I go early on the weekends and try and stay away from my regular gym during the weekdays to avoid the afterwork resolution people. Todays going to be hells bells i'm sure of it, the gym is right in the middle of midtown Manhattan so it'll be at least 20 minutes waiting for a locker.

Where in Manhattan do you get $10/mo for a gym? I was paying $160 @ Equinox. Effing ripoff.edit: I take it your 'small, local' gym is outside of Manhattan. Sorry for the misread.

 

[Sundays Rule]

I joined a small backup local gym for 10 bucks a month for this very reason. I go early on the weekends and try and stay away from my regular gym during the weekdays to avoid the afterwork resolution people. Todays going to be hells bells i'm sure of it, the gym is right in the middle of midtown Manhattan so it'll be at least 20 minutes waiting for a locker.

Where in Manhattan do you get $10/mo for a gym? I was paying $160 @ Equinox. Effing ripoff.edit: I take it your 'small, local' gym is outside of Manhattan. Sorry for the misread.

Out in Long Island, I think the only spot you can get it for that cheap is at a crappy Parks Dept. gym or something.

 

[Desert_Power]

Nice of you to be so encouraging.

I encourage them to walk outside on the sidewalk for thie two weeks before they invariably disappear like every other year they garbage up the gym for thier amazing two week workout regiment.

This would certainly yield better results for most as it would be easier to stick to and probably superior to their current regimen anyways.

 

[acapella]

My wife's been going to aerobics classes twice a week for over 10 years. She hates this time of year too since the classes are absolutely packed.

Trust me, I understand those providing the disparaging remarks are those that never go to the gym. Or only go for two weeks out of the year...

I work out 5 or 6 times a week and have done so for years. I hate working out in January because of the crowds. And I still think you are coming across as a self-centered buffoon.

 

[newteech]

Hint: You can't improve yourself walking on a treadmill two weeks out of the year.

Any activity is better than no activity[/Dr. Oz]

 

[culdeus]

It's pretty bad where I go, but not out of control for about a month. Worst part is no hot water for showers.

 

[Third]

I agree with the general sentiment of the OP and think this normally would have the full support of the cynical FFA. Apparently, there are a lot of FFA fatties flocking back to the gym this week.

 

[Carver]

LOOK AT ME!!!! I WORK OUT!!!!

 

[Socrates11]

I agree with the general sentiment of the OP and think this normally would have the full support of the cynical FFA. Apparently, there are a lot of FFA fatties flocking back to the gym this week.

 

[Christo]

You don't think using the cardio equipment for 60 minutes during peak time, especially at the busiest time of the year, is kind of uncool? You do understand that new people get to use the equipment too, even if you don't like the way they look, right?

What sort of workout warrior uses the gym for cardio anyway?

 

[bentley]

I agree with the general sentiment of the OP and think this normally would have the full support of the cynical FFA. Apparently, there are a lot of FFA fatties flocking back to the gym this week.

Standard position is to always disagree with the OP. If he wanted people to mock "resolution" types he should have started it up with an announcement that he was going back to the gym tonight with a group of friends and this time they were sticking with it.I've been out of regular gym activity for about seven months (or, since my first son was born) up until about two weeks ago. I was planning on hitting it up tonight, but totally forgot about the January rush. It should be less than fun.

 

[eoMMan]

Picked up an elliptical machine a few weeks back and it's been awesome. That along with some dumbells and resistence bands, you can do a lot.

 

[That Little Voice]

This is why i dont go to the gym in January. I've no excuse for the other 11 months.

 

[acapella]

You don't think using the cardio equipment for 60 minutes during peak time, especially at the busiest time of the year, is kind of uncool? You do understand that new people get to use the equipment too, even if you don't like the way they look, right?

What sort of workout warrior uses the gym for cardio anyway?

Me. But after 30 minutes I do the only appropriate thing and switch to a new machine. Staying on one machine for more than 30 minutes is wrong, especially during peak hours when others are waiting.

 

[AAABatteries]

Plus, I should point out, the government gives employees three hours a week to work out. These hours are authorized during the week day. These three hours can't be used at home. So, you can't skip the gym and do the workout at home. You basically lose the three free hours if you can't get in the gym.

What? When did this happen?Anyway, if it really bothers you that much, trying doing something different for the first few weeks of the year. If you are in a warmer weather area try running outdoors or if you are looking to do weight training get creative. Don't waste you workout time being frustrated and getting little done.

 

[eoMMan]

You don't think using the cardio equipment for 60 minutes during peak time, especially at the busiest time of the year, is kind of uncool? You do understand that new people get to use the equipment too, even if you don't like the way they look, right?

What sort of workout warrior uses the gym for cardio anyway?

Me. But after 30 minutes I do the only appropriate thing and switch to a new machine. Staying on one machine for more than 30 minutes is wrong, especially during peak hours when others are waiting.

I disagree. If I want to run, non-stop, for 60 minutes, I should be allowed to. It use to annoy me to no end how my old gym would limit the time on the machines via programming.

 

[Happy Ragnarok]

I agree with the general sentiment of the OP and think this normally would have the full support of the cynical FFA. Apparently, there are a lot of FFA fatties flocking back to the gym this week.

I've never seen a serious workoutguy this would effect. He'd either be using equipment the fatties have no interest in, or be going earlier in the AM than the crowds hit, or be able to go caveman for a month with windsprints and bodyweight work with no fitness dropoff. The clueless New Year's newcomer really only negatively impacts treadmill junkies and the occasional Nautilusguy with a sense of entitlement.Saying the horde of fitness wannabes is cramping your style is like admitting you're devoted to the Olive Garden and are finding yourself overwhelmed by the Mother's Day crowds.

 

[Drifter]

Love the annual gym-snob rants

 

[acapella]

You don't think using the cardio equipment for 60 minutes during peak time, especially at the busiest time of the year, is kind of uncool? You do understand that new people get to use the equipment too, even if you don't like the way they look, right?

What sort of workout warrior uses the gym for cardio anyway?

Me. But after 30 minutes I do the only appropriate thing and switch to a new machine. Staying on one machine for more than 30 minutes is wrong, especially during peak hours when others are waiting.

I disagree. If I want to run, non-stop, for 60 minutes, I should be allowed to. It use to annoy me to no end how my old gym would limit the time on the machines via programming.

Then you need to run outside or go when it is off-peak. Or ... and this is the best solution IMO ... our gym has a few treadmills setup that do not have a time limit. If you anticipate running for more than the allotted 30 minutes, wait for one of these. And feel free to get when one of the newbies uses the unlimited machines for less than 30 minutes.

 

[acapella]

Love the annual gym-snob rants

Damn

 

[Third]

I agree with the general sentiment of the OP and think this normally would have the full support of the cynical FFA. Apparently, there are a lot of FFA fatties flocking back to the gym this week.

I've never seen a serious workoutguy this would effect. He'd either be using equipment the fatties have no interest in, or be going earlier in the AM than the crowds hit, or be able to go caveman for a month with windsprints and bodyweight work with no fitness dropoff. The clueless New Year's newcomer really only negatively impacts treadmill junkies and the occasional Nautilusguy with a sense of entitlement.Saying the horde of fitness wannabes is cramping your style is like admitting you're devoted to the Olive Garden and are finding yourself overwhelmed by the Mother's Day crowds.

Perfect analogy.Thanks, serious workoutguy.TM

 

[Dexter Manley]

I agree with the general sentiment of the OP and think this normally would have the full support of the cynical FFA. Apparently, there are a lot of FFA fatties flocking back to the gym this week.

The clueless New Year's newcomer really only negatively impacts treadmill junkies and the occasional Nautilusguy with a sense of entitlement.

You must go to an all women gym, because in my experience the 2 weeks on/50 weeks off dudes make the dumbell area more crowded than a college keg party and you can pretty much forget about getting on a bench.

 

[Wrigley]

On the way to the gym for the 3rd time this year

I'll try and take pictures

Usually 10-15 persons at the gym after work..............today, I'm guessing more

 

[acapella]

Kind of a funny thing did happen to one of the new folks, a guy who looked to be in his mid-60's. I had just finished a cardio workout and was getting a drink of water when I see this guy across the gym in the free weight section walking toward me. He was wearing a shirt and his underwear (tighty-whities). The free weight section is pretty crowded and everyone is looking at this guy with a mix of and .

The water fountain where I am standing is right next to the coat rack and I just stand there as the guy walks over to me, he reaches down a grabs a pair of sweats from the hook. As he is sliding them on, he sees my puzzlement and explains that he thought he had worn a pair of shorts under his sweats, and didn't realize his mistake until he saw himself in the mirror on the free weight side of the gym.

To his credit, he turned around and went right back to his workout.

 

[Pick]

PB working out at the school.

 

[Zow]

Kind of a funny thing did happen to one of the new folks, a guy who looked to be in his mid-60's. I had just finished a cardio workout and was getting a drink of water when I see this guy across the gym in the free weight section walking toward me. He was wearing a shirt and his underwear (tighty-whities). The free weight section is pretty crowded and everyone is looking at this guy with a mix of and . The water fountain where I am standing is right next to the coat rack and I just stand there as the guy walks over to me, he reaches down a grabs a pair of sweats from the hook. As he is sliding them on, he sees my puzzlement and explains that he thought he had worn a pair of shorts under his sweats, and didn't realize his mistake until he saw himself in the mirror on the free weight side of the gym.To his credit, he turned around and went right back to his workout.

I've honestly been so fearful of forgetting workout shorts under my sweats because I always wear compression shorts and can't feel if I'm wearing them.

 

[Zow]

im with you! smart gyms will turn people away this time of year.

because they have to close?

a "smart" gym would see these people are the money they need to stay in business and not turn them away

 

[cstu]

Someone's been taking too much NOXPLODE!!11.

 

[17seconds]

Love the annual gym-snob rants

Keep slamming those McGriddles while we all bench 400+

 

[Sand]

I only use the pool at my Y (and it is very uncrowded anyway), so am not terribly impacted. However, this is a good article for the gymsnobs to mull over:

As happens every year around this time, over the next few days we should start to see posts from people making observations about their gyms, particularly how crowded they are with new people. A couple of years back I posted the following in response to some of those observations. It has become something of a tradition that I re-post it in order to add a little perspective to what will surely be stressful and inconvenient in the coming weeks for many of us.We're endurance athletes. We train all year not only outside, but also at the gym and the pool. We can expect some serious crowding in both places for the next few weeks. It happens every year.Suddenly we have to add 30 minutes to our scheduled gym time because of the "resolutionists". There are no parking places. When you do manage to find one and get to the locker room 10 minutes behind schedule, there aren't any lockers available and the door is blocked by someone trying to remember the way to the weight room. In there, the machines you need to use are all occupied by people in new track suits pushing too much weight with truly horrible form. The bubbler is blocked by someone who is trying hard not to look totally out of their element. You can't get in the pool because it's jammed with people using pull buoys on their arms and kickboards as flotation devices. Half the lanes have people with no goggles and baggy swim trunks down to their knees who can't swim an entire lap.The whole freakin' place is filled with...with...beginners.It's one of my favorite sights. I've never been in a place more full of hope than a gym during the first week of January. It's a place full of people giving action to their dreams. People who for that day are making an effort to be fit, to improve themselves, to live a better quality of life. The effort and courage it takes them to get there that morning is huge. It certainly exceeds what it takes me. I know where everything is. I know the pool etiquette. I know what my workout is going to be and how to use the machines. I'm not the least bit embarrassed to take my shirt off in the locker room. This is routine for me. These new people will be showing a lot of courage and determination by going to the gym in the next few weeks and they'll deserve my respect. They'll get it.It wasn't that long ago that I was one of them. During the next few weeks I'll be making an effort to help some of these people feel a little less uncomfortable. Maybe make eye contact with some of them, be ready to give a nod or say hellnce we're halfway into February, the crowds will be gone. Parking will be easy. Machines will be available again. The wait at the pool will go away. We know this. We're endurance athletes. We know the reward that comes from sticking through the hard parts.And from helping others through them.

 

[Drifter]

Love the annual gym-snob rants

Keep slamming those McGriddles while we all bench 400+

McGriddles are tasty, but I'll keep my home gym setup over dealing with gym rat tools.

 

[Sheriff Bart]

FEEL THE BURN!!11!! OH YEAH!21!!!

 

[Christo]

Love the annual gym-snob rants

Keep slamming those McGriddles while we all bench 400+

A real FBG slams McGriddles while he's benching 400+

 

[Mr.Pack]

I hate this time of year. All those people that will work out for two weeks before disappearing for the next 50 weeks (just like they do every year) filling up the gym like rats escaping the rising waters. Why do you bother? You aren't fooling anyone. You know the first time you sweat you'll quit again, never to return (until next January, when you tell yourself this year will be different). Do all of us that regualry work out a favor and just stay the #### home.

 

[bentley]

Spent an hour on the treadmill tonight in my first trip to the gym (outside of the one at my office) this year. Sucked for the people that showed up late and had to wait.

Lots of hot tail out there today. It'll be a shame when mid-February rolls around and it's just the usual crowd.

 

[flapgreen]

Look at it this way: while they are there a month, usually they pay for a year and keep the membership costs for us regulars down. Plus they are arguably trying.

 

[Raider Nation]

I've honestly been so fearful of forgetting workout shorts under my sweats because I always wear compression shorts and can't feel if I'm wearing them.

 

[flapgreen]

I'll take these guys over the lifers who feel like they own the place, and thus proceed to leave stacks of weight on every piece of free weight equipment, and use the excuse of the latest Muscle & Fitness cover workout to lay claim to three pieces of equipment at once."Don't touch that bench!""But you're squatting.""I'm squatting AND benching!!!"

You left out the grunting and staring at the mirror part

 

[flapgreen]

There are usually a handful of old fat guys milling around in my gym. Today there were also a few lumpy, sweaty girls. Ill take the upgrade.

I'd rather have old fat guys.

 

[TxBuckeye]

Wait, so you get paid (by our tax dollars, no less) to work out, but you're complaining that you're inconvenienced for a few weeks in January by the resolution crowd? Sorry, but I'm not sure I can work up a lot of sympathy for you on that one.

You do realize civilian employees also deploy right? That's why the policy is in place. But I'm sure if you worked somewhere that offered such a policy, you wouldn't use it out of principle right?

 

[bostonfred]

These new people will be showing a lot of courage and determination by going to the gym in the next few weeks and they'll deserve my respect. They'll get it.It wasn't that long ago that I was one of them. During the next few weeks I'll be making an effort to help some of these people feel a little less uncomfortable. Maybe make eye contact with some of them, be ready to give a nod or say hello.

They deserve my respect. I may make eye contact with one of the peasants or nod at them. One lucky beginner may get a hello.

 

[TxBuckeye]

I hop on one of two free treadmills. 30 minutes into my 60 minute workout, some moron comes up to see how much longer I will be on the machine as they would like to use it. I told her I would be on it for another 30 minutes, and she got all pissed and said I was hogging the equipment.

The base gym has a 30 minute limit if someone is waiting. Sucks, but it is fair. Which is why I go at 2:30. Gym is normally empty then. Except in Fatuary.

Standard position is to always disagree with the OP. If he wanted people to mock "resolution" types he should have started it up with an announcement that he was going back to the gym tonight with a group of friends and this time they were sticking with it.

Nah, I figured flushing out the FFA fatties was fine. They're the ones causing the issues anyways. I can live with the heat as it were.

Anyway, if it really bothers you that much, trying doing something different for the first few weeks of the year. If you are in a warmer weather area try running outdoors or if you are looking to do weight training get creative. Don't waste you workout time being frustrated and getting little done.

I didn't miss my workout. Got it done. But much later than normal. No way I can miss workouts after the holidays just because the resolution hefers are grazing through the gym.

 

[Wrigley]

Spent an hour on the treadmill tonight in my first trip to the gym (outside of the one at my office) this year. Sucked for the people that showed up late and had to wait.

Lots of hot tail out there today. It'll be a shame when mid-February rolls around and it's just the usual crowd.

Ill second that

 

[Major]

Bunch of guppies here. Shark move:

 

[bentley]

Bunch of guppies here. Shark move:

This better be that $15K workout machine they sell in Sky Mall.I see it isn't. Gazelle is for pansies. ROM cross trainer is the only way to go.

 

[flapgreen]

This is why i dont go to the gym in January. I've no excuse for the other 11 months.

TLV gets it

 

[honky kong]

I'd normally agree with the OP but I belong to a local gym that was bought out by Lifetime Fitness last year and all of our memberships are good at the Lifetime a mile or so away. It's been a ghost town since then. I've been waiting for them to shut the place down but in the meantime there are no waits for anything and it's not like its a dump. The place is maybe 5 years old. GB Lifetime Fitness.