How to survive the first of the year at the gym
Swarms of newbies spend the first two weeks of the year promising to hit the gym more often. Equipment seems sparse, weight racks are taken, and showing up at 4 am no longer guarantees your ability to cruise through your workout.
Don’t be ‘that’ person
Have a little patience. By the second week of January, most people give up on their resolutions. So if you are truly annoyed by the crowds, just wait…they’ll dissipate. Being rude to others never solved anything. Being the reason someone quits going to the gym just makes you a jerk. Everyone deserves to find their own pathway to health and wellness, and just because you started earlier than others, doesn’t make you any better. In fact, you should view it as an opportunity to be welcoming and helpful. Show off those gains and that knowledge! Be the reason people LOVE going to the gym, instead of the reason they dread it.
One guy at the gym I started going to last fall pretended to jump onto the sled I was pushing. This guy is a muscular person and would have made that sled push way harder! He was (thankfully) joking and didn’t really sit on the sled. đ„” When he walked out that day, he said “I expect to see you tomorrow!” with loads of enthusiasm and a huge smile. He is now someone I look forward to saying hello to when we happen to be at the gym at the same time!
Know when to share your knowledge …
And when to keep your mouth shut. Is the person risking injury to themselves or others? THAT is when you speak up. Is the person using equipment in an unconventional manner, but not in a way that would injure anyone? Then it is none of your business. Let it be!
There is someone at the gym that constantly appears to judge me. Has spoken up with inane questions like “you are really going to use this machine for THAT exercise?” Well, yes, that was the plan. What is it to you??? Why does it matter? Needless to say, I do NOT say hello to this person when we happen to be working out at the same time, and they do not make my gym experience more enjoyable.
Find times that are less crowded
Adjust your schedule some if the crowds bother you! Head up a little earlier…go a little later…find the ‘off’ times and work with it. It’s probably only for a few weeks. Alternatively, you could view this as less of a drain on your healthcare expense if everyone gets their behind in gear and takes charge of their own wellness…and that is a great thing! đ That small adjustment in mindset might make the crowds a little easier to handle.
Go with a buddy
They can save your spot at the equipment so you don’t yell at unsuspecting people who start using it not knowing you just took a restroom break. đ At the very least, communicate with others around you if you aren’t done with your set but need to leave the equipment unattended. People aren’t mind readers, you know.
Buddies are also helpful to have…they make the time pass more enjoyably, they critique form, they show you random reels and TikToks of weird things you “should try”…which makes everyone’s gym experience better because then everyone can laugh at your expense when you try it.
Ultimately, just be a nice human
We’re all on a journey to health. Be kind and welcoming and realize that the gym being more crowded doesn’t make that much of a difference in your day. Have options for yourself should equipment be in use. Find a new time to go (waking up 30 minutes earlier won’t kill you!). Most of all, a mindset shift will help you. Realize how awesome it is that more people are showing up for their health. It makes society better as a whole! Embrace this new normal, however long it lasts.
