Resolutioners

[legalmoose]

Ah, early January. That time when every Tom, Dick and Sally comes out to the gym with hopes of shaping up for the new year. That time when these 'resolutioners' take up space in the pool, cardio and weight rooms, trying (and failing miserably) not to look clueless about how to use the equipment, all the while making the space and the process more confusing than it ever needs to be.

I think I've finally mellowed in my approach to them. I used to not-quite-snarl at them, and inside I'm still disdainful, but mainly I ignore them now, or politely ask them to move (and just as politely answer questions if asked), and just general try to stay out of their way until this burst of energy dissipates and they go back into their soda, sweets and (pseudo) Atkins/South Beach/faddish-diet induced comas.

View this post at the Glen

Comments

[jhim.livejournal.com]

What's it normally take? Like... 2 weeks?

I usually buckle under in about that time. :)

[die7fox.livejournal.com]

Here at ODU, the usual "Resolution" time is two to three weeks. The crowds start to taper off after two, and disappear altogether after three. By then, it's just me and the "core" group that's there all the time.

[ex-stormwin.livejournal.com]

I was extraordinarily surprised when I went to work out yesterday... Dan and I went at the peak workout time, and the place was barren. I'm fully expecting it to be crammed with people today, though... and at least it's fun to pick out who's going to be gone within a month, and who's actually going to stick with it :)

[unbleachedbrun.livejournal.com]

So, are you gonna be my trainer?

[legalmoose]

Sure. Now, where did I put that whip...

[shadoh.livejournal.com]

Check out my entry from 2003 :)

http://shadoh.livejournal.com/168308.html

[fj.livejournal.com]

Always remember: all those people you think are looking down on you -- most of them are not -- started out just like you: they came in once, deciding to do something about themselves. The reason they stuck around is because they made it a higher priority than the distractions that makes most people stop.

Every last one of us regulars was a loser newbie at this. Join when you are ready. Don't let anyone but you set your time-table.

Some things I would recommend, though, to make joining a more effective experience, are:

- Set time aside in your schedule. Look at your standard week and decide when you can best work out, and clear that time. Every time something comes up, tell people "No, I can't make it." That is all they need to know.

- When you join, make sure you get a beginner's introduction to the machines and possibilities. Don't just walk in, pay your dues, and hang out hoping to do something. It will most likely be frustrating and intimidating. Working out is tough enugh without having to worry about your social image to others. Do not join until someone commitshand over your money until a staff member commits to helping you out at least the first session, showing you where things are, how they work, and what a good way to start off would be, as in "Why don't you do 20 minutes of this and one full cycle of that, 3 times a week or so."

It really comes down to Make A Plan, one you can deal with and stick to for a while.

[legalmoose]

I'd echo all the comments that FJ!! made, an d add one thing. When you think you're ready to set up a plan, take a week (or two), and go do something like a good walk around the block for the time period you've set aside for your workouts. Yeah, it's a little step, but it a) gets you doing something more than you've been doing and b) lets you see if that time frame will actually work for you or not (i.e., will you get up on time, will you get home and not feel too tired, etc.). Good luck!