New Year, New You

This isn’t a typical New Year’s Resolution post sharing my New Years’ Resolutions.

This isn’t a post to say I don’t believe in New Years’ Resolutions either. Because, like many things, I think there is a time and place for them. If New Years’ Resolutions keep you motivated, then great. 

And yes, there are millions of other New Years’ Resolutions other than “lose X pounds” and “get fitter.”

This post could be summed up as, “stop being an asshole to those begin coming to the gym on January 1st”.

Every year I hear friends declare they will go to the gym more. Or they want to get into running! Or a new sport! Whatever! They plan to do X, Y, and Z.  That’s awesome and I’m happy for everyone!

Sadly, I also hear friends publically wish resolutioners would get out of the gym or get out of their way. Sure, having more people at the gym is inconvenient because fewer machines are available.

Here are just a few complaints about resolutioners at the gym I’ve seen:

The gym is crowded. No space for me! (sad emojis)

Ugh, I hate waiting in line for the gym equipment I want to use. 

I hate how busy it is; I hope these people leave soon.

These people are wasting their time. Their resolutions won’t last. (But really: you are wasting your time complaining)

Those statements are rude. 

The reality is everyone at the gym is paying for the same membership. No one is more entitled to a piece of equipment because you have been a member longer. Or because you are doing more at the gym.

If someone “getting in your way” annoys you, purchase your gym equipment and stay home.

But “New Years Resolutions Never Last”:

According to studies, only 8% of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. The fact is that it is still 8% more than last year.

Everyone started their fitness journey somewhere. 

I remember the first time I went to the gym alone. It was at the YMCA with mostly the older crowd, and I still felt like I didn’t belong. I tried every machine for about 5 minutes. For the first several months, maybe even a year, I thought everyone was judging me. They weren’t.

Judging someone based on their fitness level is both pathetic and sad. It’s like judging people for how many followers they have.

When people first begin something, they are the most self-conscious. New people (anywhere) fear being judged the most. It reminds me of people that won’t follow someone on Twitter or Facebook because they have five followers. It’s superficial.

Was that person laughing? It must be at me…

Are those people chatting? They must be talking about me…

So as you ring in the New Year, remember that a New Years’ resolution might not be your thing, but it doesn’t have to be. Some people might fall off the wagon, but some will succeed.

I encourage you to think about when you first began your fitness journey. Do not be upset with others for attempting to start their fitness journeys. Publically shaming someone for chasing their goals isn’t okay.

Finally, please remember that you shouldn’t post online photos of people if someone has not consented to you doing so. It is never appropriate to take a picture of someone without their permission, especially to make fun of them. Take a step back and realize how upset you would be if you found out someone was publically shaming you for trying something new. 

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Question for you:

When did you start your fitness journey?

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution?