One of the most agonizing times of the year for us long time athletes is January. We get all these New Year Resolution wannabes joining us and suddenly the machines and weight benches are exceptionally crowded. Worse yet, its crowded with people who don't know what they are doing and who think sitting on a machine for 5 minutes in between sets is part of a good workout. Newbies also have no concept of allowing someone to "work in" during those five minute rests either. Rule: If you notice other people doing three or four sets during your rest break, your rest break is too long.
Fortunately, the half-life of the newbies is fairly short. Unfortunately, we get another influx of them in mid-January when the college students return (for college students New Year's Resolutions start when the semester does). Then you get the ones that sit on machines and don't let anyone else use them while talking on cell phones...to the person who has stopped running on a treadmill since they can't talk and run at the same time.
If I can make it February, most of the newbies are gone and things get back to normal. My advice...don't sign a 12 month contract...I have a pretty good idea of the odds of any given newbie making it that long!
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9 comments:
A-Men brother HB! I work out at the Y and when things are moving, I can get through 2 sets in a 10 station routine in about 45 minutes. I think when the Y or any health club hands out the membership card to the FNGs, they should also hand out a card with the rules of workout room etiquette.
I went to the gym ONCE. Fell off the treadmill. Went to reach for my brand new i-pod, knocked it down to the base, turned to watch it fling off the back of the treadmill, then followed it to the floor... and not just with my eyes. I learned never to look backward while on a treadmill! SO EMBARRASSING! Haven't been back. I've decided to stick to terra firma.
I'm a spin class fanatic, need to get my fix at *least* three times a week or my brain turns to mush..But these days you need to call in advance AND show up an hour before class to get a bike, bummer:-( That, and with all the gym closings and limited hours with the recent onslaught of holidays, oy!
I do my best to help those of you who work out by not working out and thus not getting in your way.
You're welcome.
Forget that resolution; the oldies will toss me out! Whew, thanks, hale. Never had a better excuse not to exercise.
Oh and, kk, I feel your pain. I fell off the treadmill. They put me on it for physical therapy following my broken ankle. I had been off my feet for five months...it was a doosie. Anyway, the doctor thought it would be a good idea. But I sure loved the whirlpool treatments!
Don't feel too bad...I run marathons but can't run on a treadmill!
:) I'll stay out of your way too.
Don't get me wrong...you are welcome at the gym, I just want people to learn how to work out properly. You will make better progress toward your fitness goals AND not piss of everyone around you! Win-win!
I coached cross country and track when I was teaching. The runners I am most proud of are not the top ones who got me a trip to the state meet (although I love them too!) but the ones who really weren't that good at first, the ones that I had to talk out of quitting five times their first year who eventually became decent mid-pack runners. Really rewarding was last summer when one of my former runner's sent me a message on facebook. He was one of those mid-packers I had to work with a lot. He is still running almost 10 years later and enjoys it. Definitely made my day when that note turned up.
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