Welcome to a new year of fitness. I see you in the gym, working out hard every day (sometimes several times a day), trying new classes, and searching for a healthier and fitter version of yourself.
To the gym regulars…I see you too. The look of annoyance and utter disdain…the side glances at gym newbies…the audible displeasure at how crowded the gym floor or locker room may be.
The gym is a place for all people, of all shapes, sizes, and athletic ability. It’s where folks go to sweat, do good work, and push through plateaus. It’s hard enough in a world of fast food convenience and sedentary complacency to make your way to the gym. Whether you’re a noob or a vet, there’s a place at the gym for everyone. What bothers me most about this time of year is the way some, and I will say some, gym regulars make comments aloud – either on the gym floor or in the locker room regarding noobs. Hey, if someone decided that 2015 was the year for them to lose that last 20 lbs, or to gain a little more energy, or to try yoga – CHEERS TO THEM!!! It’s not your place, vet, to make someone who’s probably already nervous as hell that much more uncomfortable. It’s mean, rude, and really…really annoying.
To my newbies, I hope this year you find yourself getting ever the more closer to your goal of a healthier you. Workout out, eat well, hydrate, rest, and repeat. Have fun with it, make new friends. In no time you’ll know the lay of the land at your local gym, which instructors you like, and which trainers are really cool (et ehm…ME). 😉 But most of all never forget, no matter how long you’ve been a member at a gym, everyone was new once. So be nice to one another, aight?
Now go be active. 😀
Find Your "Fit" 
I love seeing the new people in the gym.. It gives me great hope in the human spirit – to know that so many people WANT to improve themselves, and are willing to try. Now, like everyone else – I do prefer to NOT wait for equipment, but usually there are other pieces of equipment that can do the same job.
It actually makes me a little sad, as I see the classes slowly get empty again, and more and more treadmills with availability (now its convenient.. but still makes me sad.) I always hope that the people who life keeps them from accomplishing their goal will get a new opportunity in the near future, and will have better luck next time.
Agreed. Getting fit can be a long and lonely road for beginners and vets alike.
I dislike the entitled attitude of some regular gym goers around the new year and mean comments about people who are new to working out. It’s intimidating enough to start something new and I wish everyone would be supportive of each other.
I agree 1000%. We all had to start some place. Why not just be nice about it and share the space. I try to be as encouraging and welcoming as i can to the newbies. We were all newbies at some point