Public Service Announcement: Get Out of Our Gyms!

[Anonymous]

There is NOTHING more insanely infuriating to anyone who has put in the time all year or at least actually become a regular user of a gym, then the entire month of January. January at the gym is the first day of college where everyone is new, totally pumped, wearing new clothes, and then four years later or in the case of the gym, one month later, only like a tenth of those that started are still there.

Like seriously...I have nothing against making changes in ones life, but most of you who sign up January first have no intention of making any lasting changes. You show up unprepared to change at all. You go to the gym and just litter all over the equipment and then get snippy when someone says, hey either I can help you learn how to use this or let me borrow it.

People also act like the gym is the only way. It isn't! If you are not clear as to how committed you really are, don't join a gym right off the bat. Spend the first month doing body weight exercises on your own, lifting hand weights, doing at home dvds, working out on park equipment, and doing things like walking, jogging, and indoor swimming to start off...that way, if you decide to quit, you aren't wasting an entire paycheck or paychecks if you can't even cancel your membership for six months.

Please we beg of you, stay away unless you have actual goals in mind that aren't just saying you went to the gym or that you signed up and you sit around making it hard for everyone that is there regularly to change, to do their thing. We welcome those that want to stay and want to push and want to learn, but don't just start this thing because you think it's a thing you have to do because it's January first.

[Blonde401]

You don't own the gym so you don't get to decide who can work out there. Don't like it? Work out at home. It's a public space for people. People trying to better themselves don't deserve your contempt, it's pathetic that you're so affected by something that doesn't concern you.

[BertMacklinFBI]

everyone talks about the new year gym people but i never seem to notice them

[myTake Owner]

depends on your gym

[WhiteSteve]

I mean, I agree to some extent. I hate the influx of people. Obviously, I don't "own" the gym and the equipment, but it's defintely frustrating as someone who goes there almost every day to suddenly not be able to use what I need in a timely fashion, and worst of all, the new jacks don't understand gym etiquette and will straight up gank what you're using if you turn your neck for even a hot second. I'm just accustomed to a fairly empty gym, especially going at night during the weekdays, so even weekend crowds bother me during other times of the year. Maybe that's an entitled attitude, but you feel how you feel, right or wrong.

But I try to remember I had a first day at the gym once too, and you feel lost and probably a little self-conscious. I always respect anyone who walks into the gym instead of staying home and taking the easy route, and just eating junk food on the couch day in and day out with no regard for your health or appearance. I of course laugh to myself at the guy wearing jeans on the treadmill, but what are you gonna do? As true as it is that 90-95% of these people will fail to follow through, I hope all 100% make a positive life change. And those who don't are gone almost as quick as they came, so in two weeks it's a non-issue again. That said, I was definitely complaining earlier today that I wanted to go lift but there's no way I'm setting foot in there during peak hours. AND it's chest day, but every asshole there will be on the bench press and the free benches will all be taken too. So fuck that noise. But it's all good, by February 1st it's all over👍

[myTake Owner]

I think you are one of the few who has understood this take. I said and I absolutely do mean that I appreciate those that come in and want to workout, want to learn, want to grow.. and that's even if they fail, because like you've said, I was new once too, but it's the extra people who come in who just want to sit on the machines and take equipment and take pictures with it and talk on phones and do nothing that weren't there previously, and not because they don't know how to use machines, but because they signed up just to sign up to do what, I don't know. Sure we've all paid for the service, but if you can't even use what you've paid for not because someone else is actually using it, but someone else is using it to talk on a phone or talk to their friends, that IS a problem.

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

YOU should stay home. Because even though you're at the gym year round, why are you there? Why do you go to, and won't leave (seriously, why won't you leave?), a big commercial gym that gets over crowded during the early months of the year?

The truth is, everyone goes to the gym for different, but equally terrible, reasons. New Years resolutions, year round attention, TVs and indoor temperatures to make sure their cardio sessions aren't as effective, over sized mirrors to "watch their form" while simultaneously compromising their form to watch, etc... but everyone has to start somewhere.

People truly dedicated to fitness, run on the roads not dreadmills; they cycle on an actual bicycles not stationary and indoors; they buy home equipment, because they don't want snowy days to discourage them; and they never do CrossFit, because kipping pulls ups are fucking lame.

And that's the truth. So, how's this for a New Years resolution-- Get out of the gym, and take control of your life.

[Stmarco]

Its like negative 30 here, not going outside for nothin lol

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

@Stmarco That's my point when I said everyone has to start somewhere. A gym is a great place to create momentum. But, once you have mental confidence and consistency, you can deal with greater physical challenges. Running in the cold, while not desirable, is great for your endurance. The gym is an obstacle to that progression, by creating the idea that you should always be comfortable when you work out. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. You need to be comfortable enough to stay consistent in training, but uncomfortable enough to see your greatest progressions. That's why I think the gym is great for a newbie, or a good supplement for a regular athlete. But I believe it becomes a terrible place, when you think you have to go there to get fit.

[Stmarco]

No, runnong in the cold isn't good for the body and if you slip and fall, have a medical emergency. etc you'll die before you're found here

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

@Stmarco I'm not sure why you think it is bad for your body. You realize the majority of marathons are held in October/November specifically because colder weather is safer, right? I live in Maine, was born with asthma and I have run through plenty of winters safely. I don't know where you live, but here in Maine our roads get plowed and salted. You shouldn't slip and fall if you run on bare pavement and that should be the case 90% of winter days (schools generally only have 5 snow days-- so the ice isn't there often). And if that isn't an option, running with a shorter gait and proper equipment makes it super easy. Have you never heard of studs or cleats? running.competitor.com/.../HillSound-gaiter.jpg

You can also go snow shoe running which is even safer than regular running. And in fact, running on a treadmill and slipping and falling is probably the worst scenario possible.

There's a plethora of safe options. You're just lazy mentally and physically.

[Stmarco]

Lazy. bitch fuck off

[Stmarco]

Your scrawny ass calling me lazy, how rich

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

@Stmarco I'm scrawny at about 170lbs 5'7" ? Lol. How much you squat, bro? Can you even do 2 plates, let alone 4?

Let's see your body to back up all this ego. Make sure to hold a little paper with St "Mr Big Stuff" Marco on it, so we can verify it's you.

Or are you all talk? Don't talk about my body, when you're too much of an insecure weakling to show yours.

[Stmarco]

How cute you're just a little guy. The truth doest advertise. Later punk

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

@Stmarco yeah that's what I thought. A little man-child acting all big on the internet, cowers away when confronted on his BS.

[TuMeManques]

I just grin and bear the influx of resolution people. I've found it stays busy until about March and it drives me nuts but I'd never go up and offer advice to someone unless they asked.
Luckily I know enough exercises that it doesn't matter how busy the gym is, I can just change up my routine and still get a good workout in.

[myTake Owner]

That's really all you can do in the long run. I appreciate the people who really want to be there and are trying to do what they need to do for themselves, but it's the extra people who sit on the machines on cell phones, or hog equipment doing absolutely nothing with it because they are just there and not doing anything other than posting selfies with hashtags that actually bother me.

[TuMeManques]

I completely agree!

[TheRebelReturns]

Get over yourself. People like you are the reason why people who should be going to the gym are self-conscious about going in the first place. I actually find it inspiring when I see someone actually trying to make effort who would otherwise be sitting on their ass at home.

You sound like an asshole.

[Anonymous]

well we all have our own little special spaces in this world that we get possessive of and think other people don't belong in if they aren't just like us don't we? lol. Gawd... have u ever heard people give reasons they don't keep going to the gym? high on the list is that there's too many judgmental assholes there that make fun of people trying to learn rather than offer to help them. Until your name is on the front of the gym building, just chill and try to deal with people that aren't just like you, coming into that place to do what they have every right to do. <3 happy new year! I hope it's January 12 months in a row for u. hehe

[Darkfairie17]

This ^ I like you ^.^

[Chico_brah]

Who the fuck cares? More people to meet.. More network to build. If someone doesn't know what they are doing then why not just help them out? If I see a fat dude using the leg press as a shoulder press then I'll tell him the correct way to do it and motivate him to stay on track.

[Sara413]

If people want to try to get into better habits, that's great! Yeah, many do end up dropping off after a couple months but so what? That's none of your concern.

You do realize that one of the major reasons people stop going to the gym is because they feel judged and uncomfortable, right? I think we would all be better off if we were all a little more encouraging toward one another. If you see someone at the gym what clearly has no idea what they're doing, at the very least look away rather than stare or laugh or scowl at them... even better, say hi, acknowledge that you've never seen them here before, and ask if they'd like to be shown around.

Instead of acting like you're better than the January go getters and contributing to the atmosphere that drives them away, wouldn't it be better to welcome new members and encourage them to stick with it?

[Centurion20000]

Do you own the gym? No? Then shut the F@#$ up and let other people workout in peace.

Nothing worse than arrogant nutballs at the gym who think it's their private club.

And this coming from a woman? Lady some of those out of shape dudes will still faceplant you without breaking a sweat.

[RJGraveyTrain]

Maybe instead of trying to discourage people by telling them to get out of "your gym" (pretty sure the gym rats don't own the place) we could encourage people to actually continue. Yes, some people give up but not everybody does. The gym is a public place where people can go regardless of if they're intending to do it long term or not. I think it's better to be supportive of people instead of just claiming that they have no right to be there.

I get it, when I went to the gym it was annoying but in general I didn't like the people being around me either, so I bought my own equipment and workout from home. There's little else you can do but accept it, be supportive or just wait it out.

[Phoenix98]

An a fitness professional and a bodybuilder and guy who used to work at a gym I agree with this message.

LOL omg this picture could not be more true if it tried.
cf.girlsaskguys.com/.../...b-9777-95d1e2962952.jpg

But come on lets be honest it is kind of funny watching them in between sets am I right? They're like how do I use this *stares at barbell* haha.

[1GuyOpinion]

While I get what you're trying to say, they still pay for the membership just like everybody else. Don't act so entitled just because you're a "regular user".

[Imafreespirit]

What the hell? I couldn't disagree more, why would you care so much anyway? at least they're doing something for themselves, let them be. taking one step is better than taking none
No one was born knowing how to use the equipment, you started somewhere too

[Anonymous]

What you really need is not an empty gym; you need to make a resolution to get your nose out of the air, get that stick out of your ass and be less arrogant and judgmental in 2017.

[myTake Owner]

Cute comment, but if you read the last line... or any of the real content of what was written , it's far from being judgmental.

[Opinion Owner]

You're joking, right? Your entire take is oozing with elitist and judgmental language. The fact you don't even see it speaks volumes.

[myTake Owner]

do explain, because I'm sure you will, how saying that I want to encourage those who want to make changes, and want to learn, and grow to actually show up at the gym, but those more concerned with selfies and not doing anything but hanging around and cluttering up the equipment, to go home. Do explain how encouraging those not sure if a gym is for them to save their money and not get roped into some expensive as F__K gym membership until they can get started on their own. I'll wait...

[Anonymous]

Oh get off of it! Like it's even YOUR gym. It's so entitled of you to think that you have any more of a right to the gym as anyone else does. If you don't like other people in YOUR gym. Then actually spend the money and buy YOUR OWN equipment and make a home gym. That way you can do as you please.

People are just trying to better themselves. It's the negative people like you who ruin the gym experience for everyone.

[Elarra]

Who cares? At least they're putting in the effort, even if it doesn't last. It's more than what most of the population does. Learn to share.

[Anonymous]

I just get annoyed when they are sitting at a machine and aren't even working out. There will be like a group of 5 skinny guys just all circling around the row machine laughing at each others jokes with none of them actually using it. I want to murder them.

[glitterberryalisa]

But... is it YOUR gym? Do you own that gym? Do you own the world? NO. Let people do what they want, at least give them credit for trying. We need less negative, selfish people in this world, come on, there's way bigger problems.

[Anonymous]

I don't go to the gym. I like it better at home where I have my music that I can play loud, my fan on me, the cold drinks that I want, I don't have to take the time to get ready to drive to and from the gym, it costs so much less to own the equipment that it does to have a gym membership for years, and I have my equipment available to me whenever I want.

[ThisDudeHere]

Better that people try than not do it at all. At least someone will stick on for longer than just one month.

[madhatters4]

exactly

[ASEXY]

Nope, there's no need to exclude people. They're not hurting anyone.