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2009-12-28 10:01 AM

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Champion
11641
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Fairport, NY
Subject: Crowded Pools and Gyms

As happens every year around this time, over the next few days we should start to see posts from people making observations about their gyms, particularly how crowded they are with new people. A couple of years back I posted the following in response to some of those observations. It has become something of a tradition that I re-post it in order to add a little perspective to what will surely be stressful and inconvenient in the coming weeks for many of us.



We're endurance athletes. We train all year not only outside, but also at the gym and the pool. We can expect some serious crowding in both places for the next few weeks. It happens every year.

Suddenly we have to add 30 minutes to our scheduled gym time because of the "resolutionists". There are no parking places. When you do manage to find one and get to the locker room 10 minutes behind schedule, there aren't any lockers available and the door is blocked by someone trying to remember the way to the weight room. In there, the machines you need to use are all occupied by people in new track suits pushing too much weight with truly horrible form. The bubbler is blocked by someone who is trying hard not to look totally out of their element. You can't get in the pool because it's jammed with people using pull buoys on their arms and kickboards as flotation devices. Half the lanes have people with no goggles and baggy swim trunks down to their knees who can't swim an entire lap.

The whole freakin' place is filled with...with...

beginners.

It's one of my favorite sights. I've never been in a place more full of hope than a gym during the first week of January. It's a place full of people giving action to their dreams. People who for that day are making an effort to be fit, to improve themselves, to live a better quality of life. The effort and courage it takes them to get there that morning is huge. It certainly exceeds what it takes me. I know where everything is. I know the pool etiquette. I know what my workout is going to be and how to use the machines.  I'm not the least bit embarrassed to take my shirt off in the locker room. This is routine for me. These new people will be showing a lot of courage and determination by going to the gym in the next few weeks and they'll deserve my respect. They'll get it.

It wasn't that long ago that I was one of them. During the next few weeks I'll be making an effort to help some of these people feel a little less uncomfortable. Maybe make eye contact with some of them, be ready to give a nod or say hello.

Once we're halfway into February, the crowds will be gone. Parking will be easy. Machines will be available again. The wait at the pool will go away. We know this. We're endurance athletes. We know the reward that comes from sticking through the hard parts.

And from helping others through them.

 



2009-12-28 10:05 AM
in reply to: #2579989

New user
20

Westmoreland County
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Well said!!

Paul
2009-12-28 10:10 AM
in reply to: #2579989

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Extreme Veteran
353
1001001002525
New York
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Awesome post, thank you!
2009-12-28 10:28 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Pro
4054
200020002525
yep,
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms

thanks again Marma

2009-12-28 10:33 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Regular
84
252525
California
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Super! 
2009-12-28 11:01 AM
in reply to: #2579989

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Master
1927
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Guilford, CT
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Ok, so your saying I shouldn't bother to start swimming again until February. I think I can swing that.


2009-12-28 11:19 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Regular
79
252525
Portland
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms

Thanks for this post.This was me last year and since then I have taken swim lessons DNF'D ( talk about feeling inadequate )in an 800m open water swim race , continuosly got "chicked" and still do while swimming,running and biking but thats ok at least I have pace booty. I  finshed several 5k- 10k, a couple of trail races and 2 half marathons, joined a local triathlon club and am actually training with them. I am currently training for my first 15 mile trail run and preparing for my first tri in June. So happy New Year to all of the Beginners out .there

2009-12-28 11:28 AM
in reply to: #2579989

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Regular
121
100
Franklin, VA
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Thanks for the (re)post.  I wasn't hanging around here last year to enjoy it.
I appreciate the perspective.  Not too long ago, I was one of "them".  In many ways, the only difference between them and me is the start date.  (I'm not a new year's resolution person.  If it's a good idea to do it, why wait?)
In the past I would struggle with the crowds around the weight room.  But every once in a while, that new person would become a regular.  And sometimes something amazing would happen--a transformation!  It was always really cool to see someone make that difficult transition.  So thanks for the reminder that I can be friendly and encourage someone.  Who knows?  Maybe I can help be a catalyst for change in someone.

Edited by skiplong 2009-12-28 11:34 AM
2009-12-28 11:36 AM
in reply to: #2580187

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Champion
8540
50002000100050025
the colony texas
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
I'd swear that you rewrite this every year, since I seem to find something new in it

I"m glad you have made this a tradition
2009-12-28 11:40 AM
in reply to: #2580209

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Champion
4835
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Eat Cheese or Die
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Gaarryy - 2009-12-28 11:36 AM

I'd swear that you rewrite this every year, since I seem to find something new in it

I"m glad you have made this a tradition


Couldn't have said it better.
2009-12-28 3:06 PM
in reply to: #2579989

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Regular
534
50025
Philadelphia
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Just a few years ago, I was one of those fat, stupid, uncoordinated beginners getting in everyone's way. So the January rush makes me happy too -- it reminds me of when I decided to get off the couch and do something, and how much I've learned since I made that decision. Thanks, marmadaddy.


2009-12-28 3:14 PM
in reply to: #2579989

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2009-12-28 3:37 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Champion
10018
50005000
, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms

I love this message, it's so true.  I gave up on the gym for many, many, years  - always in approximately February.

Fortunately one time it stuck.  I was resolved to lose weight after watching a Biggest Loser marathon on New Year's day, 2006.  I signed up at the YMCA shortly after and spent a good 6 months working the elliptical machine and water aerobics and losing 30 lbs.  Decided to sign up for a duathlon that Fall and used those machines to "learn to run" (after finding BT.com natch).

Here I am, a full 3 years later and with 53 (!) races under my belt.  I am sorry to whomever I may have ticked off that January in 2006, but thanks for putting up with me.  A kind smile at the treadmill or poolside kept me coming back and I'll try to pay it forward.

2009-12-28 3:40 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Pro
5169
50001002525
Burbs
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Curtisb - 2009-12-28 4:22 PM I made a remark in the locker room today that every ones new year resolution was loosing weight because this place is packed. I got some strange looks from people i have never seen before. I wasnt trying to be rude but something we will have to put up with for a few weeks.


.... I think you might be missing the OP's point.

Thanks, marma, for the reminder.

I tend to get annoyed easily and I'll keep this in mind the next time I'm at the gym/ pool !

it's good to keep in mind that we were all beginners once !

Edited by trishie 2009-12-28 3:42 PM
2009-12-28 4:06 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Expert
1121
1000100
Chicago
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Pull bouys aren't for arms?!  Just kidding, good perspective.
2009-12-28 4:22 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Veteran
155
1002525
Pittsburgh, PA
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
I'm usually at the YMCA at 5:30am - - - not many folks there but the hardcore. 


2009-12-28 4:25 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Pro
6011
50001000
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
I didn't read every post, so maybe someone already said this, but another reason not to complain about the crowded gyms in January and February is that the people who only go for 1 or 2 months then stop going usually signed a contract for a year.  The fees they pay help keep the costs of your membership lower throughout the entire year.
2009-12-28 6:54 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Pro
4360
200020001001001002525
Baton Rouge area
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Nice (re)post.  Dec 2008 I started training for Tri's and I am still at it!  Happy holidays everyone!
2009-12-28 8:39 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Master
1887
1000500100100100252525
Loveland, Ohio
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Love it!
2009-12-28 9:35 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Champion
7821
50002000500100100100
Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Whenever I get annoyed by the crowds in January, I always think of this post. It's a Holiday Tradition!
2009-12-28 9:44 PM
in reply to: #2579989

Expert
1276
1000100100252525
Salem
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Went to the gym this evening and it was pretty bare.  I did see more people sitting at the tables signing up though.  It will be intersting to see if more people show up to the early morning (5:15 am) Indoor Cycling Class tomorrow and if I can get a bike.  I'll have to get there early just in case.

 


2009-12-29 12:59 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Expert
977
500100100100100252525
Huntington Beach
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
What a great way to look at things!  Thanks for the perspective shift!
2009-12-29 7:41 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Expert
1461
10001001001001002525
Sarnia, Ontario
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Thanks for posting this... its nice that more and more people can have a positive attitude towards the resolutioners.  Maybe if this catches one a few more will stick around after Feb.  We should all be supportive and remember the courage it takes to start working out and how daunting and scary the whole gym environment can be to some one new to it.  Fitness IS hard to stick with and without the proper guidance and support not many will.

Reminds me a little of the post a while back about "That Guy"


2009-12-29 7:44 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Master
1402
1000100100100100
Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
Excellent post, thank you!
2009-12-29 7:56 AM
in reply to: #2579989

Master
1436
100010010010010025
Wilmington
Subject: RE: Crowded Pools and Gyms
One way I found to get ride of those people who are not ment to be in the swim lane is swim 2 laps butterfly. The waves and all the splashing will get them out that lane chop chop.
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