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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed at all the january gym goers.

251 replies

Hannah4banana · 03/01/2017 20:14

I know iabu so it's just a rant really.
It's great that people decide to get fit but I'm struggling to get into classes that I've been going to for over a year and its mobbed sane as last January.
I know it will all die down again by February. The gym booking system crashed today because there was so many people trying to access it!
Good luck to anyone starting a new e revise plan, I hope you manage to stick to it Halo

OP posts:
Original poster
Hannah4banana · 03/01/2017 22:23

I've been a gym member for years. I know iabu but I was disappointed I couldn't get to the classes I regularly go to. Problem solved anyway as I've just got a bike so I can be anti social and stay in now.

OP posts:
ThirdThoughts · 03/01/2017 22:23

Ha ha. I just joined our local leisure centre membership today. I didn't mean it to be a January thing but December was a bit tight with present buying. I did couch to 5k in the autumn so I've already discovered (belatedly) that I enjoy exercise so will hopefully get the use out of it.

My original plan was to do a novice triathlon early summer (400m swim, 12km bike, 5km run) and then a half marathon later in the year. So I planned to join for the pool and maybe to use the spin machines/treadmill sometimes but I've found out recently that I'm pregnant (one of my main reasons for getting fit was trying to concieve so I'm happy, even though my plans will need to adjust).

I still signed up and will do my swimming though perhaps at a lower intensity than I had planned. I've got an induction at the gym for tomorrow, hopefully regulars will remember that they were new once, January or otherwise and be nice/indifferent rather than irritated.

Surely it is better for beginners to try, and for some it will stick.

QueenMortificado · 03/01/2017 22:25

My post wasn't aimed at you OP, it was to some of the other posts on this thread Flowers

Although it was quite amusing today at spin being asked by three different men if I needed any help setting up my bike. I've been going to that class for about 3 years, I must be invisible usually!

Original poster
Hannah4banana · 03/01/2017 22:26

I get that all the time too! thanks pal but I think I'm sorted Wink

OP posts:
QueenMortificado · 03/01/2017 22:27

I am with Virgin active and I just book classes on the app. In the past few days, I've joined waiting lists and been up to number 28 only to get a text a few hours later saying I have a space.

The app really is brilliant, plus I have 3 close to my work so can always get in to any class. V lucky to have so many close by and be able to go to Virgin

BillThePony · 03/01/2017 22:29

I always have Jan off for this very reason, I use the pool in the morning instead.

dingdongthewitchishere · 03/01/2017 22:30

ThirdThoughts

please get professional advice before joining the gym! Whilst it's fine to keep your current exercise when you are pregnant, it's more tricky to START something new. Swimming is fine (obviously, unless medical problems).

your body does not react the same way when you are pregnant, you are a lot more prone to injuries, strains etc.

If you can, maybe even find a personal trainer specialising in pregnancy. I totally subscribe to the "pregnancy is not a disease" but be careful. I don't want to put you off, being fit and healthy is the best thing for you and your baby, just be careful.

Original poster
Hannah4banana · 03/01/2017 22:30

It really was meant to be light hearted, we have all been there. I was 5 stone overweight but rather than the gym at first I started working out at home doing Jillian Michaels dvds. Once I got my confidence up I started going to classes. I am pretty anti social when I work out.
Best of luck to everyone starting out, I really hope you find the motivation to keep going even when its tough.

OP posts:
ShutTheFuckUpBarbara · 03/01/2017 22:31

Everyone has the right to USE the equipment.

But when I want to use it and there is a gaggle of young men lounging on it taking selfies, it pisses me off. Especially when I ask politely how much longer they are going to "use" it and they look me up and down like I have just spoken an unknown language.

By contrast, people with manners have no problem sharing equipment. I shared a bench press the other day with a man, because all the equipment was taken. We took turns nicely, even though he benched 4x as much weight as I did and we had to load and unload the bar every time we swapped. But it was no problem because we were both USING the equipment, and we were being respectful of each other. This happens with regulars, but not so much with the January crowd.

wictional · 03/01/2017 22:32

This is kind of why I get too anxious to join the gym; I don't want to get judged by the regulars.
Then again, I also got panicky at slimming world tonight, when all the size ten new year new starters came in complaining about being fat, so.

ShutTheFuckUpBarbara · 03/01/2017 22:38

wictional no one will judge you because you're new, I promise!

It's lack of etiquette that is frowned upon, like not putting your equipment away when you're done, not wiping things down, etc.

Being new is absolutely fine though Smile

Mrsmadcatlady · 03/01/2017 22:41

Sometimes being silently judged by smug people makes it more daunting to go back after a period of absence. Ive been a gym goer for 4 years, but I have spent the last 6 months working and looking after my poor dad. New year and a break in his treatment means I might be able to get a quick workout, or god forbid, a class. I'll be hoiking my now rather tight Lycra kecks up and avoiding the glares of the cliquey groups. Sad

ThirdThoughts · 03/01/2017 22:41

Thanks dingdong I'm not planning a heavy workout, just finding out how the equipment works so I can use (mainly the cardio) equipment at a low intensity. I already cycle and do run/walk intervals outside. Being sensible and not pushing myself - just trying to stay active to try and keep healthy. I have a high BMI so its important that I don't give up my new active habits whilst still being sensible.

QueenMortificado · 03/01/2017 22:41

Wictional if you're really nervous it's a good idea to do some exercise yourself first - ie start doing some walking. Also, I know it's really nerve wracking but getting the help of a PT is so worthwhile, they are using to working out with people of all shapes and sizes and will really help you shape your workout and how to do the exercises properly

mumofthemonsters808 · 03/01/2017 22:42

My class was chockablock tonight, but it creates more of an atmosphere when the room is full. I like seeing new faces and everyone has been new at one stage.Im gutted when classes are cancelled due to low numbers, this only tends to happen at peak holiday time thankfully.
I think I make the grade of being slim and caked in makeup, but I've come from work so my make ups been on all day, I don't have designer gear on though and I think my muscle tones ok, I have been useless at some stage but I'm getting better.

Unescorted · 03/01/2017 22:45

I know a lot of people who only join for the dark months - how many threads do we see on here where people complain that they are unable to see cyclists in the dark.
The only time I joined a Gym it was for Dec - Feb & the best, most inspiring person was the lady who had over 50Kg to lose. She was there every day giving it the beans. There were people who made snide comments, some who thought she shouldn't be in a gym - but each time I couldn't motivate myself to get up and do a class I thought of her and her determination. So what if when she started she could only walk on the treadmill, or sweated when she did a spin class. When I find it difficult to get my running shoes on because it is a bit dark, a bit wet, a bit windy or a bit too hot I think of her.

Be thankful the irregular gym user comes to your gym because you can always use their example to motivate yourself. If they can go to a place where they don't know the protocol, do something that is so far out of their comfort zone, in an atmosphere as unwelcoming as your gym then what excuse have you got for not getting there?

TakeItFromMe · 03/01/2017 22:46

I saw a Facebook status like this the other day, tagging herself at the gym and saying how she hated the influx of new members in January. It made me think much less of her, which is a shame.

People should be encouraged to be active whatever month of the year it is! As a previous poster said, the latter months of the year are very expensive, then you get paid at the end of December and you feel a bit flush and you might finally get a gym membership you've been thinking about for a while. Or you might have made new year resolutions. Or both or neither. You might walk on a treadmill, wearing full make up with no muscle definition, or you might just chat to your friends in the sauna. So what? Everyone's paying the same, ish. It makes me cross that people think they can be so smug because they joined a few months back.

I keep myself reasonably fit by running and cycling and swimming in an outdoor pool, but in winter it's cold and dark and I don't want to exercise outside. Why shouldn't I join a gym? Why are all these 'regulars' judging me?

Runny · 03/01/2017 22:51

I've been going to the gym for a while now and had my first experience of the staring mentioned upthread just before Christmas. I was running on the treadmill and just knew someone was staring, turned around and there were two blokes, who without sounding mean we're obviously not regular seasoned gym goers. Gawping at me. Made me feel really uncomfortable, first and only time it's ever happened as well.

Obviously can't blame that on January newbies, lol. But they were obviously people not used to gym etiquette.

Original poster
Hannah4banana · 03/01/2017 22:54

I font really go to the actual "gym" that often but when I do I have found people to be prety helpful. There's a lot more ladies using the compound exercises and lifting heavy. Seems to always draw stares from the blokes. Maybe they're jealous they can't lift as much Grin

OP posts:
Runny · 03/01/2017 22:56

Should also add that my gym is very friendly. None of these cliquey wankers you get in others places, it's why I like going.

Original poster
Hannah4banana · 03/01/2017 22:57

Mine too, no one really socialises round equipt, they just do their workouts and get off.

OP posts:
PlayOnWurtz · 03/01/2017 23:00

Get a dog. Much friendlier than gym bunnies and you can tailor your exercise levels to the breed. Want a short stroll? Get a greyhound or a toy breed. Want to run a marathon, do a triathlon then sled from lands end to John o groats each day? Get a husky or a border collie Grin

None of these obnoxious "Get out of my gym" types then!

1DAD2KIDS · 03/01/2017 23:10

I have my own spinning bike. Lots of good spinning classes on YouTube. Just place bike in front of the big TV and select the class you want to do on YouTube. Although don't place bike directly under the light fitting on the celling. I found that one out the hard way during my first standing sprint.

wictional · 03/01/2017 23:14

I do take my dog for short runs in the summer - but only at dusk when people can't see me! The gym would be a godsend in the darker months but I always feel like i won't be welcome as a new member. Though I'm also the same with pubs Blush

BuggersMuddle · 03/01/2017 23:19

Well having been a regular gym bunny, distance cyclist, obstacle race runner and even attempted traithlon I'll be joining the resolutionaries this year I'm afraid.

Joint issues for DP and health issues for me (and admittedly, relying a bit too much on each other as training buddies) meant I am far less fit than I want to be. January just happens to coincide with meds getting my IBD under control, so I guess I'll be the resolutionary. Ironically I'm now a healthy BMI but not that fit, whereas before I was the slightly chubby woman who could bench close to her own body weight, but everyone assumed would be useless.

Ah well, at least as an old hand I know gym etiquette OP Wink whilst I'm huffing and puffing with a 12kg kettlebell with exercises where I used to use twice that weight.....