anyone else dreading the influx of newbies at the gym

[ElizabethHoover]

i love them COMING -just hate the effects on classes.

Last year I reckon most of them give up by half term or March - what do you think?>

[18yearstooold]

I went to the gym once, I was walking on the treadmill, the others were in use and I'd been on for approximately 3 minutes
This guy kept staring at me, after another couple of minutes he came and told me to get off so someone who wanted to do some proper exercise could use it and I could go for a walk in the park for the same effect

Well no actually, I can't
I have MS which causes balance issues and I also have arthritis in my hip
The paths in the park are not flat and have obstacles such as broken slabs, sticks and dog poo to be negotiated

I chose the gym because it was a safe environment, if I needed to stop I could just stop without the worry of getting back to my car

That man made me feel so small and embarrassed I couldn't go back

[RabbitOfNegativeEuphoria]

Julius - I'm terrified of spinning. My arse is very boney and I fear that I'd be in agony. Everyone I know who does it loves it - but I fear it's not for me. :(

[Kristingle]

No, it doesn't bother me at all, I'm pleased to see them

Can't understand why anyone would resent anyone else working on their health and fitness . Good luck to them all

[ElizabethHoover]

if you can ride a bike you can spin

[dementedpixie]

I have tried spin a couple of times and it is not for me. Felt like I was going to die and had a sore butt for days afterwards. Dh likes it though.

[RabbitOfNegativeEuphoria]

Elizabeth I can't, comfortably. That's how I know I can't spin.

[5EllipticGoldRings]

I always wear my padded cycling trousers for spin but we spend so little time on the seat I don't know why I bother .
The first time I went I thought I was going to to die and I had to lay down for the rest of the afternoon, but after that I changed gyms and found a good instructor who showed me how to pace myself and not worry about what the others were doing. Now I can spin with the best of them.

[IronMaggie]

I can see the OP's point, in a way. My gym is really tiny - you could fit maybe 8 people in there at a pinch, so space is very limited. I also don't really like using it when there are other people in there; although I go regularly I still get very self-conscious and hate people making comments about what I'm doing (which they invariably do).

By March / April, things are back to normal and I can pretty much guarantee I'll be the only one there again, just the way I like it. Until then I can just run outside and / or do weights at home. (I realise it's not the idea of paying for a gym membership, but I reeeally don't like people looking at me).

[Pagwatch]

18yearstooold

That's bloody awful - I would have reported him.
I have to do a 15 minute walking warm up. If anyone said that to me I'd get the manager and go batshit - but I understand why you couldn't as you felt awful.
You really really should try not to judge gyms by that bad experience. I know it's hard but really, every single person I know who goes to the gym know how much effort it takes to get there and respects every person in there.

Could you have a look and see if your gym does any starter programmes.
Some years back I did a 'lose and shape up' 12 week programme at David Lloyd. The hardest bit was signing up. When I got there we were all different ages and sizes, we were all there because we needed to be and I made friends. We supported each other.

[TeenyfTroon]

Yes it's annoying, tho for me its just the pool that gets overfull. My classes could do with more people. I live in fear that they will stop!

potatoprints, I'm horrified by your suggestion of missing a couple of weeks. (Think it was you but can't check!) At nearly 60 I find I just can't afford to miss a class or swim EVER! It takes so much longer to regain fitness than it used to.

I despair of the lack of young things at anything fitness related. I started with Jane Fonda and I think all my fellow starters are still here

I welcome every new person - some will stick and that can't be bad. Doesn't mean I don't feel irritated but I would only ever confess it on MN.

[helenenemo]

One problem at my gym is that the regulars do the classes even if they're gull and they're not booked on and won't allow extra space.

[gazouille]

I keep procrastinating. I must book my classes as far ahead as possible. Yes, I also find it annoying but I am gradually failing to see the point of classes in general. I think I am an antisocial exerciser and if only I knew whether I was pushing myself enough in my solitary efforts, I would forgo my place at classes altogether. The prob with local authority gyms is that you cannot get a decent level of interaction with the staff at non peak times for love nor money. I'm not even sure why they are there at all

[IronMaggie]

And people who are newer to exercising, pleeease don't be put off by thinking that the regulars are judging you, everyone has to start somewhere!

[ElizabethHoover]

well, it has not really started so far... HOW ODD

this thread must have worked

[BiscuitsAreMyDownfall]

My gym was a little busier this morning, but not too bad, but as I have said its a new gym with not many people yet anyway. Ive booked for my first class since Christmas and there was one other person booked in. Im hoping that more will come.

[BiscuitsAreMyDownfall]

Although I forgot to add that apperently my local Parkrun has had its record attendance smashed this morning apparently.

[dementedpixie]

My classes don't start back until Monday. I normally see numbers build up in the few weeks after new year rather than right away - maybe it takes a few weeks to pluck up the courage to start going.

[RabbitOfNegativeEuphoria]

I can't go on my local park run as they welcome dogs. :(

[SurlyCue]

Not wishing to reignite the row but i saw this and it reminded me of this thread

[Elliptic5]

[meltedmonterayjack]

I joined in November on one of the government's pilot 'lets get active' schemes. The council run gyms run free 1 hr sessions for people who normally wouldn't use a gym for whatever reason. It's the first time I've ever been able to go because my income is so low.

The sessions are usually packed. I alternate between 2 gyms, one of which is minute - 1 exercise bike, 3 treadmills, 2 elliptical trainers etc. So if I don't get in exactly on time and make a dash for the bike, it's very difficult to get to use it within the hour at the best of times.

I'm waiting for the January influx to absolutely swamp the place any minute now which will be a bummer when there's so little equipment.

It's a great scheme though and there are people of all ages, abilities, sizes and shapes. Some people just walk very slowly on the treadmill while others are going hell for leather. No posers either.

[GoodKingQuintless]

Yes, OP, we have all decided to join in February, just to get to you when you thought you were safe!

[GoodKingQuintless]

And to be a real pain in the arse, I will hog the equipment, and I will NOT wipe it down after, so I will leave it sweaty and sticky, just for you....

I may also fart on the bicycle seat

[Kristingle]

Rabbit - all parkruns welcome dogs but they have to be on a short lead. Most runners with dogs have them on a harness, they shouldn't be anywhere near other runners . They usually stay near the back, well out the way .

I'm guessing you don't like dogs ?

[Elliptic5]

First 'spin' of the year today, hardly anyone in the class - just a few regulars and a couple of the gym staff.
However, despite the cycling I've done over Christmas, I still began to feel I wouldn't make it to the end of the class - had to keep my resistance pretty low by the end .