You know the time of year. Your gym gets crowded. All those New Year resolutions begin in earnest and now every rack, machine, and dumbbell is occupied and confiscated. You look around in frustration as newbie gym goers flock to your hallowed hall that is your sanctuary, your temple, your “house.”
The consensus among your fellow veterans is that of dismay, disgust, and anger as you try your best to traverse the new rush of members painstakingly attempting to stick to your program — a program that’s been well-established and earned.
What to do with all of these gym newbies. How do you politely tell them to get out of your way? How do you sweep them all up and out the door? How do you tell all of these lost, wondering souls to step aside and just quit already?
Paradigm shift
When I was in my teens and twenties I was exactly like that. I dreaded the January rush of new members to my gym. I had my tried and true program in hand, I had my group of fellow gym rats, and I felt as if I had some type of ownership in the place. Not one of greedy possession, but one of familiarity and knowing how one should behave in my particular gym.
Now that I’m much older and wiser I have a very different point of view. My perspective has shifted fortified by years of experiences and a sense of empathy.
Years ago our Air National Guard unit would cycle through First Seargents. It was routine to have a new “First Shirt” every few years. Traditionally, they were strict disciplinarians who commanded adherence, accountability, and punctuation. They were the stern mother hens of the unit. Always watching, always questioning, and always keeping track.
One year we ushered in a new First Seargent. Right off the bat, I knew he was different. Upon roll call an Airman wasn’t present. Normally, this would result in him being labeled as late, and would have some sort of extra duty assigned to him due to his tardiness. Instead, the First Shirt simply said, “Does anyone know where he is? Could someone please find out if he is okay? We want to make sure he isn’t stranded on the side of the road or anything.”
Now, don’t get me wrong he wasn’t being soft. He was simply trying to find out what exactly was the problem and if they needed help. If it was an issue of being late, appropriate discipline would be issued. But if something was going on outside of their control, especially for an individual with no track record of such behavior, then we needed to lend a hand.
I’m here to help
The lesson I learned was to be a little more empathetic, more understanding, and more accepting. Yes, we all still need to know right from wrong and learn from mistakes, however, we are all in this together and should treat each other with respect — the same respect we would treat our close circle of friends and family.
The gym is no different. I’ve always said that we are all roommates (gym members), paying rent (gym memberships), and need to take care of the furniture (equipment). No matter your experience level, age, or goals we all need to be available to help each other.
Instead of dreading those newbies occupying equipment or wandering around like lost armadillos, let’s offer a helping hand. Let’s cultivate an environment of openness and kindness. Be a role model and represent the gym, which you love so much, in a good light.
More times than not, new members are signed up and thrown out to the wolves. Many don’t receive much guidance or proper instruction. They are simply set free to fend for themselves.
They need help.
Be a positive influence
Don’t be that guy? You know what I’m talking about — the angry tough guy mumbling under his breath about how much he hates resolution-ers invading his gym. How he wishes they would just leave already. I mean, they’re all going to quit anyway so why even start?
Instead, be that other guy. The one who politely walks over to lend a helping hand. To offer assistance, ask questions, and maybe have a few answers. Be a positive influence, a beacon, a proper representative of not only the gym but of yourself as well.
Try a few of these things and see what happens.
- Say a kind word
- Introduce yourself
- Be available and approachable
- Offer to spot someone
- Strike up some small talk
I guarantee you’ll start to develop a better, more personal community. You’ll also create an atmosphere of camaraderie and support that will encourage others to join in.
Be a solution, not just a problem
Yes, the gym will be crowded, it will be frustrating at first, but it happens every year. Don’t get angry trying to identify the problems. Instead, be someone with a solution — be a resource, a positive role model.
But what about those newbies with their phones out and sitting on benches and machines scrolling away?
Kindly, ask if you can work in with them or ask how many more sets they have left. Do that enough times and they will get the idea. Don’t get angry. Be a teacher and an example of proper gym etiquette.
What to do with all those gym newbies? Help them.
So, go to the gym, help some people, and get in some great workouts for the new year together.
Happy lifting!
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BRAD BORLAND 