This post was originally titled “why I hate the gym in January” but I decided to start out on a more positive note. So, it’s the first week of January and everyone is back on the healthy eating and exercise kick. However, that can make things a little stressful at the gym for the next few weeks. How do you survive the gym in January? I’ve got a few tips to help you get in, get it done and leave with your sanity in tact.
Give yourself an extra few minutes
I literally have it timed right down to the minute as to when I can leave my house, arrive at the gym and walk into my spin class just as the previous class is finishing. That is probably not going to work this month. Instead of stressing about being late because I have to park farther away and wait longer to check in at the desk, I am going to leave 5 minutes earlier.
Go at off times
If your schedule is at all flexible, the gym can be much more enjoyable at off peak times. Less stress about waiting for machines or looking for an empty locker to store your stuff.
Try a new class
Regular class too crowded? This is a great time of year to mix up your own routine and check out a new class.
Be prepared
Fill up your water bottle at home, pack your own towel and bring along your own gym lock. This one is my favorite and love how the code is a word that you set instead of a number. #Goals anyone? (Amazon affiliate link)
Set a good example
You know those people who spread out everything in their bag all over the locker room leaving no space for anyone else? Don’t be one of them! Showing some newbies the “how to’s” of how it’s done at your gym can avoid some of gym annoyances. See someone who looks a little lost? Offer to help them find the cycle room or the clean towels.
Exercise a little patience
Remember it was once your first day at the gym too and you may not have been as confident as you are today. (I am still going to want my bike though 🙂 ).
Tell me: How do you survive the gym in January? What annoys you most?
Yep, I am definitely feeling the new year’s resolutions crowds lately – even when I’m just walking around the park! I know Zumba classes will be FULL next week when they start back up again too!
Yes I am sure they will be full!
I dont go to a gym these days but I definitely remember the January crowds from back when I still had my membership! Going early and prepared are great tips. It definitely slows down after a few weeks so its just all about making it through this month!
Yes making it through this month is key!
PLEASE EVERYONE BE NICE! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Yes that would be nice!
Hey I love your new header, it looks great! These are great tips. I only belong to my gym at work and I doubt that it’ll be too crowded, but I totally agree that setting a good example makes a difference. I really like that lock too!
That’s great that you don’t have to deal with the crowds and thanks on the header 🙂
These are all so true and great reminders for the first 2 weeks in January! It really drives me bonkers when people do not clean the equipment. It takes 15 seconds. Take the time to clean up your sweat and cooties! 😉
I know seriously can be really gross!
When I used to go to the gym, I loathed January. All these rookies, in my gym? On my machines? In my classes? We do get a little of that in yoga, but it’s not horrible. I don’t miss that at all. Funny thing, it’s like that at Whole Foods too. People think just shopping there is going to make them healthy. Fortunately for me, most of them go back to their unhealthy ways by February and I get the store back to myself…
ha ha you are so right about whole foods!
Love the reminder to exercise patience – that holds true everywhere! I’m not really annoyed by newbies – I try to welcome and encourage if I can.
It’s definitely a nice thing to do!
My goal as a fitness pro is to keep all those newbies around, so I hope everyone will follow your advice and be patient with them. Maybe even strike up a conversation to help them feel more comfortable. And suggest a few sessions with a trainer is a great idea! 😉
Absolutely!
So far my gym hasn’t been too bad but I go at 5 a.m. so most of the newbies are probably later in the day. I think patience is important though. I never want to discourage new people from getting healthy, so I try to be as helpful as I can.
I bet you do have a quiet gym at 5 am
Oh the gym in January…I have a love/hate relationship with it. I’ll definitely be trying to leave work as close to as time as I can, and head straight to the gym instead of going home first, in hopes of beating some of the New Year’s crowd.
Good luck to you!!
One of the perks of having a small gym in my apartment building is avoiding the resolution crowds, though there were more people that usual at the gym. I tend to go in with a back up plan for the first few weeks of the year in case the equipment I need is taken.
I bet that it helps a lot to have a gym in your building
These are great tips to stay sane during that January gym rush!
It can be a little crazy!
My first day in January is today actually. So we will see how it is. I think it is important to freely throw out encouragement to those who are trying. Yea they may not last long but they surely aren’t if someone is ugly to them and they feel embarrassed. I remember the first time I walked in a gym!
Yes we all had a first day! Good luck today
Ah yes, the resolutioners! I actually just avoid my gym in January unless I can get there at a really off time, which I sometimes can because of my flexible work schedule. It just turns into a complete zoo. My barre studio has been extra packed as well, but not as crazy as the gym!
It can be a little chaotic for sure. I run outside whenever I can and just go to the gym for spin and swim.
Great advice!!! I cannot imagine having to deal with going to the gym this time of year. I don’t share too well, haha!
Right there with you! 🙂
I just go and do my own thing and focus on my music and try not to get caught up in the amount of people at the gym! I go for myself 🙂 and leave after a strong workout!
Great way to approach it!
Fortunately, I have enough stuff at home that I don’t need to go to a gym. The husband always gets a quarterly membership ( it begins in January and he lets it expire in April…then renews it the following January #smalltownliving). He likes the early morning spin class (at 5:30) because it’s not usually very crowded.
Small towns do have their perks!
great info! i have never been able to handle the gym in Jan, I usually just don’t go – well I don’t go ever anymore i stick to the streets and my ‘home gym’ but when I had a membership I remember it being so crowded and frustrating
It really can be but I do love my spin class 🙂
These are awesome tips for the gym when it’s packed for the new year. I totally agree with off-peek times. When I did go to the gym, I always tried to go while most were at work. I also skip classes and do my own thing (usually with an at-home workout) when it’s busy like this month and when the kids are out of school…the gym is packed those days for whatever reason!
OH yes school holidays are the worst days to go at my gym!!
If I go to the gym it’s during non peak time or for a class. The key is to remember we are all there to be active and get /maintain our health.
Yes absolutely!
This is why I’m glad I don’t go to a gym. Because I would totally be the newbie walking around looking like an idiot trying to find a clean towel. Haha. Maybe one of these days when it’s not peak season I’ll try out a gym. 🙂
LOl I doubt that!
Great tips!
Honestly I was worried about barre being packed after the new year. Especially after going the Friday before Christmas and a couple days last week when it was PACKED! It went ok but I was like if it’s going to be this packed after the new year I’m not sure I can handle it. I don’t like people being right on top of me when I work out. Luckily it’s been ok, so far, knock on wood.
I haven’t had to deal with the New Years rush in years.
Yes I hate when people are so close to me!
Funny that you mention the parking. That is exactly what I thought last night when I was there. Heck I had to park two stores over and walk. Guess I shouldn’t complain about walking to the gym if my intentions are to work out. What’s a few extra steps anyway?
I know seriously except when it’s freezing cold!!
These are great tips – thanks so much for sharing!
I think it’s really important to get to the gym a few minutes earlier than usual, especially for classes. It seems like the classes are always full in January!
I know it does! Still hoping I can snag my usual bike tomorrow
I’m actually glad I no longer go to the gym. I use to love it but after working out at home so long I certainly do not miss all those annoyances, inconveniences and awkward moments at the gym.
I hear you! I mostly work out at home or run outside myself but I do go to swim and cycle
Haha, Love the locker! I have to get that one later on 🙂
It’s a good one!
Give yourself an extra few minutes – that’s a good tip.. I’m at time where I have to be. But when it comes to a gym… I can walk to it longer or leave early just because the time is out.. But now.. I have to do it right 😀 🙂
Yes walking to the gym is great!
Great post! I love how you put a positive perspective on the busyness of the gym in the New Year! Our outlook definitely helps to make it less stressful.
You know it really can! thanks
I was complaining about this the other day to a friend. She pointed out that the resolutioners (who sign up for a gym membership but quit coming after a few weeks) actually pay for the nice equipment the rest of us enjoy year-round. Keeping this in mind makes it much easier for me to accept the crowds 🙂
ha ha good point!
Yes, these are needed tips. The gym has gotten a bit more crowded hasn’t it! But the New Year is off to a great start. Love your new header!
Thanks so much!
That lock is just too cute!
I’m always happy to see so many people wanting to get healthy each new year, but sad that so few of the newbies can last long enough to give a healthy lifestyle a chance…
I know but there is always hope at the beginning of the year.
I recently cancelled my gym membership because I wasn’t using it enough, but I definitely remember that it could be frustrating at this time of year. I think exercising patience is the most important, because as you mentioned, it was once your first time at the gym too and everyone deserves to feel welcome and a part of the community. Happy new year!
Thanks happy new year to you as well. I mostly work out at home or run outside and really only use the gym for spin and swimming.
Love that lock!
Thanks I always know which locker is mine 🙂
All great tips! hmm…I think what annoys me the most, in general not even just with newbies, is people who lolligag on machines. like the squat rack or bench press. At my gym, it’s a lot of teens too, so the guys will go with their friends and hog up some benches foreverrrrr. So annoying lol
I can definitely see how that can be annoying!