I have a different kind of fitness challenge for you this week! Are you up for it? It may take you out of your comfort zone…
First a little background
Did you know that 38% of Americans make weight related resolutions each year? And only 8% of Americans are actually successful in achieving their resolutions?* Whether or not you’re surprised by these numbers, it should help explain why there are more people in the gym in January than there were at the end of last year.
In fact, only 71% of those who made those resolutions are still sticking to them by today – just 2 weeks into the New Year. These numbers make me really sad, because I want everyone to feel the difference that regular exercise can make I their life: more energy, less health problems, improved ability to cope with stress, improved mental clarity…the list keeps going. And looking better naked is an added bonus!
What does this have to do with you?
A “January Joiner” is one of the 38% who made a weight related resolution, wasn’t actively going to the gym when 2012 ended, but is starting the year getting active at gym! It’s often used in a negative light, although I’m turning it around and using it as term of endearment.
Are you a January Joiner? If so – I want to support you! I want you to beat the odds and help raise the percentage of those successful in meeting their goals this year. I can be a good cheerleader and I know others here in the Better With Veggies community are too! Let me know if this is you and how things are going (good or bad) so we can support you.
If you’re not a January Joiner, this is your change to support someone new! Do you remember when you made a choice to make a change? Did people around you support and encourage you? I remember starting running in January of 2002 and it really helped when people encouraged me.
My Challenge to You
Take a look around you the next time you’re at the gym? Do you see some new faces? Instead of grumbling that the machines are full or you someone has the weight you want – smile at someone new. Offer a few words of encouragement. Does someone look confused on a machine or piece of equipment? Ask if you can help.
Believe me, this is WAY more fun than complaining and hoping they’ll go away. Because deep down, I know you really want people to succeed (even if it’s WAY deep down).
*All stats sourced from this reference.
********************
Questions for you:
-
Are you a January Joiner? How are things going? Questions? Successes? Frustrations? How can we encourage you?!
-
Not a January Joiner? Are you ready to accept the challenge and encourage someone over the next week? Let me know what you plan to do – then come back and let me know how it went! :)
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
this is such a great idea! We need to support each other to make progress!
lindsay recently posted..Dear Abby Friday & Chocolate Rum Macaroons
Yes exactly! I’m so much stronger when people are supportive and I know it means a lot to others too. :)
I admit, I’m AWFUL about getting annoyed with the higher volume at the gym in January. I seriously have evil thoughts about people on ‘my’ machines or slowing me down on the track because they are trying to figure things out. I have to stop myself and say, ‘Hold up. That was you once, no matter HOW long ago. Good for them for even making the smallest attempt at a healthy change!’
Is that bad to admit?
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen recently posted..Friday Flashback: 10-Layer Greek Dip
Not bad to admit, but this is your reminder to have a different attitude at the next visit, right. :) We’re so naturally focused on what we have to do, it takes that extra minute sometimes to remind ourselves of what’s important!
I am SO bad about this… but there was a lady puking in the locker room! I hate puke. I know, I know… I’ll do better…
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Strange But Good Re-Imaginations
nope, nope, nope. I’m all for welcoming the new folks, but puke in front of me? it’s over.
(I’m one of those you puke I puke people – cannot stand the sight, sound, smell…)
Kristina recently posted..spicy buffalo flatbreads
Ewy, I think you get a pass on puking people!
This is a great post! Yes, it’s easy to get frustrating with the influx of people, lack of machines, and overcrowdedness of the gym this time of year. HOwever, most of us were those people at one point or another!
Natalie @ Free Range Human recently posted..Want To Eat 3,000 Calories A Day and Lose Weight?
I think we all just need a little reminder sometimes, including me! :)
Hey, cool, I did this already! Started chatting to a guy yesterday morning who was new, got all super-excited for him (especially since he was there to start lifting weights, haha, my specialty!). Great message–I usually moan and groan about the full gym in January, but how much better to look at it as an opportunity to encourage someone??
Yay – you’re awesome!!
only 38%? I would have thought it was much higher!
I love this – while yes, the gym is more crowded this time of year, I am already tired of hearing the regulars complain about it. I must have been feeling feisty yesterday morning when I got into a discussion about this – and I pointed out that hey, you are complaining about this from the treadmill you’ve been on for at least 30 minutes – this is affecting you HOW?
guh.
anyway… thanks for this, we all need to hear it!
Kristina recently posted..spicy buffalo flatbreads
I would have thought so too actually. Not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing. And yes, there are those regulars at our gym too – frustrating. Although Kirk pointed out that we were a little frustrated with 3 girls on the back row machine yesterday…apparently I need to remind myself more oftem! :)
I love this!! The first time I went in a gym was in January, and I felt like I was stared at… it was super uncomfortable. We need to make everyone feel welcome so they keep coming back!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted..Friday Five
I love that you shared this, I think it’s so common! I want the gyms to have to be bigger (or more of them) because everyone wants to go! :)
I was a January Joiner 2 years ago! My husband and a friend convinced me to try crossfit to help get me out of a running funk. 2 years later I’m running faster and feeling stronger. We have a couple of new faces at our crossfit gym, I plan on introducing myself and always cheer them on as they finish their workout.
MegG recently posted..How to create a race schedule
How awesome – sometimes we just need to do something different so we can remember how awesome running is. That’s how I got started with tris actually….reignited my passion.
And I love your plan of introducing yourself to the new faces – I know they will appreciate it!
Paying it forward. I love this. Great idea and post.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets recently posted..Eating Crow
Thanks Meghan – had to remind myself of this at the pool tonight. :)
Oh yea, pool lanes are a hot commodity.
We had a new guy in Spinning class this week, and I thought of this post, and then made it point to tell him what a great job he did after.
This is such a great idea! It is really important to encourage other gym goers. I think people tend to look down on January Joiners instead of seeing them as the future of fitness. Thanks for the reminder!
Sarah Jane @Fit Betty recently posted..My Story Featured in Shape Magazine Online
Totally agree – I hope we can shift that culture. :)
Ah, January joiners are my business. The key is to keep them into February (and beyond).
That’s awesome – so you’re a January Encourager already! :)