I have been going to my new gym (the YMCA) regularly now for a few months. If neither one of us is sick, Nate and I go almost every day. I have always just gone into the main exercise area and gotten on the elliptical or the treadmill. This morning, however, we got there just at the right time, about 20 minutes before an aerobics class started. I dropped Nate off at the nursery, and since I had forgotten my iPod anyway, I decided to try out the class.
I walked in and there were already two women there setting up their benches and weights, so I took a quick look around to see what equipment I needed, then went around the room gathering everything up. As I was bringing things back to my spot one of the women said to the other, “Ugh, it’s going to be so crowded today. There’s going to be all these new people here just because of New Years and their resolutions. I hate that. If you haven’t been coming all year, you shouldn’t be allowed to just show up now.”
I’m sure her little rant was said for my benefit, because she assumed I was one of “those people”. Yes, this was the first aerobics class I had attended, but I had been coming to the gym for months, running my little heiny off on that treadmill (although, sadly, I still have plenty of heiny left to go). So I had been putting in my time, not just showing up now that it was January, which apparently is frowned upon by some.
This woman was annoyed at the thought of any inconvenience she might suffer, like having to possibly exercise a little closer to her neighbor because of new attendees. I thought about her comments all through class, not because I felt like I didn’t belong or shouldn’t be there, but because I was feeling a little guilty, as I’m sure there have been times when I have unknowingly (although I think in this woman’s case she definitely said them knowingly) made comments that maybe made someone else around me feel unwelcome.
In the future I am going to make a conscious effort to make those around me feel encouraged and welcome, especially when they may be in new situations. A little smile and a “Hi there, can I help you with anything?” might make all the difference. Or I can just walk around being bitter and annoyed at people. Because, really, these people and their resolutions, trying to make positive changes and become better people, that’s so aggravating!
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Good for you for staying there to work out. I might have felt awkward enough that I would have just left. I try really hard to make sure people around me feel welcome too. Although it does take a conscious effort sometimes.
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I agree with you–attitude is everything! There is enough negativity in our world today, so as God’s stewards He depends on us to shine our light to everyone we meet each day in a positive way to honor Him. Way to go Courtney–you’re on the right track! I bet Nate loves the nursery @ the gym! Love you, Matt, & that Boy!
Good for you! Back when I was taking classes at thegym, I would always offer to help new attendees set up thier “station” because someone had always helped me.
BUT…Even though I would never say so out loud at the gym, I am annoyed with sudden influx of New Year’s Resolutionaries (I’m proud of that made up word) who occupy the treadmills and elypticals, making me wait for one to open up. Then I think, “Good for them. At least they are off thier butts doing something healthy. I was new once, too, it just happened that my resolution was a bikini resolution and not a New Year’s resolution.”
Oh, and if they have cardio classes there, you should take one. I loved the one I used to take. And pilates.