Hello! Time for the second edition of Sunday Sweat Talk. If you missed the first week of my new blog series, check it out here. Otherwise, it’s time to talk!

Sunday Sweat Talk

Let’s talk about…

January Joiners

Ay, ay, AY. Where do I even begin?

We all know that January is the most popular time of year for people to join the gym. It seems like everyone and their mom resolves to lose weight and start a new fitness routine right after the holidays, which is great. The instructor/trainer/healthy living blogger/coach side of me screams YES! I’m psyched that so many people are there. It makes me happy to see people trying to better themselves. I absolutely love the increased energy and vibe in all the group exercise classes. I want to reach out to every single person, tell them to stick with it, and encourage them to keep coming back for more. The problem is, I know they won’t.

This is where I struggle. I’m ashamed to admit it, but I get seriously annoyed with the excessive crowds. I can’t handle people just wandering around, groups just standing around talking, and don’t even get me started on the parking lot. I feel like a gym snob for how frustrated I get when MY favorite elliptical is taken or a newbie is standing in MY spot in class. And God forbid if someone uses MY shower stall at 7:05am. Because I own these things, right?

All the 365 a day gym-goers keep saying things like, “oh just give it three weeks” or “it’s okay, all the January Joiners will all be gone by February.” Which is kind of true. I don’t want to sound mean, and I’m not saying this based on any kind of assumption that the newbies will fail. I’m basing it on my experience working at a gym for seven years now. It just happens. But us usuals? We shouldn’t WANT these people to go away. We should want them to succeed, right!? It’s hard to encourage and inspire without being intimidating, but we need to at least TRY. Imagine being the newcomer, not knowing where to start, and overhearing a conversation among fit Lulu-clad women saying “ugh, I just wish they would all go away.” How’s THAT going to make anyone want to come back for more?

That said, maybe WE are actually part of the the solution to not letting the January Joiners fall off the fitness wagon after a month. People’s motivation certainly has to come from within over anything else, but it could actually be one of us gym rats that keeps someone going all year long. I know it might be hard, but let’s try to smile, say hello, and extend a warm welcome to those who look like they just need a friendly face. The crowds WILL die down, and we know not everyone will stay around, but if our encouragement can help at least a few people stick with it for the long haul, well that’s just awesome.

Here are some related links I stumbled upon this week that may interest you:

Let’s talk about…

My workouts from last week

  • Sunday: 20 minutes of 30/30/30 cardio intervals on the elliptical, legs and shoulder strength supersets, medicine ball ab circuit
  • Monday: Took Lauren‘s 6am spin class
  • Tuesday: Return to Two A Day Tuesday, and it ROCKED. Liz taught a great kickboxing class, and I was on FIRE teaching my Interval class (if I do say so myself). I love the new format I taught and the new moves I did, so I’ll definitely share this one with you guys soon. I was happy to be back to my normal teaching self!
  • Wednesday: Rest day
  • Thursday: Taught my 6am class with a similar format as I did on Tuesday
  • Friday: 35 minutes of 60/60/60 cardio intervals on the elliptical, then a quick ab circuit in the weight room
  • Saturday: 25 minutes on the spin bike (did my own mini spin class), chest and back strength supersets, and the same medicine ball ab circuit as Sunday

medicine ball circuit

Let’s talk about…

My workout plan for this week

  • Sunday: Emily’s 20/20/20 class
  • Monday: Not sure yet. I’m on the waitlist for Lauren’s spin class again, so I have my fingers crossed for that.
  • Tuesday: Two A Day Tuesday – taking Liz’s kickboxing and then teaching my Interval class. I’m thinking about doing some timed circuit work this week. Thoughts?
  • Wednesday: Rest day
  • Thursday: Teaching my 6am class. Anyone have format requests?
  • Friday: TBD
  • Saturday: TBD – I’m thinking a legs day with Tim

Let’s talk about…

This workout blast from the past

Try this: 40 minutes of H.I.I.T to moderate intervals on the treadmill

Then let me know what you think. 😉

Readers, time to talk!

  • Do you welcome the “January Joiners” or do they frustrate you? Are you a January Joiner yourself? Any advice on how to encourage others to stick with it?
  • Have your gyms been super crowded this week? Any tips for navigating the crowds?
  • What about your own workouts? How’d they go this week? What are you working on?
  • Anyone have anything else to share?

Looking forward to hearing from you guys! Hope your weekends wind down nicely today.