When Are You Going To Start?
Every January I anticipate the stampede of new members into the gym. The resolutions have been made and the time has come to get physical.
Like a wave of energetic gerbils, they will come. The gym will be a blur of designer warm-ups, water bottles and mp3’s. I can already hear the treadmills whirring and 15lb weights clanking. The stationary bike area will resemble day one of the Tour De France.
I look forward to seeing the determined faces and eager bodies adorned in shiny new outfits. It’s fun trying to figure out who will stick it out and who won’t make it past two weeks. Cruel but true.
And, as the first couple of days go by….I wait. Maybe the hangovers are lingering.
As the week passes not much changes. They could be too broke from the holidays to buy workout clothes.
Day ten finally brings what first appears to be a couple of newcomers. No, it’s just old timers that gained weight over the break and have stumbled back in to try again.
Two weeks in, I have almost forgotten about resolutions and have become used to the uncrowded space. The recommitted have stepped back into their routines. That is comforting. I am focusing on fighting off the winter blues and being super fit when spring arrives.
A few new couples show up. They have look alike workout clothes and are full of enthusiasm. It warms my heart. Some guys my age wander in. They are not way out of shape, but their work is cut out for them. I hope they are ready for the battle.
Over a period of days and weeks the number of new faces does increase. There are spurts of activity but nothing like I envisioned. The stampede never happens. Some folks are still trickling in throughout February.
What does this mean?
Most of us are such habitual procrastinators that we even put off taking action on resolutions that will improve our health. It takes weeks or months before we begin to follow through on the fitness promises we make to ourselves.
How can we possibly summon the determination to get fit when we put off simply starting? It almost seems hopeless. We are lazy. This is why we are out of shape to begin with. Sure, we are busy and tired, but still we are definitely lazy.
Is there hope? Yes, it is simple. You just have to start. Once you start, the wheels are set into motion. You get a sample of what is possible. It feels good to take action. You may falter, but the positive results will entice you back.
Have you thought about getting into shape, losing weight or building muscles?
When are you going to start?
I would like to personally encourage and invite you to show up at the gym. I long to see the new clothes and colors, hear the whirring and clanking, and witness your determination and enthusiasm.
See you at the gym.
