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spongebob
Former FFL Champion
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 Posted: 01/25/04 - 18:24 Post subject: Resolutioner Article
No real point here, just thought it was interesting. My locker room at work is always busy at lunchtime in January. But I have the place to myself the rest of the year. This article kind of captured some of my feelings about the Resolutioners and their exercise plans.
The article doesn't mention the part that bugs me. The part where I have to listen to these people tell me all about health and fitness. Same goes with new followers of The Zone, Adkins or South Beach. I find it rawther annoying. The extra wait time to use the shower is my real pet peeve. I could see it being much worse if I went to a gym and there was a backup for machines and treadmills or lap lanes. I digress.
Witness?
| Quote: | Getting fit — for now
By MILO F. BRYANT - THE GAZETTE
Full of good intentions and toting extra holiday pounds, couch potatoes stampede to health clubs every January looking for shapelier and healthier bodies.
Within months, many will return to old habits as remote controls again replace jump ropes.
For now, however, no treadmill is available in the cardiovascular room. The weight rooms are no emptier.
The aerobics room is filled, too. Three rows of bodies lined 12 to 15 deep — bouncing, running, jumping, crunching, kicking and sweating.
This is January, the start of the new year and the start of the New Year’s resolutions to build better bodies and lose weight.
Like migrating birds, resolutions turn gyms into a gaggle of often jiggling exercise dilettantes.
“We used to get mad at them . . .” said Gina Moore, a gym regular but new Briargate YMCA member. Her husband, Henry, then finished the thought.
“Yeah, we’d walk in, and it’d just be packed. And we’d say, ‘This won’t last.’”
“And it never does,” Gina added.
“They’ll come back right before swimsuit weather,” Henry said. “And they’re gone again. Now in August, there’s nobody in there in August. You can go in then and have the whole gym to yourself.”
Industry data suggest the Moores are right.
The January rush that happens at almost all the nation’s 22,000-plus health clubs doesn’t last, and Colorado Springs is no different.
From YMCAs to big for-profit health clubs, January is the year’s busiest month.
By March, if the trend holds true, new health club members will find something else to do with their time and bodies.
Some will fall off because of inadequate exercise knowledge.
Others won’t stick with routines.
Many will lose interest because of the work it takes to reduce inches and fat.
The International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), an industry trade group, predicts more than 9 million Americans will join health clubs in 2004. More than a million of them will join this month, accounting for between 11 percent and 12 percent of new members.
That trend is exemplified here.
In January 2000, 261 memberships (family, single, senior, youth and young adult) were sold at the Briargate YMCA. That 261 wasn’t eclipsed until January 2001’s 291 memberships. And that number wasn’t approached until January 2002’s 261 memberships. In January 2003, the YMCA sold 327 units.
Only once since 2000 has January enrollment been topped later in the year. In June 2003, the center sold 367 memberships. That spike was because of the center’s summer day camp. The cost to attend the camp is less if the child is a member.
As of Jan. 23, the center sold 277 memberships.
“Typically January, February and March are always busy,” said Gabe Beauperthuy, general manager of the 24-Hour Fitness Club at Academy and Austin Bluffs.
“But January is always the busiest month, and it’s only going to get busier,” he said. “Especially with the way we supersize everything. Big size this. Big size that. More of this and more of that. Yeah, it’s only going to get busier every year.”
TRAINING TIME
People in the January rush usually fall into three categories: new members, old members coming back and members who frequent the gym but are not seeing progress so they want a personal trainer.
Lee MacKay is in the last group.
MacKay, 40, a mother of four, has had a membership since 2000. She says she goes to the gym “four or five” times per week, but she said she needs more than a daily visit. She wants to lose 80 to 90 pounds.
“I was going for about 45 minutes in the mornings, and it wasn’t really very effective,” MacKay said. “I looked at myself after Christmas, and nothing was happening, nothing was changing. I looked to my husband and said, ‘I need somebody to guide me, because I don’t know where to go from here.’ That’s when we decided I needed to get with a personal trainer who could get me on the right track.”
Gym managers say they don’t have to work hard to win over people such as MacKay.
She will return. She has the desire and the drive. More importantly, she has the history.
People without that history give gym managers headaches. To keep revenue coming in, the managers must find inventive ways to keep them coming back.
RETENTION POWER
Health centers once operated on what some industry insiders call the “5 percent plan:” if a club signed up 100 people today, club managers knew that within one year only five still would be working out.
The club has to maintain equipment and resources for five people, yet it has the payments from 100 people.
IHRSA spokeswoman Brooke MacInnis said she never has heard of the “5 percent plan.”
MacInnis, however, said her organization thinks month-to-month memberships are good for clubs and customers. “The multiyear contracts, those are for the seasoned gymgoers,” she said. “They are sure to get a return on their investment. Month-to-month memberships are good for the new person for other reasons. Will they enjoy the gym? Will they stick with exercising?
“We certainly tell those who are new to the health club scene to pursue a month-to-month contract.”
Many health clubs offer month-tomonth plans.
“We’ve gone month-to-month here,” said a local health club manager who didn’t want to be identified. “I can sign up a customer now and actually look him in the eye a couple months down the road.”
These days business is more about keeping that onslaught of January members coming back to the gym. The more members want to come back, the more revenue will increase.
Clubs continuously look for new programs, classes and activities that interest a wider cross section of their memberships.
The education process has increased, too. Most clubs offer new members a complimentary session from a personal trainer.
Beauperthuy said 24-Hour Fitness gives two free fitness presentations.
Doug Desbien, health and fitness coordinator for the downtown YMCA, said members get four free training sessions.
“Over the course of 12 weeks, they can meet with one of our trainers four times,” Desbien said. “The trainer will help with their progress to develop and follow through on a workout program. The key to that is to keep them engaged, to have someone help them along and hold them accountable.
“The YMCA has identified that the first 12 weeks is the most important time to develop a pattern to working out, to making it a habit and a lifestyle change. After 12 weeks, (members) not only have developed a habit, but physiologically, working out has given their body a chance to adapt. They start noticing the physiological changes. Weight loss and muscle tone. They gain more self-confidence, too.”
MacInnis said the typical IHRSA club reports 70 percent of their customers are gym members a year after joining.
SELF-MOTIVATION
MacKay knows the traps facing beginners. She understands she must motivate herself to lose weight and get into shape.
MacKay thinks her plan will eliminate excuses.
“I know I can stick to it,” she said. “I’ve rearranged my life so I can spend more time (at the gym) and get a more effective workout as opposed to just trying to go in the morning. I arranged my entire life at home so that I get up and instead of going to the gym at 5, I do things around the house at 5 so I can go to the gym at 9. I can spend an hour and a half there and get all the things done that I need to get done.”
In addition to making it easier to get to the gym, MacKay is rewarding herself with small gifts. For every five pounds she loses, she will buy a small charm to go on a bracelet.
“And I wear it all the time,” MacKay said. “So, when I see it, and I see all those charms, it will remind me of how much weight I’ve lost.” |
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 12:01 Post subject:
By Jan.15th I see the resolutioners fall off considerably at my fitness center. Those first couple weeks this month were crazy 
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robp
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 12:26 Post subject:
We had less than usual show up this year.
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 12:31 Post subject:
We had TONS this year. As long as I can get to the equipment I want, I'm fine. But I'm right with you on the non-stop chatter of whatever their latest craze is. I really don't like the preaching of 'the gospel' of the latest diet my cow-orkers are on. "Do you realize how much sugar is in that apple????" yes, I do and I'll enjoy it going down too.... "Weights are really the best thing you can do at the gym. There is no point wasting your time on cardio" Fantastic, move out of the way of my treadmill...
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 12:40 Post subject:
I dunno, maybe I'm getting more tolerant in my old age (although likely not, I'm getting sick of all the Atkins devotees at work  ) but I feel sorry for people who seem to be motivated and end up falling off the wagon, or for people who just don't GET IT that this has to be a way of life, not a diet for swimsuit season or your daughter's wedding. Maybe because I too get distracted and can't seem to stay with a plan when I have other things going on in my life is why I don't get as aggravated. Just a point from the other side. But I do admit, it is annoying going to the gym or the pool and having it be more crowded, that's kinda why I'm glad I have weights and a rower at home, so I don't have to.
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robp
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 12:49 Post subject:
| genie wrote: | | I dunno, maybe I'm getting more tolerant in my old age (although likely not, I'm getting sick of all the Atkins devotees at work ) but I feel sorry for people who seem to be motivated and end up falling off the wagon, or for people who just don't GET IT that this has to be a way of life, not a diet for swimsuit season or your daughter's wedding. Maybe because I too get distracted and can't seem to stay with a plan when I have other things going on in my life is why I don't get as aggravated. Just a point from the other side. But I do admit, it is annoying going to the gym or the pool and having it be more crowded, that's kinda why I'm glad I have weights and a rower at home, so I don't have to. |
I am so sick of hearing about all these various diets my cow-orkers are on.... Unbelievably sick of it.... Tre-frickin-mendously sick of it....
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 12:59 Post subject:
| robp wrote: | | genie wrote: | | I dunno, maybe I'm getting more tolerant in my old age (although likely not, I'm getting sick of all the Atkins devotees at work ) but I feel sorry for people who seem to be motivated and end up falling off the wagon, or for people who just don't GET IT that this has to be a way of life, not a diet for swimsuit season or your daughter's wedding. Maybe because I too get distracted and can't seem to stay with a plan when I have other things going on in my life is why I don't get as aggravated. Just a point from the other side. But I do admit, it is annoying going to the gym or the pool and having it be more crowded, that's kinda why I'm glad I have weights and a rower at home, so I don't have to. |
I am so sick of hearing about all these various diets my cow-orkers are on.... Unbelievably sick of it.... Tre-frickin-mendously sick of it.... |
Oh come on now.....that canned green beans and juice diet worked pretty well for Weasel Boy 
What bugs me about the serial dieters is they rejoice at NOT HAVING to exercise. Especially those Atkins whackos...they lose weight just from cutting the carbs and think that's great. Here I sit trying to find more time to get to the gym and being bummed because I don't have any, and here they sit munching on peanuts and hot dogs and crowing how they've given up step aerobics forevah!!! Yeesh.....see you in four months when you have your first six pound plate of pasta and your pants explode, you bonehead! 
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:06 Post subject:
I just hate when they come preaching to us all on day one of their diet/exercise plans, as though they have found the light and they have come to convert the rest of us who probably have been doing the same thing or something else that works for us for years. Whatever works for you, great, but don't act like your way is THE ONLY way, only to drop off of whatever you are doing next week. This is a regular phenomenon around here right now. Don't ask me about South Beach or GI indices...
Um, has the American Cancer Society come out with a statement on Atkins? I know they are against diets high in red meat and saturated fat...
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:08 Post subject:
| genie wrote: | | What bugs me about the serial dieters is they rejoice at NOT HAVING to exercise. Especially those Atkins whackos...they lose weight just from cutting the carbs and think that's great. Here I sit trying to find more time to get to the gym and being bummed because I don't have any, and here they sit munching on peanuts and hot dogs and crowing how they've given up step aerobics forevah!!! Yeesh.....see you in four months when you have your first six pound plate of pasta and your pants explode, you bonehead! |
http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/15-144924.html
| the Atkins.com website wrote: | | If you're serious about following the Atkins Nutritional Approach™ for life, you have to invest some energy in exercise. Contrary to the messages our society generally sends us, your body was meant to move. Sitting around is unnatural. Working in an office is unnatural. In fact, a whole lot of modern life is unnatural. Parking in the far corner of the parking lot is not a mistake. It's where you should be because exercise is not optional, it's an integral part of doing Atkins. It's often neglected and sometimes quietly scorned, but if you think you're doing the program yet you're not exercising, you're not really doing the program. Building exercise into your lifestyle is one of the most intelligent ways of cracking through a plateau. |
The Atkins programs actually prescribes exercise. Those that are on Atkins, but not exercising are just being lazy.
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pokychick
Member
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:13 Post subject:
Although I get as annoyed as the next person when the gym is crowded,
I can't really judge as I have started many an exercise program only to quit after a short time. Hell I have even paid for a gym membership and
then waited 6 months before I actually went to the gym. 
As far as diets besides the fact I'm a carboholic I'm far too lazy to figure out what according to which diet plan I can eat and what I can't. I just usually smile and nod.
Last edited by pokychick on 01/26/04 - 13:21; edited 1 time in total
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:14 Post subject:
| purple hayes wrote: | | genie wrote: | | What bugs me about the serial dieters is they rejoice at NOT HAVING to exercise. Especially those Atkins whackos...they lose weight just from cutting the carbs and think that's great. Here I sit trying to find more time to get to the gym and being bummed because I don't have any, and here they sit munching on peanuts and hot dogs and crowing how they've given up step aerobics forevah!!! Yeesh.....see you in four months when you have your first six pound plate of pasta and your pants explode, you bonehead! |
http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/15-144924.html
| the Atkins.com website wrote: | | If you're serious about following the Atkins Nutritional Approach™ for life, you have to invest some energy in exercise. Contrary to the messages our society generally sends us, your body was meant to move. Sitting around is unnatural. Working in an office is unnatural. In fact, a whole lot of modern life is unnatural. Parking in the far corner of the parking lot is not a mistake. It's where you should be because exercise is not optional, it's an integral part of doing Atkins. It's often neglected and sometimes quietly scorned, but if you think you're doing the program yet you're not exercising, you're not really doing the program. Building exercise into your lifestyle is one of the most intelligent ways of cracking through a plateau. |
The Atkins programs actually prescribes exercise. Those that are on Atkins, but not exercising are just being lazy. |
Oh, I know. I've tried to tell them that. But they seem to think it is just great that they're losing weight without having to do anything but give up bread. Well, duh....you're giving up a main source of caloric intake, you can't possibly eat as much meat as a huge plate of pasta, of course you're going to lose weight. But it never sounded to me like he stressed the exercise, that it was more of an afterthought because he gets so caught up in the glycemic index and "carbs are evil" stuff.
Pffffff, that is an interesting point. I'll have to see what I can find on it.
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:18 Post subject:
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cherylpf
crazy cat lady
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:28 Post subject:
| purple hayes wrote: | http://atkins.com/Archive/2001/12/15-144924.html
| the Atkins.com website wrote: | | If you're serious about following the Atkins Nutritional Approach™ for life, you have to invest some energy in exercise. Contrary to the messages our society generally sends us, your body was meant to move. Sitting around is unnatural. Working in an office is unnatural. In fact, a whole lot of modern life is unnatural. Parking in the far corner of the parking lot is not a mistake. It's where you should be because exercise is not optional, it's an integral part of doing Atkins. It's often neglected and sometimes quietly scorned, but if you think you're doing the program yet you're not exercising, you're not really doing the program. Building exercise into your lifestyle is one of the most intelligent ways of cracking through a plateau. |
The Atkins programs actually prescribes exercise. Those that are on Atkins, but not exercising are just being lazy. |
Yeahbut, your body needs glucose to move and if you aren't feeding it glucose its going to break down whatever proteins you have to get glucose, ie, your muscles. I thought I had read somewhere, maybe something official Atkins that you really aren't supposed to do a lot of exercise. Limit your cardio, etc. Maybe I dreamt it.
PH, your NIH article costs $.30 to read 
But interesting followup article from the American Heart Association. That one isn't getting the publicity their original study had and matches more what my dietician friend tells me. I'm taking nutrition this semester, I'll keep you posted with what I learn.
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genie
Master of Prissface
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 13:33 Post subject:
| cherylpf wrote: |
Yeahbut, your body needs glucose to move and if you aren't feeding it glucose its going to break down whatever proteins you have to get glucose, ie, your muscles. I thought I had read somewhere, maybe something official Atkins that you really aren't supposed to do a lot of exercise. Limit your cardio, etc. Maybe I dreamt it. |
I can tell you, pffff, that a couple of my friends who were on Atkins quit for just that reason. My friend Eric is really into lifting and he said his strength diminished without the carbs and that he wasn't able to continue lifting the weights he had been before he started, once he was on the diet for a while. And I have another friend who runs long distance who said her endurance wasn't as good on longer runs and she bonked way earlier. Yet, TriBob and I know someone who's a triathlete who swears by it and has lost a ton of weight and says he feels great on long training sessions and never crashes like he used to pre-Atkins, so my gut feeling is that it's more individual to each person's body than they are willing to admit.
I myself do better on a higher protein intake but I love carbs so it would be a miserable experience to try and cut them as severely as Atkins wants you too.
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Posted: 01/26/04 - 16:18 Post subject:
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