Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Everyone Has to Start Somewhere: #100DaysofFitness - Day 1


Yesterday morning was my first day back at the pool, as I had mentioned.  So far so good with the meniscus, my knee is a bit tight but not intolerable.  Post-workout, I'm in the locker room and I overhear a conversation between two women about how crowded the parking lot and locker rooms were, to which the other replied that she shouldn't sweat it, most of the New Years resolvers would be dropping off soon enough.  While I certainly have been one of "those' people in the past bemoaning the onslaught of newcomers into the gym every January, and getting annoyed when "my" locker was being used by a new comer or by the lack of available parking-  being on the other side of the coin… i.e. A new resolver (even if its not technically a New Years resolution), I couldn't help but realize how judgmental the collective we can be.    Instead of criticizing the new members, maybe reach out and make a friend.  Everyone needs encouragement everyone  even those who have been at the gym for years and years.  We should be celebrating the fact that people took the step to better themselves rather than cutting them down because they inconvenienced us.  Even if these new years resolvers didn't hear those specific comments, certainly their own self doubt, and perhaps similar comments from other people weigh them down enough that they do drop off and stop coming. So instead of discouraging people, we can all make an effort instead to encourage people.  Even if it means having to walk ALL the way from the back of the parking lot into the gym (I mean, really we're all there for exercise anyway), and even if it means having to get a locker ALL the way in the front/back instead of settled nicely in the middle by the showers -  maybe one person will stay encouraged enough to see their goals through.  So, that’s my take away for the day.  Everyone- even the storied athletes started with Day 1.  Find a new someone tomorrow or the next time you are at the gym, and help them to Day 2, Day 14, Day 86, whatever it is.  There's enough discouragement out there, lets try encouragement for a change :)  


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