Here we are again. A New Year means it’s time to start exercising...again. Although this is an admirable resolution, it is a simple fact that the majority of those rushing to the fitness centers, fitness boutiques, and personal training studios will find themselves slipping back into their comfortable realities in months or even weeks. Stating this fact should not be used as an excuse to not try. It should be used as a motivating kick in the posterior to avoid becoming part of that majority. Outside of the physical challenges and mental willpower involved in maintaining regular exercise is the ‘patience factor’. Do you have the patience to brave the crowded fitness centers? Can you exercise common courtesy while waiting to exercise your glutes on the leg press machine? Can you accept the seemingly inexperienced newbie into ‘your’ fitness facility? And most importantly, can you be patient with the process to a healthier you? These are questions that must be addressed at the beginning of each year.

With all of the new faces in fitness centers across the country at the beginning of each year, there are times when the regulars feel a little overwhelmed. Remembering some basic fitness center etiquette can make these times less frustrating for all. The Pointe at Ballwin Commons has some house rules to combine with common courtesy:

Strength circuit etiquette: When mapping out your routine on the strength circuit, you will be faced with other users. There are ways to approach others to make sure everyone gets through their routines. It is OK to ask a person to share a station and work in. In general, when performing multiple sets, it is important to rest about two minutes before exercising the same muscle group again. This is plenty of time to allow someone to work in. Remember, however, not to interrupt people in the middle of sets. Let them finish the set, then approach them. Since it’s OK to ask, one should always be willing to allow someone to work in. There are users (you know who you are) that will complete a set and then rest while sitting on the machine. While you rest, be aware of others around you that may want to use that same station.

Cardio equipment etiquette: The Pointe has a 20-minute limit on the cardio stations when others are waiting. Again, it is OK to ask someone how long they have left on a machine. If there is one of the same type of machine available somewhere else on the floor, the 20-minute limit is not in effect. For example, a person may have a favorite treadmill located directly in front of a desired TV. If there is another treadmill open, that person would have to use that treadmill or use something else. On the other side of the coin, when someone asks you how much time you have left, BE HONEST. Using the treadmill example, if all 10 treadmills at the Pointe are being used and you’ve been on the machine for more than 20 minutes; you should use common courtesy and perform a short cool down if someone approaches you. Realizing that fitness centers are going to have more users in the New Year, mentally preparing yourself for the crowd, and using common courtesy will keep everyone on their fitness tracks.

Internal patience to better health: This patience is the most important and the easiest to describe. Know that it will take some time to get results. Don’t get discouraged about pounds. Know you are improving your health and results will come.