Resolutioners vs. Continuers: How to Coexist Part Two

Welcome to Part Two, everyone, of our Resolutions vs. Continuers blog series.

Since we've been both, Resolutioners AND Continuers, we came up with this two part strategy that we think can diminish negative interactions. It takes action from both groups to work, so if you missed Part One, go back and read it now, because what's next is a deep dive into what Resolutioners can do (Part One was for our Continuers, and can be found HERE)!

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As a re-cap, here are the definitions of a "Resolutioner" & a "Continuer" that we described in Part One as they pertain to the health & wellness variation...

Resolutioner: A person inspired by the new year to work on getting healthier. A Resolutioner may be completely new to the gym/health foods scene OR revisiting from previous attempts. Their energy is contagiously inspiring, but can also be squashed suddenly and completely without much effort.

Continuer: A person that may have originally started their health journey as a Resolutioner, but is solidly into their efforts and considers the gym and/or Nature's Own their happy place. This familiarity with the fitness industry makes them great resources, but can also make them self-righteous jerks that intimidate and scare off others.

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Now that we have re-established a general, shared understanding of what we're discussing, let's get to the action steps Resolutioners can take!

How "Resolutioners" Can Make Fitness Spaces More Welcoming for ALL:

1) Familiarize Yourself with Proper Gym Etiquette: Read the fine print of that new gym membership! Usually, you will find "norms" described within to help guide you on how members should act while on the premises.

2) Be MINDFUL of those around you: It's okay to linger sometimes. We've all done it, but be aware enough not to anchor yourself in a way that inconveniences all those around you for an extended period of time.

3) Keep going and make these spaces your own: Yes, learn gym etiquette. Yes, be mindful of others. But also, rock your authentic freak flag and make these fitness spaces your own. There isn't a one-size-fits-all description for what a "healthy gym person" looks like, no matter what others may tell you, so be yourself and KEEP GOING.

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Well, there you have it, Resolutioners. Three ways YOU can make our spaces as welcoming and inclusive as possible. Again, just as with the Continuers List, none of these are groundbreaking, and are honestly pretty darn easy to do, so you don't have any excuses.

All spaces that center around health & wellness SHOULD be inclusive of everyone, and it will take each of use to truly make this a reality.

So, how have YOU made a fitness space more welcoming for others lately? If something doesn't immediately come to mind, we encourage you to revisit these lists. We'd hate to see you end up described in a blog post like this as a "blonde mid-30something housewife in her best athleisure wear that acted like a total jerkface."

Until next time,

Ryan & Rachel