What's the over/under on newbies? - JP Fitness Forums

Sinker · 04-10-2008, 06:31 AM

I figure the folks that have been frequenting this forum for several years have seen maybe hundreds of people come and go in that time, and I'm curious if any trends have become obvious.

From your perspective, what's the difference between those that stick with it and those that don't?

Have you seen a tipping point, as in if a newbie logs for more than a month, the chances are pretty good they'll make it to six months?

I realize that the only metric you have is participation here; some folks may disappear yet still continue their exercise program.

Phaedrus49er · 04-10-2008, 08:29 AM

IMO, it's the same here as in offline life. I've seen a lot of people come through here who want an easy quick-fix to their questions, and they haven't made the personal commitment to do whatever it takes, regardless of the time and effort needed to achieve their goals. Once they realize (within a post or four) that there is no red pill, they disappear. The people who stick around here have (a) resolved to making fundamental changes in their lives and (b) appreciate the intelligence and support available here while (c) not being TOO obnoxious (Nick being our unofficial measuring stick)

Ian Kay · 04-10-2008, 08:57 AM

It's really difficult to say. Some people are on here year-round, but actually exercise very little. Others (use Danny King for example) have disappeared for months at a time, only to come back and tell us that they've been off getting ridiculously strong.

Like Phaedrus said above, there are TONS of those that pop in for a "What can I do for results NOW?" post. Same as in any regular gym. Thousands of people join gyms in January, expect amazing results in a month, then quit when they don't see any (or they just let "real life", as they call it, get in the way).

Those that stay are the the people who really want to change AND have a little self-discipline to stick it out for those first shitty months of hard work. Most people really want the change... but they just don't have the discipline to see it through.

After you've broken the ice (you've gotten used to eating differently, gotten past the new 'soreness', etc., gotten a better idea of WHY you are doing certain things) it's much easier to stay with it... or at least come back to it consistently.

One way to look at things is this (depending on the client, I sometimes toss this out to doubtful beginners): if you can't do a decent bodyweight squat without tipping over, or running out of breath, or without knee/back pain... then you are sick. Just like if you get strep throat or break a bone or whatever... the idea is that your body isn't working like it should. It doesn't mean you have to eventually squat 300 pounds, or run a race... but you absolutely should be able to execute a simple squat and stand motion without issues. With that in mind... you wouldn't stop taking your prescription before the strep throat is gone, or take the cast off before the bone was healed, right? The only difference is that the strep or broken bone is more imediately apparent.

GG300 · 04-10-2008, 11:50 AM

Normally I would say the newbies that start in January bail pretty quick but the new NROL4W crew sure seems to be holding on this year (and good on them). Last year at this time my log would slip to the top of page 2 after no posts in a day now I start looking for it on the middle of page 3. I do notice that when people come here looking for praise (see newbie picture posts) be it their routines or progress and they get honesty instead of flattery, you don't see many more posts from them. I agree with Phaedrus that it is probably close to the failure rate in the real world.

former fat guy · 04-10-2008, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phaedrus49er

IMO, it's the same here as in offline life. I've seen a lot of people come through here who want an easy quick-fix to their questions, and they haven't made the personal commitment to do whatever it takes, regardless of the time and effort needed to achieve their goals. Once they realize (within a post or four) that there is no red pill, they disappear. The people who stick around here have (a) resolved to making fundamental changes in their lives and (b) appreciate the intelligence and support available here while (c) not being TOO obnoxious (Nick being our unofficial measuring stick)

What!!?? There's no red pill???? Now you tell me!

UConnJulie · 04-10-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Kay

One way to look at things is this (depending on the client, I sometimes toss this out to doubtful beginners): if you can't do a decent bodyweight squat without tipping over, or running out of breath, or without knee/back pain... then you are sick. Just like if you get strep throat or break a bone or whatever... the idea is that your body isn't working like it should. It doesn't mean you have to eventually squat 300 pounds, or run a race... but you absolutely should be able to execute a simple squat and stand motion without issues. With that in mind... you wouldn't stop taking your prescription before the strep throat is gone, or take the cast off before the bone was healed, right? The only difference is that the strep or broken bone is more imediately apparent.

This is great Ian!

martann · 04-12-2008, 12:03 PM

I am sure there are a few like me. I log on often, look for questions that are like my own. Read articles and interviews and I guess basic lurk mode...but I like to call it learn mode.

everyonce in a while I'll chime in, or ask a question. really though, like today I came on looking for some info on rotater cuff injuries and exercises that might help me w/ a client, found it. No need to start a whole new tread.

I disappear on occation too just because I get real busy, but I always find my way back.

Aiken Steve · 04-12-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martann

I am sure there are a few like me. I log on often, look for questions that are like my own. Read articles and interviews and I guess basic lurk mode...but I like to call it learn mode.

everyonce in a while I'll chime in, or ask a question. really though, like today I came on looking for some info on rotater cuff injuries and exercises that might help me w/ a client, found it. No need to start a whole new tread.

I disappear on occation too just because I get real busy, but I always find my way back.

Same here, and it sure doesn't mean that I'm not working out.

Terry Monk · 04-12-2008, 07:44 PM

If you start a training log it helps to keep you motivated to keep coming back.

MindPower · 04-13-2008, 05:31 PM

It would seem that those who come here looking for a quick fix, disappear quickly. Those that have already started training and are looking for ways to further their progress are the ones who tend to stick around.

Sinker · 04-14-2008, 10:24 AM

Thanks for the responses....good stuff. I'm here for accountability. Even though I don't know you, I think Terry's right; I actually have my log entry in the back of my mind as I head to the gym.

I have several reasons for starting this fitness quest now, but it primarily comes down to health and the ability to do the things I enjoy doing. I had a couple of health scares the past two years that really got my attention.

riverbender · 04-14-2008, 04:50 PM

/lurkmode off

I was at this for almost 2 years when I started a log. It was a pain to come here and type every day. I prefer to come and LOL at the Susan Harmony/I Have No Life And No Friends threads.

I often come, like I am now, looking for discussions on topics I'm concerned about. And then my internet ADD kicks in and I get sidetracked. And then I sit here for hours reading silly stuff like the aforementioned thread and doing nothing but massaging the cellulite on my butt.

The internet makes me fat and unproductive. So I try not to be here too much. In fact, I can feel the cellulite growing right now.

Since I've not been logging or posting I've lost 10lbs+, have freaking veins popping out of my arms, god they are ugly, and passed the NASM-CPT exam. As if anyone cares.

I ain't no damn quitter just so ya'll know

/lurkmode on

Cynic · 04-19-2008, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverbender

and passed the NASM-CPT exam. As if anyone cares.

Congratulations. So, are you changing careers, because if I remember right, you had a career in IT or server admining.

riverbender · 04-24-2008, 08:14 AM

Oh Cynic, you should know better than to post anything requiring a response from me!

Yeah career change. Life change. Stop waking up wondering what the point of dealing with this or that silly BS change. Midlife crisis and middle age spread - two reasons for the disappearing newb.

I was thinking about this some more. Seems like BB, or even Spark and other more diet related sites tend to be "stickier" for lack of a better word.

Then again I've been a member of several different forums not related to diet or fitness over the past too many years and have seen people come and go from all of them. Some faster than others. I've posted on forums a few times and then forgotten till weeks later, or couldn't find the forum again.

Ya can't measure success/failure stick-to-it-ivness or whatever simply by someone's logging into a forum. Long term consistency doing whatever works for you personally is key for sure. Your own consistent behavior. Not someone else's.

My ass is sore. Cya.