Of course, with the New Year comes the “I’m going to go to the gym every day” resolution.  Although I am not a big supporter of New Year’s resolutions, for I’ve never seen a person actually stick with them, I do realize that going to the gym every day is a popular resolution for a lot of people.  So, I have created some simple guidelines I think everyone should consider before heading off to the gym.

Don’t.

I hate gyms almost as much as I hate New Year’s Resolutions. They are intimidating and gross and sweaty.  Now I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I realize that gyms seem to be a popular place to be these days. So seriously, here are some guidelines:

1.      Do not broadcast that you’re going to the gym.  I don’t care that you’re going to the gym nor do I want to see it on my Twitter feed.  If you’re going to the gym, just go.  None of your Twitter followers or Facebook friends are going to be that impressed. Trust me.

2.      No gym selfies. Like I said, I don’t care that you’re going to the gym so I definitely do not want to see a picture of you flexing your muscles in a gym mirror.  This goes for girls too.  It’s just weird.

3.      Do not make a person feel intimidated or make fun of someone while working out. Everyone is there for the same reason.  Just because you’re some macho, super-athletic person does not entitle you to diminish a person’s spirit. In fact, you should be impressed that they were brave enough to face such a place. I don’t know how people do it.

4.      Boys, do not try to pick up girls at the gym. That is pathetic.  The gym just isn’t the place for it.  I can’t think of any girl who would want to be hit on while she is all gross and sweaty trying to work out.  If she really likes you, then she’ll notice you herself.  But don’t, under any circumstances, approach her.  9 out of 10 times she won’t be into it.

5.      Do sign up for classes. As much as I hate gyms, I think classes are a good idea, especially fitness dance classes.  Dancing around shamelessly like a lunatic in front of a bunch of strangers builds characters and physical endurance. Winning all around.

If everyone follows these guidelines, I think every gym goer’s experience would be much more pleasant. Personally, I think there are far better ways to be healthy in the new year.  Running in your neighborhood or on a trail, eating healthy, and even setting up your own home gym all seem much more comfortable to me than being packed in a room with a bunch of strangers. But, however you decide to do it, I wish you the best of luck and a happy new year.

Caitlin Wolfarth is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.