New Year's resolutions send the masses to the gym, which makes regular gym rats want to avoid it like the plague. Here's how to enjoy your workout without getting in a fight over your favorite elliptical machine.
The early bird gets the treadmill
Even the most well-meaning New Year's resolution setters sleep through their alarms sometimes so, even at the beginning of the year, the gym is filled with more regulars than newbies in the wee early morning hours. (Plus, morning workouts have all of these insane health benefits.) If you have a flexible schedule, mid-afternoons and late nights are also safe bets.
Try a new class
Ask the front desk or group fitness manager which classes are least popular and give them a try. Every gym has a different flow so a club filled with moms might be busiest mid-morning while a gym with more young professionals is likely packed in the late evening. The busiest class doesn't always translate to mean the best so you might find a new favorite, with plenty of space, if you do your research. Avoid making these mistakes in your group fitness classes.
Hire a trainer
If you're nervous to navigate the busy weight room floor on your own, hire a personal trainer who will scope out open machines or even ask other gym-goers when they'll be finished (helping you to avoid any awkward encounters).