No one signs up for the gym thinking they’ll never go, but that’s often what happens.
Despite all their good intentions, a lot of people get roped into a year’s contract while high on visions of themselves becoming weightlifting champions or training for a marathon they haven’t even signed up for. It’s hilariously common, but it might also shed some light into their personality as a whole. While obviously these won’t be true across the board, people who pay for gym memberships that spend all year gathering dust might do these things in life too. If any of these sound like you, don’t worry — you’re definitely not alone.
1. They set overly ambitious goals.
It’s easy to get excited at the beginning and imagine yourself working out five days a week, or completely overhauling your fitness routine. The problem is, these grand plans often feel overwhelming once reality hits. Instead of adjusting those expectations, some people just give up. And this tendency to set too many huge goals can creep into other parts of life as well. They might try to learn a new skill in a week or overload their schedule with tasks. Breaking things down into smaller steps can help manage the overwhelm and keep the motivation alive.
2. They struggle with procrastination.
The classic “I’ll do it tomorrow” mindset usually leads to skipping the gym for a few days, then weeks. The same thing happens with other tasks, like putting off work deadlines, chores, or important decisions. Procrastination is often a mix of fear and discomfort, which makes tasks feel impossible to start. The trick is to focus on starting, even if it’s just for five minutes. Once you begin, momentum builds and it makes it easier to keep going.
3. They feel guilty about wasted opportunities.
Not going to the gym can create feelings of guilt, especially when money is wasted on that unused membership. The guilt is across the board, from unused subscriptions, to hobbies they haven’t touched in months, to those books they’ve never read. Instead of letting all that guilt pile up, focusing on small wins can help. Shifting focus from what’s undone to what you’ve accomplished helps reduce that guilt and makes it easier to dive back into what matters.
4. They overcommit to too many things.
Sometimes the gym just doesn’t fit into an already-packed schedule. People who say yes to every work task, social obligation, or personal project often end up putting their own needs last. It regularly leads to burnout, and the gym (along with a lot of other things) falls off the radar. Learning to say “no” and prioritising what’s important can help free up time for self-care, including health and fitness.
5. They get stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset.
After skipping a few gym sessions, some people fall into the trap of thinking, “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all.” This kind of thinking can spread to other areas of life, too, like dieting, work projects, or even relationships. The key here is to stop thinking in extremes. Life isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. So even if you’ve missed a few workouts, getting back at it, no matter how small, keeps you moving forward.
6. They get overly focused on external rewards.
Some people join the gym because they feel they “should” or because they want to meet certain societal standards, like getting fit for a beach holiday or fitting into a certain size. But relying on external motivation fades quickly. This habit shows up in other areas too, like choosing careers or hobbies based on what other people will approve of. When you reconnect with your internal motivation — what excites and fulfils you — it’s easier to stay committed and stick with it long-term.
7. They underestimate the power of habits.
People who don’t go to the gym often don’t build it into their routines. They think they can find time later, but without making it a habit, it doesn’t happen. The same goes for things like meal planning or sticking to a sleep schedule. Building small, consistent habits, like scheduling gym time or setting a regular bedtime, turns these actions into automatic routines, making it easier to stay consistent over time.
8. They focus more on planning than doing.
Planning everything out feels productive, but when it becomes an obsession, it can actually be a way to avoid action. Some people spend all their time researching the best workout plans or the perfect meal-prep strategy, but they never take the first step. The key is to focus on action instead of the perfect plan. Start small, whether it’s a 10-minute workout or tackling a project with just one step. Action creates momentum and builds confidence.
9. They have a short attention span for new interests.
Joining the gym can feel exciting at first, but the novelty can wear off quickly. The same pattern can pop up in other areas: starting something with great enthusiasm, only to lose interest once the initial excitement fades. Rather than abandoning things altogether, adding variety can help keep things fresh. In the gym, that might mean switching up your routine or trying different classes. In life, the same approach applies to hobbies, work projects, and even relationships.
10. They overthink simple decisions.
Some people make the decision to go to the gym feel unnecessarily complicated — wondering if they have the right clothes, if it’ll be too crowded, or if they’ll be too tired afterward. All that overthinking can prevent action, making even simple tasks feel like a huge hurdle. To break free from the cycle, focus on just showing up, instead of overanalysing every detail. The goal is to take action, not to perfect the process. Once you commit to that, it’s easier to move forward.
11. They value comfort over challenge.
Let’s face it, the gym can be uncomfortable. But people who avoid it often choose comfort over challenge, staying in their comfort zone rather than pushing themselves to try new things. This habit can extend into careers, relationships, or even personal growth, where the fear of discomfort can prevent them from trying. Recognising that growth happens outside of comfort zones can change their perspective. By starting with small, manageable challenges, they can build confidence and push themselves in ways that lead to real change.
12. They’re prone to self-sabotage.
Self-sabotage is a tricky one — it’s when people unknowingly create obstacles for themselves, whether it’s skipping gym sessions or procrastinating on important tasks. It often comes from fear — fear of failure, fear of judgment, or even fear of success. The key to breaking the cycle is recognising these patterns and understanding the emotions behind them. By taking small, consistent steps and being compassionate with themselves, they can stop self-sabotaging and start moving forward.
13. They’re not big on accountability.
Without someone checking in on them, it’s easy to skip commitments like going to the gym. The same applies to work or personal promises. People who avoid accountability often find it hard to stick to things. One way to fix this is to find an accountability partner, whether it’s a workout buddy, a colleague, or even just setting reminders. Knowing someone else is relying on them can give them the extra push to follow through.
14. They let motivation fade too quickly.
Source: Unsplash Relying on motivation can be a trap. It’s easy to feel motivated when you start something, but as soon as that initial excitement fades, it’s hard to stay consistent. It’s a pattern appears in all sorts of areas — starting projects, picking up hobbies, or making life changes. The key is to focus on discipline rather than motivation. Motivation will come and go, but consistency is what builds real progress. Showing up, even when motivation isn’t there, helps keep things moving forward.
