As people try to make good on those lose-weight new year’s
resolutions, local health clubs have witnessed their memberships
soar by as much as 40 percent.
As people try to make good on those lose-weight new year’s resolutions, local health clubs have witnessed their memberships soar by as much as 40 percent.
“I see (the increase in January) every year,” said Tammy Rey, manager of World Gym. “Some of the new members are short term. Everybody has high expectations and it can be hard to find the time (to exercise).”
Managers at Designing Women Health & Fitness and Gold’s Gym said they always see a spike in membership at the beginning of each year.
“Everyone wants to approach it fast and furious in January,” said Diane Tavares, owner of Designing Women Health & Fitness.
Most people flocking to health clubs hope to fulfill their resolutions of losing weight. Some want to make their lifestyle healthier while others go because of doctor’s orders.
“I would say 90 percent of our members come here to lose weight,” said Cathy Huggins, a personal trainer at Rovella’s Gym & Health. “A lot of people, after going to the doctor, need to start exercising. I’m seeing a lot of people with diabetes and high blood pressure.”
But most people joining gyms because of a New Year’s resolution don’t stay long.
“We see around a 20-percent increase,” said Karen Fortino, general manager at Gold’s. “They don’t generally last. Maybe six to eight weeks later, they drop out. They don’t have the discipline. And then, in the spring, they’ll be back because they want to fit into their shorts. It’s a vicious cycle.”
Reasons that help people stay committed regular exercise include being realistic, setting goals that are attainable and taking one week at a time, Tavares said. And, eating a nutritional diet is just as important.
“You want to move more, eat less,” Tavares said.
Fortino said discipline and consistency are important to success and that people need to stay focused on what type of results they seek.
Huggins echoed the importance of consistency. She’s seen a member lose 112 pounds in one year. She said the difference is staying consistent and understanding that weight loss takes time.
“The most successful people I’ve seen have stuck with it. They’ve made it part of their life,” Huggins said.
All four health clubs are offering specials for new members, from a lower monthly or yearly fee to discounted start-up fees.
For those seeking a healthier lifestyle or to lose weight, local health clubs are offering a variety of avenues for success.
The clubs offer cardiovascular equipment, weight-lifting machines, aerobics-health classes and personal trainers. Rovella’s houses racquetball courts, and will soon has indoor pools. Designing Women Health & Fitness is a woman-only health club, offering classes and equipment tailored to women, Tavares said.
