Though some may have already forgotten or given up on their New Year’s resolutions, others, such as those hitting the gym for the first time in a while, may stick to their goals for a few weeks.
According to a recent survey completed by adults 18 and older on couponcabin.com, about 65 percent of U.S. adults plan to make being healthier part of their 2013 goals.
The survey was conducted nationwide by Harris Interactive from Dec. 17-19 with 2,309 adults.
Among respondent’s top goals were getting healthier, getting in better shape and losing weight. Those goals were followed closely by exercising more at home and outdoors, eliminating fattening foods and hitting the gym more often.
But with those resolutions come crowds, which faithful gym goers admitted they dread.
At least 56 percent of gym members with regular attendance said they were not looking forward to the resolution crowd, and as many as 15 percent said they “completely dread” the New Year masses.
Heather Bickell, recreation coordinator at Booker T. Washington Community and Recreation Center, said she has seen about 60-70 new members sign up in the last several weeks leading up to the new year.
“It really got busy right before Christmas,” she said. “Typically we do see a rise in the people that come in. In the evenings we get pretty busy.”
The gym is open to anyone and affordable at $5 to $10, depending on age, for a year-long pass, Bickell said.
Keene resident Gladys Rodriguez, who was working out at the rec center on Thursday morning, said she had a goal of getting healthier in 2013, which included cutting out junk food and exercising more.
Though gyms may be busier for the next several weeks, the study found that many people tend to lose their motivation quickly.
According to the survey, 11 percent of those who sign up for a gym membership will leave within a year. That’s up from 7 percent who said the same in a 2011 survey.
Gender seems to play a factor in motivation with 14 percent of women claiming to have quit the gym in less than a year, compared to 8 percent of men.
“It’s resolution frenzy,” said Shanna Yarbrough with the Dang Gym. “Usually by the end of the month, it’s died down.”
As many as 100 people have signed up for free guest or new passes — ranging from about $20 to $50 a month — in the last several days, she said.
realPerformance in Cleburne said they were also seeing the usual rise in memberships.
Tips to stay active
through the year
• Establish realistic fitness goals and write them down. Read them every day as a reminder.
• Pick an app that motivates you. Exercise apps based off yoga, running, weights or other types of cardio are available for smart phones and tablets.
• Freshen up your workout wardrobe and treat yourself by buying new workout gear.
• Join an exercise group or find a workout partner; working out alone in a gym is not for everyone.
• When faced with obstacles, find alternatives to bring you closer to attaining your goal.
Source: ARA Content
Local News
Related Photos
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Gladys Rodriguez, left, and Jose Campillo, both of Keene, work on their New Year’s resolutions at Booker T. Washington Community and Recreation Center on Thursday morning. The rec center, along with other local gyms, has seen an influx of people signing up for gym passes over the last several weeks. Amber Washington/CTR
Discussion
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