People who put “getting fit” as their No. 1 New Year?s resolution are not alone, but they are still in an American minority.
Less than 15 percent of Americans participate in some kind of exercise fitness program, said Donyel Hood of Merritt Athletic Clubs.
Health industry standards also dictate that, on average, Americans gain one to three pounds during the holiday season, she said.
For those who never lose the weight, the years of holiday revelry will add up.
“It?s tough to get people into a club, but when New Year?s rolls around, it?s a good boost,” Hood said.
Merritt Athletic Clubs, with locations all over Maryland, sees its greatest influx of new members this month.
“While the industry standard is to have a 20 percent enrollment increase during January, we see a lot higher than that,” Hood said.
“Our goal for January 2007 is 1,300 sales. On average in other months, we have maybe 600 to 700 sales.”
Brick Bodies, a Baltimore-based health center founded by Lynne and Victor Brick, sees a similar increase in sales during the season.
“People are trying to restart everything, saying ?This year I?m getting in shape,? ” marketing director Josh Gerber said.
Brick Bodies typically does 50 percent more business in January over other months, he said.
“There?s no better time to start anew to makes changes to improve your life than as the new year begins. … New Year, new you,” said Lynne Brick, founder and CEO of Brick Bodies.
Just joining a gym will not induce rapid weight loss. New members must utilize the facility and its offerings.
“It may seem like a daunting task; however, it only takes 21 consecutive days to form a habit,” she said.
“It is recommended to exercise at least five times within the first 30 days [of membership]. The more frequently you use a health club within the first month, the more likely you are to stick with your new lifestyle program for life.”
To retain members after January, Brick Bodies also educates people on setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relative and trackable.
“Once people join, we get them in three or four times that first week to meet with a trainer for free,” Hood said of Merritt?s Fit Pass program.
“With a little bit of guidance, people see results. And people are looking for results.”
