Many people choose health, fitness as New Year’s resolution

Raulerson – who has been working at Gainesville Health and Fitness for 27-years – says she encourages others to stick through it. “We want them to commit to that lifestyle, of committing to getting and staying fit so we help them with getting started again or starting a new program and to continue with that program”, says Raulerson.

For many people, the new year signifies a fresh start.

“December is our slowest month and January is by far our busiest”, Benigni said.

For some, a New Year means a new you. “I don’t see people sticking with it and I kind of wish people would”.

A consensus on the origin of New Year’s resolutions is hard to find, but the concept of forming New Year’s resolutions are a cultural norm in the US, though some are fighting the idea.

“Finding a supportive community like the Y can be beneficial in keeping resolutions on track, because our organization is so much more than a nonprofit gym”, said David Martorano, President/CEO for the YMCA of Central Kentucky.

A person usually needs six to eight weeks for a pattern to set in or to see major change, said Steph Hoffman, coordinator of fitness and nutrition at UND’s Wellness Center. They also offer month-to-month memberships for $39 a month. Lea Ferreira said her decision to sign up was based more on the deals offered this time of year, not a resolution.

Meriden residents Lea and Rose Ferreira signed up for memberships on New Year’s Eve at Planet Fitness in Meriden. She has already lost 32 pounds. “It’s a lifestyle – I don’t need a news years resolution to come here”.

Workers also say people are trying to get in shape, back in shape, or stay in shape. “I haven’t seen quite this many in a long time”. “It’s really important for me to maintain fitness”, says Claire Marcusen, an avid gym member. “It’s just the trend…”