Member-only story
A Message to All You New January Gym Members
I see you—and I challenge you to stay.
I just returned home from the gym. The same gym I’ve belonged to for almost 20 years, and have regularly attended for at least half that time. As I looked around at all the unfamiliar faces, I could tell exactly what month of the year we’re in. Plus, the spinning bikes were all full. The yoga mats were lined up too close together. And people were waiting in line to use the free weights.
It’s January—time for the resolution makers to commit to a more regular exercise routine by joining a gym.
According to a 2019 report published by IHSA, the Global Health and Fitness Association, 12% of new gym members join in January. 4% of those newbies will quit by the end of the month, 14% by the end of February, and 50% before the six-month mark. Even during a global pandemic, when more and more people are opting for home fitness equipment and virtual exercise classes, an entirely new crop of gym goers showed up to work out this morning.
What gave them away?
Not just the bright new sneakers and never-worn gym clothes. It’s the look of determination on their faces. The vigor in which they attacked their cardio classes and hung on every word of their instructors. While “regulars” wandered aimlessly throughout the…
