Gyms expect to swell after New Year's

As people get ready to write out their New Year’s resolutions, local gyms prepare to reap the benefits.

Losing weight, adding muscle and getting in shape are typically high up on the list of possible resolutions, said Jack Bache, executive director for the Pittsburg Family YMCA.

“We always have a big surge of people wanting to exercise and get physically fit,” Bache said.

Barbara Koch, owner of Curves, said her gym typically received about 20 percent of its membership in January.

“It’s our biggest time,” she said.

But excitement for this year has been tempered somewhat by the struggling economy.

“In view of the current economic climate, we don’t know if we will see as drastic an increase as we have in years past,” Bache said.

“I hope it happens again,” Koch said. “But I’m a little leery with the economic crisis.”

Both Curves and the YMCA are offering discounted rates for those who sign up now, something Koch said helps.

Koch said something else that is starting to come into play is the willingness of health care providers to pay for a gym membership.

“It’s a cool thing that you’re starting to see more of,” Koch said. “Some providers like Medicare will pay for memberships, but you have to go three times per week to get it paid for.

“People should check with providers to see if that’s the case for them. If they can get it paid for, it could make exercising more attractive.”

But as sure as more people will sign up for gym memberships, Bache and Koch said people would drop out as the year went on.

“We always try to work with them and give them orientations. We want this to be a lifestyle that they take on,” Bache said. “Unfortunately, you lose a large number in those first two or three months. People don’t understand this has to be something you do consistently.

“If you stop working out for 30 days, you can lose 70 percent of what you’ve gained. You see some people who work out for 2-3 months, stop, then try to start again. But it’s just harder to maintain, especially the older you are. It just has to be a regular basis.”

Koch said Curves encouraged members to work out at least three times per week.

“I would say about half keep going and half slack off and stop coming as much,” Koch said. “I just wish every single person would see the benefits of exercise. It’s a lifetime commitment to be healthy, and to feel good.”

Bache offered some tips for starting with an exercise plan:

• use the buddy system. Bache said joining with a friend adds a level of accountability, as well as a cheerleader when it’s needed most.

“There are times where you say, ‘Well, I don’t feel like working out today,’ and you need somebody to push just a little bit,” Bache said.

• make it a consistent routine. Bache said he recommends cardiovascular work four times per week.

• hit the weights.

“We really stress resistance weight training,” Bache said. “It is so good for people. It develops muscles, helps with better posture, guards against osteoporosis and makes you healthier in general. Some people don’t understand how much weights can help.”

• start slow, then build your way up. If you’re not used to exercising, maybe enrolling in a Zumba class isn’t the best way to start off, Bache said. Instead, consider water aerobics, which increases flexibility and is safe.

“When you do more than you’re capable of doing, you’re more likely to not want to come back,” Bache said.

• remember that exercise is only part of the equation.

“There has to be nutrition involved as well,” Bache said. “It all has to fit together.”

Kevin Flaherty can be reached at kevin.flaherty@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 Ext. 134.