Follow these tips for tackling your fitness goals

As the calendar turns a new page and the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the world make resolutions to improve their lives. The most popular resolution is the commitment to lead a healthier lifestyle, with a particular focus on increased physical activity. This surge in motivation is shown by a rise in gym memberships and participation in fitness-related activities during the early months of the year, but how many people carry on past the first few months? 

The increase of people buying Gym Memberships:

One of the best indicators of the New Year’s resolution effect is the increase in gym memberships. According to data from fitness industry reports, gym enrollments typically experience a significant uptick in January compared to other months. This trend is observed globally, with fitness centers reporting a surge in new members eager to kickstart their fitness journeys.

“One of my new year’s resolutions every year is to hold myself more accountable to achieving a healthier lifestyle, and try to go to the rec center more to do spin classes, and furthermore improve my health as much as I can to continue to live a good life.” Local cedar falls resident Holly Postel stated. 

In the United States, for instance, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) notes that gym attendance often spikes by up to 40 percent during the first few months of the year. Similar patterns are observed in other countries, showcasing a universal aspiration for improved health and fitness.

To further support this trend, surveys and studies consistently reveal that health and fitness-related resolutions are among the top New Year’s resolutions worldwide. Furthermore, fitness app usage tends to skyrocket in the early months of the year. This survey conducted by YouGov reports that “Three in 10 have set resolutions around each of the following: being happy (30%), eating healthier (29%), and exercising more (29%).Dec 21, 2023.” This digital data reinforces the notion that people are actively seeking ways to integrate more physical activity into their daily routines. On your phone, if you visit the app store, one of the first things on the home page is trending apps, many of which in the first few weeks of the year are health or self improvement category apps. 

Ways that you can get more active:

1. Start Small: Begin with manageable goals to avoid burnout. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your fitness level improves.
2. Find an Activity You Enjoy: Whether it’s dancing, hiking, cycling, or playing a sport, choose activities that bring you joy. Enjoying your workouts increases the likelihood of sticking to your routine.
3. Involve Friends or Family: Exercising with others can make the experience more enjoyable and provide mutual motivation. Consider joining group fitness classes or organizing active outings with friends or family.
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage: Leverage fitness apps, smartwatches, and online workout programs to track your progress and stay motivated. Many apps offer guided workouts suitable for various fitness levels.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable milestones and celebrate your successes along the way. Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments can fuel your motivation to keep going.

Local sports stores:

“This time of year is always busy. Way more people come in to buy shoes and other fitness related equipment. As an employee at a local running store called the runnersflat, we are always busy and do more shoe sales on weekends than we typically do. It dies down after a few weeks, however,” sophomore James Mandt said. 

As the new year unfolds, the surge in gym memberships and the prevalence of fitness-related resolutions attest to a collective desire for healthier, more active lifestyles. With a variety of enjoyable and accessible ways to get more active, everyone has the opportunity to turn their resolutions into sustainable habits and enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier, more active lifestyle.