Every January, most local gyms fill up with new sneakers, renewed motivation, and the promise of a healthier year ahead.
For most, it signals a clean slate after the chaos of the festive season.
Local fitness trainer Kristel Olivier said the excitement is real, but so is the pressure that comes with chasing big goals in a short time.
She said that January always feels like a reset for most people and she can see it in their energy.
They walk in with hope and determination, and that’s a great place to start.
Local gym owners confirm the first month of the year is their busiest.
Several refer to it as their festive season trading.
Also read: Senior citizen gym reopens
The moment the doors open after New Year’s Day, membership applications spike and morning classes swell with new faces.
Olivier said the rush has much to do with an emotional shift people experience.
“Many come in wanting to fix the holiday damage or find a routine that makes them feel healthier and more in control. The buzz in the gym during January is actually very uplifting,” she said.
But as familiar as the spike is, so is the decline that follows.
By March, the crowds have thinned and only a fraction of newcomers are still consistent. According to Olivier, this is where reality sets in.
She said that people set goals that are too extreme.
They want big results in a short time, and when that doesn’t happen, they lose steam.
Others fall off track because work gets busy again, or family routines change.
Also read: Kickstart your workout with a steaming cup of coffee
She believes staying consistent comes down to simple planning and patience.
“Start small. Pick workouts you enjoy and give yourself time. Habits grow slowly,” said Olivier.
Olivier added that having support makes a difference.
She highlighted that the people who join classes or train with friends usually stick around longer.
They feel accountable and encouraged.
The trainer said, “The people who ask for help, try different classes and give themselves space to learn are the ones still here when March comes.”
Though January may always be the month of big fitness promises, Olivier reminds residents that progress has no set timeline.
“You don’t need a new year to start. You just need to start no matter the month,” she concluded.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!