New year-new gym memberships

A look into the effects of “New Year Resolutions” on gym memberships

Jamie Watt

As 2020 begins, New Year’s Resolutions are being initiated, and that means an increase of Gym Memberships around the country. In the new year people are motivated to lose weight and increase their fitness, commonly using the phrase “new year, new me”. As a result of people’s new attitudes the number of gym memberships dramatically increases. In a 2017 survey, it was found that 10.8 percent of all gym membership sales from the year took place in January, which is more than any other month. “This is definitely our prime time – this is our Super Bowl, so to speak,” says Patrick Strait, a spokesman for a global chain of workout centers. “Last year at this time, we added around 100,000 new memberships”. 

But the act of purchasing a gym membership, and the act of actually going to the gym are two different ideas that are explored in the new year. An increase in the amount of gym visits begin on January second, but many decreases as soon as January eighth. This may be due to the increase of activities in schedules, including going back to work, school, and even a lack of motivation. About 80 percent of gym memberships go unused every year. 

An average gym membership costs about $50 dollars. However, according to gym owners, people tend to opt for a more inclusive membership that range to a higher cost. For higher end studios, memberships can cost over $150 a month, not including the cost of clothing, health supplements and personal training. 

New Year’s Resolutions, for many people, do not last past February. January is one of the hardest months to stay motivated as they days are short and cold, which enhances people’s natural instincts to stay in and eat more.

 

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