This year too, gym owners say they are expecting a spike in the number of people who will turn up in the first two weeks of January. However, this year might see more people sticking to their health resolutions as the pandemic has made fitness a serious goal. “It is not about getting six-pack abs now or having a slim body. It is about a lifestyle change focussed being healthy,” say gym owners and coaches.
WE SEE A SPIKE IN MEMBERSHIPS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF JAN EVERY YEAR: GYM OWNERS
Who does not want to start the new year on a good note? And what’s better than hitting the gym to kickstart the year? “With the pandemic, the awareness about fitness and overall well-being has increased. Every year around January, memberships are on the higher side because people set resolutions to be fit. January sees the sales graph going up by 25-30% for most gyms across the country,” says Aksh Datta, founder, MG Gym, Gurgaon.
But most people abandon their resolutions in a few weeks. “Most people end up coming only for four-five days because they set unrealistic goals,” says Anvita Agarwal, a coach at Gold Gym, Sector 104, Noida.
However, in the last two years, the meaning of fitness has changed for most. It is not about looking a certain way or losing inches anymore. “A lot of new clients tell us that their goal is to be healthy – by feeling good about themselves. COVID has changed a lot of things, and fitness is definitely one of the top priorities for most people now,” explains Annu Marbaniang, founder of Annu’s Wellness Studio.
“I started working out last year and did not buy a yearly gym subscription. I continued my monthly subscriptions
and my reason for joining a gym was only to keep myself fit. In this last one year, I have felt healthy and energetic,” shares Abhijeet Singh, a resident of Dwarka, Sector 1
EVER SINCE COVID, IT IS MORE ABOUT LIFESTYLE CHANGE NOW
Gym owners share that they have noticed that people are now serious about their health. “People got serious about working out after COVID. They realised that being fit meant having a healthy body and those are the people who stick to their workout,” shares Anubhav Rai, founder, BOMISO Fitness. He adds, that people should take it slow. “Don’t set unrealistic goals. Start easy, come to the gym on alternate days if you are just starting your fitness journey. Take adequate rest and eat nutritious food. Get into the habit of coming to the gym.” “It is not just about fitness anymore, I feel now people are making it their lifestyle, that is the change we are witnessing,” says Aksh Datta, founder, MG Gym.
DON’T OVERDO, GET REGULAR CHECKUP
Exercise daily for 40 minutes.
Don’t overdo it, realise your body’s limit and don’t try to build muscles like celebrities. It takes years and a regular exercise regime
✔ Regular health check-up post 45 years of age is a must
✔ Routine checking of blood sugar level and BP is a must
– Dr Simmi Manocha, Director – Cardiology, Accord Superspeciality Hospital, Faridabad
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