Resolutions mean big business for gyms

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A New Year brings new resolutions, and one of those resolutions means big business for fitness centers.

In fact, new members poured into gyms on the first day of 2010.

After the clock struck midnight on a New Year, a different kind of countdown began Friday morning—the countdown to start resolutions and lose weight.

Anita Bruce was among dozens who tried to get a head start before the big crowds next week.

“January is probably always going to be in the top three months of our year,” New Mexico Sports and Wellness Sales Manager Rob Clawson said.

It was the same story across town at Planet Fitness.

“This week on our Dollar Down sale, we'll sell tons of memberships,” Rick Glassman of Planet Fitness said.

He said he expects to sign up at least 50 new members before the end of Friday and another couple hundred by Monday.

But will the urge to give up outweigh the desire to lose the weight?

“I would say 40 to 50 percent of them do,” Glassman said.

Those numbers mean that about half will gradually stop showing up. Glassman said it usually happens around the middle of the year.

Bruce vowed that she and her friend won't be part of that statistic because they’re using the buddy system.

“First day, I’m starting off good I had my vitamins and we're starting off good,” Bruce said.

Fitness experts said another way to stay on track is to hire a trainer who can help motivate your weight loss.

According to an ad.week.com poll, fitness is the second most popular New Year’s resolution, while losing weight ranks third. The top resolution is spending more time with family and friends.