At the start of a new year, it is only natural that people set new resolutions, goals, and intentions for the new year. These resolutions may be about mental health or academics or sports or learning a new skill…the list goes on. And at the beginning of the new year, one can only expect that the gym might be a bit busier. According to Time Magazine, 50% of Americans set a resolution to attend the gym more often. 

Gyms also lower their price of membership at the beginning of the year to appeal to the New Year resolutions crowd. Some such offers can be found on Groupon and commenting on social media platforms to receive discounts or even free membership or personal training sessions. These campaigns also add to the influx of gym goers. 

The CDC and World Health Organization recommend 60 minutes of daily physical activity for teenagers, and according to a study done by Medical News Today, “fewer than 3 out of 10 high school students get a minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.” It would be beneficial for students to be more active whether or not that be attending a gym or just getting out more. “I believe that exercise, attending a gym, or even being outside walking or hiking can help [students] both mentally and physically,” said Honors and on-level Biology teacher Stephanie Hawkins.

However, the surplus of attendees at the gym may be a turn-off for some frequent gym-goers. “They take up all the squat racks and then you have to wait for everybody to be done for you to go so it’s just very time consuming,” said junior Seth Norton. 

For year-round gym attendees, New Years at the gym may be a bit of a hassle. There is always a learning curve when trying new things, and the veteran gym members have to wait it out while the new members learn practices such as gym etiquette. An example of gym etiquette is to “not walk in front of people and make sure to ask before taking a machine or equipment,” said senior Tehya Sinal. Some gyms provide a training video that indicates proper gym etiquette. 

However, many people struggle to keep their New Year’s resolutions, so many believe that the gyms will not stay crowded for too long. The ,resolutioners, will last “give or take three months,” said Norton/ “Normally [the crowd] lasts like two weeks, and then it starts getting less crowded,” said Sinal. Although, some believe that they will last longer “through spring break. There will be a drop off after that,” said Hawkins.