GREENFIELD — Each new year, King’s Gym’s memberships sharply increase, a number that decreases by the same amount after a few months when those making New Year’s resolutions lose motivation and let their memberships lapse.
“Come January, they’re packed,” said Sean Romanski, who was manning the gym’s desk Friday evening, adding that a few months later, “everyone’s gone. There’s something missing.”
Robin King, co-owner of the gym on Main Street, said last year, memberships dropped nearly 10 percent after the “busy season,” which is around January through April.
A 2016 study by the University of Scranton put losing weight at the top of this year’s resolution list. The study found that about 45 percent of Americans make a resolution; however, less than half of those keep it past six months.
To turn a new habit into a routine and beat the six month drop-off, King said the key is to make a “lifestyle change.”
“Embrace the atmosphere” of fitness, King said. “Find an atmosphere you like. Think of it as a long-term goal.”
Bob Uguccioni, the gym’s 20-year veteran in-house personal trainer who holds master’s degrees in health-related fields, reiterated that there’s no shortcut to getting in shape. Uguccioni was an athletic trainer before he became a personal trainer. He made the switch because he wanted to help people prevent injuries by meeting their fitness goals.
“If you’re looking for magic, it isn’t there. Set up times and get it done,” Uguccioni said, noting that new gym-goers should keep fitness sessions short to prevent burnout.
Uguccioni also stressed that learning how to exercise efficiently is also a good first step for those who aren’t experienced in fitness, because doing so will shorten the amount of time required to fit in a good workout.
“If people learn the techniques, it’s possible to do strength and cardio easily within 15 minutes. Can you do it in your home? Yes. Can you do it outside? Yes,” Uguccioni said, noting that fitness activities should be relevant to outside activities and should include regular stretching.
An important aspect in addition to consistency with fitness activities is to make diet a priority, which King said can make or break fitness goals.
“Another thing I often see is that people want to work out, but don’t want to change their diet,” King said, noting, “a change as small as cutting out soda from your diet can have a huge impact on someone that’s overweight.”
“If they’re carrying too much body fat and want to lose it, the nutrition part is even more important,” Uguccioni continued.
If going to the gym is an entirely new concept, Uguccioni said “my recommendation is to do something first thing in the day. Keep it short, 20 minutes. Stretching and mobility work seven days a week. You can do that while you’re watching the (Patriots) game.”
King encouraged first-time gym-goers not to be intimidated by others who might be more experienced.
“Don’t let that hold you back. Everyone’s working toward the same goal,” she said. “Maybe try and make some friends at the gym who go at the same time you go. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t see results in the first week.”
To reach Uguccioni and set up a session, call 413-624-3913.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo