Is it the right time to hit the gym?

It’s that time of year where many of us try to turn over a new leaf and make a lifestyle change that will be a benefit in the long run.   

Yes, it’s New Year’s Resolution time.  

One of the most popular resolution’s is to join a gym and work off some unneeded pounds or just get in better condition by doing cardio or lifting weights.   

Michell Ainger, the General Manager at GoodLife Fitness in North Bay says because of that January is by far the busiest month of the year.  

“I look at it as a really good opportunity as a fresh start for a lot of people, whether it be the holiday season, and over indulging, and wanting to get back to where they were or whether it’s been something they have been putting off,” said Ainger.  

“It’s that new year, it’s that start of the month, it’s in Northern Ontario, the weather that plays a factor in people not being able to do other things so I think it is just a really good opportunity to have people get started on something they have either been putting off or looking forward to for a while.”  

Many health organizations urge those trying to lose weight or become more healthy by getting fit, should try and come in with a plan and set goals along with that plan.    

Ainger says it’s important for the staff at GoodLife to create a comfort level for new clients so they don’t feel like they are just coming to the gym for a New Year’s Resolution.  

“Our staff is always there to help,” she stated.  

“We actually go overstaffed in the month of January just to have that extra help for people and the first thing I say to everybody is everyone is here for their own reason.” 

Ainger says new members should never be intimidated when coming to the gym.  

“Nobody is here to look or judge anyone else,” she said.  

“Everyone is working on themselves and everyone is working on their own fitness goals so if there is that perception that everyone is looking at me, I do think a lot of it is in their heads and we try to overcome that with making sure they are comfortable in the gym, you know what you are doing.  

“The worst is not knowing what to do or where to go next and that’s where those feelings really come from.”