The Recreation and Wellness Center was the busiest around the first week of January, following the new year. The regulars at the gym noticed the change from the beginning of the year, to the following weeks. 

Sophomore business management student Nicholas Leon said there were less people than there were the first two weeks of January, and he usually goes 4 to 5 times a week. 

“The data suggest that 50% of people drop out of exercise at the six-month mark,” said Professor J. Derek Kingsley. “The key to remember is that habits are hard to change. Habit changes take time, energy and planning.”

Some people struggle with staying consistent at the gym, which can be a reason they abandon their resolutions. The lack of time is the top reason people stop going or stay consistent, Kingsley said. 

Rec Center employee and senior visual design communication major, Rose Cohen said she noticed an increase in gym members during January, and this number decreased starting mid-February.

Until then, Cohen said the amount of people has been about the same, and it does not affect her.

“I think it’s great to see so many people,” she said. “It makes shifts a little busier and more stressful, but it makes me happy to see all the people trying to get better.” 

For regular gym goers, they have a routine. They know where they are going, what they are doing and what time they will be done working out. 

With new gym members and the number of available machines, this can cause frequent attendees frustration as their routines are impeded upon. 

“It’s a lot harder to use machines when the new year comes along,” Leon said. “Everyone wants their resolution to be in shape.” 

Indiya Bradley, a sophomore visual communication design major, said the increase in attendees caused fewer machines to be available for workouts. 

With new people using the gym, it has caused some commotion among the regulars who attend frequently. 

“It’s good to see other people working out. I enjoy seeing others meet their goals,” said second-year criminology and justice major Isaiah Shackleford.

Bradley said new members are welcomed if they choose to stick to their resolutions. 

“If they’re consistent, I respect it,” she said. “Their energy is motivating when they stick to it.”

As commotion at the gym goes down, the regular gymgoers will notice the people who continue to stick with their goals and stay active.

“I think it’s great for people to come to the gym,” Leon said. “There’s so many health benefits, and a huge boost in your mentality when going to the gym.” 

Leon advises new gymgoers to be patient and not give up easily. 

“They say you need 30 days to make something an everyday routine,” he said. “The people who don’t come back didn’t give the 30 days a chance.” 

While Cohen advised new gym members to be creative with their approaches to working out. 

“It can be really hard to start, but even coming and cleaning up the weight room is a workout,” she said. “Get creative with it, honestly do what you are capable of.”

Kailon Fischer is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].