Local gyms seeing double as post-New Year resolutions spike

Chances are, if your New Year resolution is to lose weight and get in shape, you have a hefty camaraderie of strangers across the country also jumping for a gym pass in order to work-off those holiday cookies.

John Dixon joined a gym three years ago and said he notices twice as many people in the gym by January every year.

“You see those classes double in size and then it dwindles off by May or June,” Dixon said.

Gold’s Gym staff member Andrea Rieger said she also notices the increase in membership sales at the start of the new year.

“Almost every machine is used and every class is completely full,” Rieger said. “People say, ‘I’m going to work out and lose some weight,’ so we definitely get a lot of new members when the new year starts.”

But the holiday season isn’t the sole culprit behind packing on those pounds.

One study released by ‘Psychology Today’ said Americans consume more calories on Super Bowl Sunday than any other holiday.

The study can be found here:http://bit.ly/1gAjtix

Rieger said this is usually because most people are not paying attention to what they are consuming when watching television.

“That’s a problem, too, when people eat so much when they watch movies and don’t think about what they are eating. I feel like that is where the problem is. You’re not even thinking…you’re also paying attention to the movie so you’re not even enjoying all of the calories that you are eating,” Rieger said.

She mentioned this is becoming an increasing problem in not just the United States, but in Idaho as well.

The Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare notes in 2011, 35.7% of adults in the country were considered obese. In Idaho, 27% of adults fall into the same category.

The most recent obesity study by the department can be found here:http://bit.ly/1cS5UtW

A graphic by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation conveying the same results can be found here:http://bit.ly/19XWqcx

Rieger offered some simple tips for people who are looking for ways to shed those pounds and keep them off.

First, she said to know your limits during the holidays, since often times people tend to not realize they are overeating. People also need to get rid of the excess holiday cookies and sweets lying around the house to ease the temptation and help them eat healthier.

Rieger also mentioned those who work out with friends tend to stay motivated and inspired to get in shape.

Both Rieger and Dixon agreed the most important aspect of getting in shape is staying consistent.

“Being in shape is a lifestyle so you have to change some of your habits and you have to be consistent. Regardless of what you do, just show up and do something every day. You start to feel a lot better about yourself and a lot happier,” Dixon said.