Gyms see increase in new members for the New Year

Many people set a goal to get in shape for the new year, and gyms are experiencing an increase in new memberships.

Starting the year at the gym is a popular choice. At Monster Gym in Dorval, manager Josée Leduc has noticed a significant rise in sign-ups.

“We have a lot of new members, new faces, so it's always nice to see around the gym,” Leduc said.

Arman Moradi, a gym-goer on the treadmill, says seeing others work hard motivates him.

“When you just see the other people working hard, for me, I feel like that's the motivation right there. I see them pushing hard, and it's like, okay, now it's time for me,” Moradi explained.

Certified fitness trainer and former competitor, Khadijah Khan, advises newcomers to take it slow.

“Don’t be intimidated by the other members of the gym. Start from the very beginning. First, you crawl, then you walk, and then you run,” Khan advises.

Nick Easterbrook believes having supportive friends can help keep you on track with your goals.

“Surround yourself with positive people, like-minded people, and just start. Don’t try to have everything figured out. Just make sure that you start with one foot at a time,” he suggests.

Concordia student and regular at Monster Gym, Megan Downey-Pierce, finds the effort worthwhile.

“If it makes you happy, you just keep coming,” Downey-Pierce said.

Trent Forian shares that shifting his mindset transformed his routine.

“It’s not just a one or two month thing. It’s a complete change of your whole morale and how you’re looking at yourself,” he reflected.

While January sees a spike in activity, Monster Gym hopes the enthusiasm for fitness continues throughout the year.

Leduc concludes, “The ‘new me, new year’ is not really applicable because we're open 24-seven, 365 days a year.”