New Year’s day marks the start of fitness industry’s busiest time of year

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Your local gym may be more crowded in the coming days.

The start of a new year is always a busy time for the fitness industry as more people join local gyms to get in shape after the holidays.

On New Year’s Day at Powerhouse Gym, there are plenty of machines to go around.

But other gyms in the next few days may not be as lucky as this marks the fitness industry’s busiest time of year.

Jim Sfirieis is one of many people working out to get in shape after the holidays.

He’s a regular at Powerhouse Gym in Berlin.

However, he knows he’s going to see a lot of new faces at the gym this month.

Sfirieis says he’s always welcoming to the ‘new year, new me’ crowd.

“If it’s too crowded it’s a problem, but we share. People ask if they can work out with you and are very accommodating and it works out very well,” Sfirieis said.

“We also have extra staff here because it is going to be so much busier. It’s going to be busy for at least the next month more than normal,” said Jack Banks, Co-Owner, Powerhouse Gym, Berlin.

The bigger crowd means a bigger bottom line for Powerhouse Gym Co-Owner Jack Banks.

“I would say there’s probably a 20% jump,” Banks said.

Traditionally, he says most New Year’s newcomers stop showing by February, but Banks says that trend is starting to change.

“We’ve found that there’s less of a dwindle as time goes by, people tend to stick with it more so we’re encouraged. We’ve noticed a little shift, people are getting health conscious,” Banks said.

“Even if you fall off in February, come back in March, come back in April, and just take it slow,” said Kristen Erdos, Berlin.

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