Fitness clubs’ memberships swell in January as resolutions to lose weight, get fit drive people to gym

By the time the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, those who are making resolutions for 2016 have a decent idea of what they are planning to achieve. Whether it be to quit smoking or lose the extra pounds, each resolution holds the person making them accountable to improving.

For many gyms here in Boulder City, seeing an increase in numbers around January is not surprising. In fact, according to Brad Rhodes, the club manager at Snap Fitness, the start of the new year is by far the busiest time on the calendar.

“This time of the year is extremely busy for us. Usually around March is when they start to die down and it goes back to normal,” Rhodes said. “But we are going to dedicate our time to making sure that they stick around and feel welcomed. We are going to do some follow-up calls and motivate people to stay and keep at it.”

With over 2,000 clubs open or in development around the world, Snap Fitness sets itself apart by not tying its clients up with a contract. Clients looking to join the gym can do so knowing they can do so month to month, which, according to Rhodes, is extra incentive for the personal trainers and employees to go the extra mile to ensure customers return.

“We are dedicated to our members, and helping them get the results they are looking for,” explains Rhodes.

For people who are looking to workout at their own pace and not worry about the pressures of keeping up with “muscle heads,” Anytime Fitness provides an option just for that. Michael Hughes, who has owned the facility for the past 10 years, prides himself on giving his customers options when it comes to working out.

“Anytime Fitness is for people who are just trying to be fit. They’re not trying to look like Mr. Olympia, and stare at themselves at the mirror the whole time,” says Hughes about his gym. “We’re not trying to push people (into something that is) not age appropriate, to do something they can’t.”

Anytime Fitness has various classes such as yoga, indoor cycling and the most popular Zumba. It is open 24 hours and fully secured with cameras around the building, so anyone wanting to workout late at night can feel safe, he said.

For the more laid back person looking to get in shape, the Boulder City Fitness Center is the ideal place to be. Just like Snap Fitness, the Boulder City Fitness Center offers customers the ability to sign up without a contract, and pay as you go. They have the option of choosing a daily, weekly, monthly or six-month gym membership.

“Not only do they come here to workout, but they come to have conversations with each other and have fun,” said manager Marcie Gibson, who has been with the fitness center for 9½ years.

Boulder City gives the community a buffet of different gym memberships to choose from. It is just up to the person making the resolution to put in the time and work to see the results when summer rolls around.

Contact reporter Juan Diego Pergentili at jpergentili@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow him on Twitter @jdpbcreview.