Springfield gyms preparing for influx of new members

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A Forbes Health survey says 48% of American's New Year's resolutions involve going to the gym or getting healthier.

Gyms in Springfield are preparing for the jump in members.

At Rage Fitness in Springfield, they had to put a cap on memberships in previous years.

"You'll see an influx of people coming in and around this time of year because the holidays are kind of done for the most part and everybody is feeling a little guilty from the holidays, maybe a little more food than they're normally typically used to," Sylas Shores said.

Shores is a co-owner of Rage Fitness.

"About three years ago we did put a cap," Shores said. "We were only going to let 100 new members come in during the New Year."

He says capping the memberships was needed to keep current gym members happy and bring in people who will continue using the facility after the New Year wears off.

"We have a really consistent membership base here, and I think that helps new incoming people," Shores said. "They see the same people doing every day. They're like, 'Oh, I got to keep going in there,' and they kind of talk to them and they build a community."

Shores says everyone has to start somewhere.

"I think every type of gym is great," Shores said. "You'll never hear me bash another type of gym because I don't care what type of working out somebody is doing. I just want them to be working out."

For newer members, there are different ways to get accustomed to unfamiliar equipment.

"A lot of our machines have barcodes on them," Shores said. "So if you're new, you can literally scan it and it'll show you YouTube video on how to use a piece of equipment."

Kevin Dunigan says his fitness journey started 30 years ago and he stuck with it for a special reason.

"It started with wanting to be able to play with my grandkids when I got older," Dunigan said. "So I just decided for when I was younger I wanted to be in shape, and eat healthy, and lift weights and kind of have longevity physically."

Heather Bellah is a personal trainer in Branson.

"It's not about motivation," Bellah said. "Most of us don't have the motivation to come in here day in and day out as often as some of us do. It's consistency and dedication. It's a lifestyle."

That same Forbes study says 80% of new gym members will quit within five months, and if you start in the spring or fall you are more likely to stick with it.