DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — "The new year represents an opportunity to start fresh," said Dominic Santomassimo, CEO of Decatur Family YMCA. Santomassimo smiled as he welcomed in new members to kickstart their fitness resolutions.
January 1st is often known as one of the busiest days for gyms of the year, and in Macon County, many fitness centers saw an influx of new faces.
"I just think it's a perfect time of the year to start going back to the gym again," says Trenton Bridges, who shares that he is back after taking some time off.
Paityn Koester is starting her lifting journey with her mom. "My New Year's resolution is just to be fit and stay healthy!"
Employees shared that numbers take the biggest nosedive during March, roughly sixty days after enrolling in memberships.
Santomassimo's advice to new members is always, "Don't overdo it on day one." He advises setting "mini goals or mini checkpoints, like walking on a treadmill. Adding, "You don't have to run a 5K on the first day, but having a 5K goal in the spring is a great goal to have!"
It's all about accountability and staying consistent past setting that resolution in January.
"It all starts with coming that first day and then that second day," Santomassimo says with a smile.
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