Locals Kick Off A Healthy Start to the New Year

DULUTH - It's the New Year and gyms across the country are seeing an influx of people whose goal is to lose weight and get fit in 2015."We had a ton of people right at the door when we got here this morning,” YMCA Marketing Director Katie McBride said. “People with the New Year's resolutions are coming in." Shedding the pounds and getting fit are once again at the top of this New Year’s resolution list. "It's nice to wipe that slate clean from the past year when something may have gone wrong in their life and they have had something that deterred them from working out," said McBride. In the last few days the Duluth YMCA gym has seen a lot of foot traffic."We have our no joiners fee," said McBride. Current members who took a hiatus or new members whose goal is to live a healthier lifestyle are coming in."They wanna look and feel good," said McBride. Looking and feeling good is something gym regulars believe is bound to happen when you hit the cardio or weight lifting machines."I feel better, I'm happier, feel good about myself,” said Alex Illg. “I kind of enjoy coming to work out, it's something I look forward to in the morning.""I can sleep better, better mood I guess,” said Rebecca Gudowski. “I used to be on sleeping pills, so I sleep way better." YMCA staff and fitness enthusiasts say to make your healthy resolutions stick set attainable goals."When you set a goal that's gonna be to hard oftentimes it's hard to stick with it," said McBride. “People will give up if it's too high of a goal off the bat.""Small steps,” said Gudowski. “You get better at it, you get less sore." They also recommend finding support."Ask people ‘hey you wanna go for a walk today, it's nice out,” said Illg. “Just too kind of keep you motivated and keep you on track.""Then you have somebody to go to the gym with somebody, that will hold you accountable," said McBride. Lastly do something you love."Health never takes a break so you gotta find something that keeps you going and that you find enjoyable to do," said Illg. Gyms are expecting to see a lot more membership next week when people come back from vacation. Quit smoking, get out of debt, stress less, get a new job and travel were also on the top 10 New Year’s resolutions list.