Gyms Prepare for Crowds After New Year's Day

By Jill Kasparie, Reporter

The stationary bike and other exercise equipment at the new Central YMCA in Cedar Rapids on Monday, Aug. 12, 2002.

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By Rachel Begle

Story Created: Dec 31, 2012 at 7:57 AM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 31, 2012 at 9:03 AM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - It's that time of year again to make a New Year's Resolution.

Gyms across Eastern Iowa are preparing for an increased number of patrons after New Year's Day. Resolutions to lose weight or get in shape are a couple of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions.

“People are ready to start the New Year off right, so we’re expecting a lot of people to want to become members of the Y in January and February,” said Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA's Kim Jass-Ramirez.

Health Experts say losing weight is a good goal, but the problem is getting people to keep the resolution. For many it’s intimidating to even enter a gym.

“This place is like a foreign location to some people,” Jass-Ramirez said.

YMCA staff members say they have plenty of people to help new-comers. They suggest when making resolutions to be realistic with weight-loss goals.

“Some people say I want to hit the gym five days a week,” said Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA’s Todd Michael Hirst. “That’s not really realistic. Drop that down to two. Or they want to lose 30 pounds. Drop that down to ten. Once they actually achieve those goals, they can kind of celebrate them and increase them as they go on for better overall health.”

Long-Tim Runner Mike Glavan works out early in the morning at the Downtown YMCA in Cedar Rapids. He said a resolution to get in shape will not only help you look better, but will help you mentally as well.

“The key is once you get your resolution going, you’ve got to show up every day or every third day and just keep doing it," Glavan said. "After twenty days or so it becomes routine and before you know it you’re here five years in a row."

Trainers also say a New Year's routine can help with managing stress and keeping cholesterol down.

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