Why New Year’s Gym Crowds Quickly Fade

It’s always interesting to see the gyms packed full with people at the beginning of a new year or in the spring as summer approaches. Then after a couple months, the gym dies down and goes back to its normal flow.
Why is that?
My conclusion, after witnessing it for years, is for two reasons:

1. Physical pain from overzealousness
2. Mental fatigue. 

Imagine starting your New Year’s resolution to get back in the gym. You immediately go 100% on every single exercise. You even add more exercises to ensure you’ve worked out hard enough. The next day you’re beyond sore, but it’s time to work out again. Oh no, you think. And make every excuse why you can’t go.
It’s not just the physical pain.  It’s also mental exhaustion from asking so much of yourself.
What’s the solution? Make working out easy by making your workout smarter, not harder. Here’s how:
 
Take One Step at a Time
To succeed in making working out a lifestyle, it’s critical to get both your mind and your body into the workout together. So instead of going all out, hold back. On your first day back in the gym go so light that you feel you’re hardly pushing yourself. Add minimal intensity on each subsequent workout until you reach a comfortable, non-painful level and your workouts become a natural routine. This takes a lot of discipline, but the end goal is results over time. Remember it takes on average 21 days to form a consistent routine or  habit.
Also, by not feeling pain you will look forward to going to the gym on subsequent workouts as your mind isn’t perceiving the gym as difficult. You’ll know when working out is a lifestyle when you start to feel guilty about  missing a workout.
And always remember, the competition isn’t with your fellow gym mates, but rather with yourself. 
 
Excerpts from 15 Steps to Healthy Living by Dr. Gordon Fimreite
 
About Dr. Gordon Fimreite

Dr. Gordon Fimreite is a highly respected chiropractor and wellness advocate with over 20 years of experience. A proud graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic—the founding college of the profession—he is both state and board certified.

Throughout his career, Dr. Fimreite has been recognized with multiple “Best Chiropractor” acknowledgement for his commitment to affordable, personalized, and results-driven care. His mission is simple: to help individuals and families live healthier, more vibrant lives—starting with a healthier spine.

📍 Chiropractic in Auburn–Opelika
500 Main Street
Auburn, AL 36830
📞 (334) 780-8004
🌐 www.DrFimreite.com
🌐 www.Auburn-OpelikaShockwave.com