JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Joining a gym is usually one of the most common New Year’s resolutions for people. But they typically fade off a few weeks or months later.
For those committed to a new fitness journey, First Coast YMCA is implementing new methods to help people stick with their new routines.
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Since Christmas, almost 330 people signed up for gym memberships at a First Coast YMCA, including 23 at the Williams Family YMCA in Mandarin.
Many people are making their physical and mental health priorities to start 2025.
Bruce Thompson started his New Year’s resolution early when he joined the gym six months ago.
“I turned 50 last year,” Thompson said. “I hopped on the scale and I was 250 pounds, which was a shock for me. There was just no way that I could live like this. I had to make the decision to change what I was doing and become healthy or waste away. Wasting away was not an option for me.”
One deterrent for some may be not knowing where to go or what to do if they are just starting out. Some advice is to keep it simple.
Delonyx Cortez is the vice president of operations for First Coast YMCA. He said people have been taking advantage of a program called “Fast Forward Fitness.” It is when new members go through a few sessions to get acclimated to appropriate workouts, weights and machines that meet their fitness goals.
“It is encouraging to see people come in, get active, start something new and be willing to really improve their lifestyle,” Cortez said.
Shevah Wiseltier is part of a newer program offered at several different YMCA campuses where technology takes center stage. It is called EGYM and was established in 2020.
Wilseltier said it has been a game changer for her at 65 years old and diagnosed with osteoporosis.
“You can see your improvement,” Wilseltier said. “There are different settings. I am telling you. For somebody who typically does not like to work out, we know that it is good for you, but a lot of people don’t really like to because of the fact that you have to change everything. This for me is wonderful. I am so happy. I can’t believe I waited so long because this is great. Especially for older people.”
Connie Smith, First Coast YMCA senior director of healthy living, said the EGYM is an electronic version of free weights as everyone who uses it can go through the program twice during a workout that ultimately spans six weeks.
After completing the cycle, anyone can change their workout regimen.
“You do not have to think about what machine, the settings that I need, how much I need to lift weights,” Smith said. “It is going to do all of that for you. It kind of takes the intimidation out of things.”
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Wilseltier and Thompson said committing to a gym has been a worthy investment.
“I have dropped 20 pounds,” Thompson said. “I am feeling stronger. I have more energy.”
“I feel healthier,” Wilseltier said.
They are opting to improve their mind, body and soul in 2025. There are 13 First Coast YMCA branches/locations.