Richard Black set a goal for this year. He wants to weigh as much as he did when he left the army in 1991 -- 197 pounds.

To gain the eight pounds he needs by the time he graduates in May, Black (senior-electrical engineering) lifts weights at Body Works Health and Fitness Center, 127 Sowers St.

"I just want to feel good, feel healthy," said Black who works out at the gym five to six times a week. "It would make me feel good if I could achieve that goal."

After fattening holiday foods, many students made New Year's resolutions to get in shape causing an increase in health club memberships.

"We get quite an increase at the beginning of the year," said Danny Lingenfelter, manager of Body Works. "We see quite a lot of people who come in looking to get in shape."

The equipment that people use most are the cardiovascular machines such as the LifeCycles, StairMasters, NordicTracks and rowing machines, Lingenfelter said.

About 70 percent of people who walk through the door still work out three months later, Lingenfelter said.

At East Coast Health and Fitness, 236 W. Hamilton Ave., about 35 to 45 more people join the club in January than other months, Owner Steve Fields said. The club also experiences a membership increase in August, September and October because those months are at the beginning of the semester and at the end of the summer, he said.

To help people keep their resolutions, East Coast Health and Fitness offers a Progressive Aerobic Circuit Exercise (PACE) for $119, he said. To encourage people to exercise, participants who complete the program receive a one-month membership for free. The participant with the greatest change in the percentage of body fat receives a one-year membership for free.

"Anyone who does this program three times a week for 10 weeks is almost guaranteed to see a body change," Fields said.

Jackie Auman of Centre Hall resolved to lose 20 pounds in the next six months. She lifts weights three days a week at East Coast Health and Fitness and participates in the PACE program the other two days. Her husband also works out.

Even before the new year, Jan DiCintio, manager of The Athletic Clubs, 1445 W. College Ave., saw people buying memberships for friends and spouses.

To attract resolution-makers, the club is offering a two-for-one initiation fee. Instead of paying $99 each, two people can join for $99.

"Sometimes making a commitment with a friend is easier to keep," DiCintio said. "When you have someone to go with, it's easier to stick with it."

Health club members Sherri McGinnis and Heather Treaster were both working out on treadmills at East Coast Health and Fitness Monday night.

McGinnis resolved to lose 15 pounds and Treaster plans to lose 20 pounds by working out three times a week together.

"It's just too easy if no one is with you to say 'I'm not going tonight,' " Treaster said. "It's a lot easier if you have someone with you."