Clubs ready for fitness-seekers

Those battling the bulge that holiday treats left around their middle will find local health clubs ready and eager for their business.

Whether it's a new coat of paint or additional staff members, many clubs are gearing up for what many consider the health club industry's busiest two weeks of the year for membership.

Friends Amy Smith (freshman-nutrition) and Terry Fiorica (freshman-nutrition) are just the kind of students clubs are getting ready for. Both said their New Year's resolutions included living a healthier lifestyle by staying fit.

"I want to work out and eat better this year," Fiorica said, adding that working out with her friend will keep her going.

The two said they plan to buy memberships at a gym together.

Many local gym employees said the New Year's rush comes every year and that they were ready to make new members into year-round members.

"We see a drastic increase, and that's because students come back," said Rob Mulauski, manager of East Coast Health and Fitness, adding that he expects to see hundreds of new members.

Spring break is the next time the club's membership surges, he added.

The club, located at 236 W. Hamilton Ave., prepares by offering a semester special of $129 while providing workout assistance to keep members motivated throughout the semester, Mulauski said. Those new to working out sometimes need extra assistance to keep their motivation past the first month of the year, he added.

"In January, they're gung-ho," Mulauski said. "They sit down with a trainer and workout with them a couple times and then they're on their own."

To keep members from feeling that they have to work out on their own, the club's staff helps update members' workouts, he said. Variety in workouts and finding out what works best for each person are the keys to making exercise into a regular behavior, he added.

East Coast Health and Fitness isn't the only club prepared this year. Gold's Gym, 131 S. Pugh St., usually begins preparations two or three weeks before the semester begins, personal trainer Rob Ramos said.

"We do preventive maintenance on the machines, a little painting -- little things like that," he said. "We'll hire on some more people also."

To bring in new members, Gold's offers semester packages for $99.99, two-semester package for $219.99 and a year package for $299.99, Ramos said

Although the number of new members signing-up usually drops off in February, the club tries to support members in developing year-long habits, he said.

Business increases also at Body Works Health and Fitness Center, Inc., 127 Sowers St., owner Fred Sahakian said, but he tries to keep the numbers consistent throughout the year by also promoting long-term workout plans for members.

"It's not a one-time quick-fix thing, but it should just be adapted for always," Sahakian said.

The club offers a special membership offer of $129 a semester or $50 down and $26 a month for a year membership, Sahakian said, but the club usually reaches its limit on the offers by the end of the first month.