Gyms hopeful New Years resolutions will help business and people’s mental health

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – As 2020 winds down, many people are making new years resolutions.

Every year, gyms see a huge spike in business as people make promises to get healthier and back in shape. Many of Rhode Island’s gyms say they’re depending on that spike to stay afloat after a tough year of losses and shutdowns.

Core Fit Providence says they’re not only hopeful for the New Year business-wise, but for their members, too. It’s been a tough year for people mentally and physically and Denise Chakoian, owner of Core Fit Providence, says she wants to help people get back on track.

“Every year in January it’s your best month of the year,” Chakoian said. “We want to encourage people. It’s hard to say don’t be afraid, but we’re doing everything we can here to keep you safe. We hope they’ll come back but we hope to provide whatever you need at home as well.”

The gym faced its own challenges in 2020 after first shutting down for three months at the start of the pandemic and then for three weeks during the pause.

“We experienced the severe decline,” Chakoian said. “It’s been a very, very difficult year and it will take a long time to recover from this year. It won’t come easily.”

The gym decreased its class sizes and installed sneeze guards on their bikes and they’re slowly starting to pick up business. However, Chakoian says she’s more worried about the impact on people’s health.

“We’ve actually experienced and have been very concerned with the rate of depression that we know of,” Chakoian said. “We’re very focused for the new year that we want to reach out to those that are at home and may not be ready to come back yet. Make yourselves a promise for the New Year to just move.”

Chakoian says they see the most success when people take smaller steps and set realistic goals. She says it could be something as simple as setting a goal to move, changing something in your eating habits or just taking time for yourself.

“Exercise releases so much in your body and I think when you don’t have exercise, it can create a lot of stress and anxiety,” Chakoian said. “People are at home working and may be for a while and everyone is sitting. So, I think the biggest thing is give yourself the gift of health.”

Core Fit Providence hopes with the vaccine, to return fully back to normal by June.