It's the start of a new year, and some gyms have seen the traditional early January uptick in patrons seeking to get in better shape.

Meghan Newberry, assistant manger at the Racquet Club, said she's noticed some newcomers at the start of 2025.

"Definitely a couple people for sure," she said.

That's not really a surprise to her, acknowledging people's desire for a healthier lifestyle.

"Wanting to be kinder and doing good things for your body," she said, citing the reasons for the increase in foot traffic.

Will it last? Likely, Newberry predicted. 

"Our members are pretty consistent once they've signed up," she said.

The Racquet Club offers plenty of classes SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” about 50 a week, on average, she remarked. The site also has squash courts, which can be hard to come by in Yellowknife.

"I do think that those draw people in," said Newberry, who also mentioned the social aspect of meeting others at the club.

Alex Nielsen, co-owner of Anytime Fitness, said his gym is also expecting a new year's resolution spike in attendance.

"The sign-ups have been happening," he said.

Nielsen described the convenience of the gym being open around the clock and the facility's available coaching as reasons for its appeal.

"Usually, people's resolution drops off after Valentine's Day," he said, adding that individual's goals are generally stronger at the start of the year.

For members whose attendance starts to lag, Nielsen explained that Anytime Fitness will sometimes send notifications SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” typically in the form of a text message SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” as a reminder.  

It's all in hopes that patrons get the most out of their membership and their health, he said.

On Jan. 6, Scott Thomson, co-owner of Stanley Boxing and Fitness, said he anticipates more people coming through the door.

"You start to see the upswing today," he said on Jan. 6, noting that Donny Days SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” a mandatory paid leave period for GNWT workers SA¹ú¼ÊÓ°ÊÓ´«Ã½” and school breaks as reasons for a more quiet start to the year. "A lot of parents are home."

But not for much longer. Monday's 6 a.m. fitness class at was a little busier than usual, Thomson noted. And, like Newberry, he also said that newcomers are likely to stick around, once people get their foot in the door.

"We have a super welcoming environment here and people get settled in," Thomson said.

No matter how much of a cliche it might be to start the year with a new gym membership, it's not a bad thing for people to want to turn a new leaf, Thomson explained.

"We should be supporting each other," he suggested. "And if we support them, they won't be a newbie again next year."