Sweating Those Resolutions Fitness Clubs Crowded As Clients Promise Themselves They’ll Get Into Shape During The New Year

A man in his 20s walked into the Sta-Fit Racquet & Athletic Club on Spokane’s South Hill on Monday and shook his head.

“Man, it must be everyone’s New Year’s resolution,” he said. “Look at everybody in here.”

Indeed, people were sweating profusely on each of the 10 treadmills and 14 Stair Masters in the place. Much of the weight equipment and all the racquetball courts were full as well.

Getting fit apparently was a popular resolution among Inland Northwest residents, as health clubs throughout the region swelled with people looking to get in shape and those hoping to stay there.

At Sta-Fit in Post Falls, manager Kelly Amos was surprised to have 13 people show up for a 5:30 a.m. Monday aerobics class that usually brings in about eight “regulars.” All but two or three of those early exercisers had the day off work, she said.

Membership sales always increase in January, Amos said.

“New Year’s resolutions generally last four to six weeks,” she said. “People who are experienced exercisers adjust their schedules during January so they can avoid the prime times.”

Workers at Gold’s Gym on the South Hill said they expect business to boom for the next six weeks as well.

“My monthly membership usually doubles in January,” said Alethea Siderelis, who owns Gold’s.

Gold’s fitness assessor, Mike Chrysler, agreed.

“People are usually pumped during the beginning with their New Year’s resolutions and all,” Chrysler said.

Bridget Roman, 23, was one of them.

The KXLY-TV employee was attacking a Stair Master at Gold’s with vigor.

“Abs of iron and buns of steel, that’s my goal for ‘95,” said a huffing Roman as she stair-stepped away. “Or at least that’s what I’m telling everybody.”

Roman said she hopes to work out two hours every day in 1995, “except on weekends.”

“I think it’s good for your mind and body,” said Roman, who moved to Spokane from Yakima about three months ago and has been a member of Gold’s for less than a month.

But most regular exercisers and health club officials said they doubted most people’s healthful resolutions would last past March.

“January is our biggest month, but it’s quick to taper off,” said Elizabeth McElveen, manager at the South Hill Sta-Fit.

Sta-Fit regular Mike Alderman said the big crowds after the first of the year are annoying, but they don’t last long. “The crowd usually doubles this time of year, but it’s back to normal by March,” Alderman said.

The following fields overflowed: BYLINE = Adam Lynn Staff writer Staff writer Julie Titone contributed to this report.