By Aaron Wright
Many regular gym-goers are finding themselves with a new crowd to face while hitting their regular workout this week.
People following up on New Year's resolutions have swarmed local gymnasiums and fitness centers, making machines and parking spots harder to nab.
"Yesterday was one of the biggest days I've seen in my six years here," said Mark Floyd, owner of Downtown Fitness in Norman. Memberships have risen too, he said.
Heather Cook, marketing and public relations director at the Norman YMCA, agreed.
"We most certainly do see a surge at the beginning of the new year," said Cook.
Cook said the surge actually begins creeping up at the end of December as the gym receives more inquiries about memberships and more people sign up to be members.
Duncan Burgess was one of those inquirers. He was at the Norman YMCA Wednesday asking about a membership.
Burgess said he and his wife are regular walkers, but that they need an all-weather facility. Plus, he added, he knows from experience that having all the fitness equipment in the world at home won't help if it's not being used. Burgess said he needs to get out and go someplace to get motivated.
Cook said the YMCA takes extra preparations to prepare for the surge. Extra workers are available at the welcome center and in the nursery. She also makes sure membership information in readily available.
To the relief of the year-round treadmill pounders, though, both Floyd and Cook said the surge tends to die down around the end of February or early March as people return to their lifestyle before the resolutions.
Fitness centers aren't the only businesses that see the effects of the new year health kick. Larry Wright with Wright's Family Market said health food tends to sell better in January as well, especially frozen, low-calorie meals. What probably helps these sales, he said, are the manufacturers' special promotions during the month. Wright said many companies consider January a health month and offer sales accordingly.
Richard Baptist, owner of the Athletic Village in Norman, said that while he wouldn't describe the beginning of the year as a surge, he does note a pick-up in sales in January.
"We do see increased activity in sweats, women's apparel, shoes," he said.
Baptist said, however, the increased activity is topped by a busier crowd when the first warm day of spring hits.
Aaron Wright 366-3533 pop@normantranscript.com
