New Year’s resolutions fill Staten Island gyms: Will new members stay? (photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — In the days after New Year’s Day, it’s hard to find an empty parking space near Staten Island gyms.
Inside, heads bob up and down on almost every one of the many machines – including treadmills, Stairmasters, arc trainers, Stepmills, elliptical trainers, as well as upright and recumbent bicycles.
Men, women, and a few teenagers use power rack platforms, free weights, dumbbells, flat and incline benches, and weightlifting machines throughout.
Rosario DiBernardo, a partner at Intoxx Fitness, located at 2590 Hylan Blvd. in New Dorp, sees an influx of new members after the holidays. He attributes this surge to New Year’s resolutions and the motivation to get in shape for the upcoming summer.
He notes that while member demographics remain consistent (60% male, primarily ages 20-40), retaining new clients is a significant challenge – attendance often drops sharply within the first three months if they don’t become “emotionally attached” to their fitness journey.
“There are two types of gym goers, the emotionally attached are the ones who know what they’re doing. Then you have the ones that are not attached, they’ll start strong, coming four and a half to five times a week, that dwindles to maybe one time a week, within three months,” DiBernardo said.
Nicolette Capua, a 23-year-old from Rossville, said her primary fitness goals are to maintain consistency, keep her strength, and stay healthy.
Capua said, “I absolutely love the equipment that they have here (Intoxx Fitness) and the convenient amenities, such as on-site food and protein shakes. I love the space. You’re able to work out freely and peacefully, and it’s absolutely amazing.”
Reshat Mati, a sales counselor at LA Fitness at 1565 Forest Ave. in Port Richmond Center, noted that while there is a slight increase in attendance due to New Year’s resolutions, the gym is generally quiet, with regulars.
Mati said, “The culture of this gym is one where members focus on their individual goals, respect the space, and then go home, unlike other locations that may see a larger influx of new, temporary members.
Port Richmond resident Ana Valerio explained that her personal fitness journey includes a 75-pound weight loss and a continued focus on building muscle.
She challenges the stereotype that gyms are packed with short-lived “New Year’s resolution” members, suggesting instead that the new year serves as a reminder to get back on track with their existing fitness goals.
Valerio emphasized the strong sense of community and camaraderie among regular members, who often help one another.
“I’m still intimidated, especially by the weight section, but the more you come, the more they end up helping you.”
As an alternative to joining a gym, some people opt to purchase home exercise equipment, ranging from a single piece of equipment, such as a treadmill or stationary bike, to complete gyms in basements and garages.
Rob Angelone, who leads the fitness department at Dick’s Sporting Goods in New Springville, explained that seasonal trends in fitness equipment sales see a significant sales increase starting around Black Friday and continuing after New Year’s, driven by holiday shoppers and resolution-makers.
Henri Perez, a regular gym-goer from Heartland Village, stopped at Dick’s to purchase his own straps because his gym often runs out of them.
When asked about the people who join gyms as a New Year’s resolution, Perez opined, “Everybody has a good intention. But the thing is, some people don’t have the time, or they don’t have the willingness, or they hit the TV and the couch as soon as they get home, and then they’re done.”
Francis Webb, a 76-year-old retiree from Elm Park, said his doctor’s advice to lose weight to reduce medication was a primary motivator.
He also enjoys heavy lifting and credits his gym routine with keeping him alive and active, adding, “If I hadn’t gone to the gym, I’d probably be in a box by now.”