{"id":11428,"date":"2026-01-21T03:23:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T03:23:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=11428"},"modified":"2026-01-21T03:23:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T03:23:03","slug":"new-year-new-gym-what-you-should-ask-before-signing-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=11428","title":{"rendered":"New year, new gym? What you should ask before signing up"},"content":{"rendered":"


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YOUNGSVILLE, La. (KATC) \u2014 January is the busiest month of the year for gyms across Acadiana, as many residents look to turn New Year\u2019s resolutions into lasting fitness routines.<\/p>\n

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New year, new gym: What to ask before signing up<\/p>\n

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But before swiping a card or signing a contract, consumer experts say it\u2019s important to understand exactly what you\u2019re paying for \u2014 and what happens if motivation fades.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the start of the year, the next two or three months are definitely the busiest,\u201d said Taylor Marks, site manager at Cajun Fitness in Youngsville.<\/p>\n

National consumer data show that about half of new gym members quit within the first six months. Nearly one in five continue paying for a membership they never use at all.<\/p>\n

For some, like Abby Chambers, an International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation pro bikini competitor, consistency comes naturally.<\/p>\n

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\n \"Reaching<\/p>\n

KATC News<\/p>\n<\/div>

Abby Chambers, trainer at Cajun Fitness Youngsville and an IFBB Pro Bikini competitor, shares a shot of her hard-earned physique in peak season.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cI started seeing results and got addicted,\u201d she said. \u201cI got where I wanted to go, but everyone has those days.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n \"Putting<\/p>\n

KATC News<\/p>\n<\/div>

Abby Chambers, trainer and IFBB Pro Bikini competitor, puts in the hours, even when it’s hard \u2014 but she says she has her off days, too. “It’s important to know what to do when you fall off track, have someone in your corner to help you reach your goals, but to acknowledge it and get back to it,” she said.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For others, maintaining a routine can be a challenge, especially with busy schedules.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking and being a full-time mom, it was hard for sure,\u201d said Camryn Kearney, a gym-goer and fitness professional. \u201cBut you just gotta do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

That struggle is where gym memberships can become costly. Consumer advocates warn that many contracts include enrollment fees, annual charges and long-term commitments that may not be obvious at sign-up.<\/p>\n

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KATC News<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Before committing, experts recommend asking three key questions:<\/p>\n

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  • Is there a cancellation fee?<\/li>\n
  • How long is the contract?<\/li>\n
  • Are New Year\u2019s deals temporary discounts or standard pricing with marketing appeal?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Some local gyms offer month-to-month memberships or student discounts, while others require contracts lasting a year or more.<\/p>\n

    At Cajun Fitness, Marks said staff members try to prevent members from falling off entirely.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe go through our inactive members and keep in touch,\u201d she said. \u201cIf someone stops coming, we check on them to see what happened and why they went from three times a week to once or twice a month.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Consumer groups also suggest tracking how often you actually use the gym and being realistic about your habits. If a membership isn\u2019t being used, it may be time to reconsider the expense.<\/p>\n

    With many people dropping off after just a few months, experts say a little research now could save hundreds of dollars later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n