ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — 2025 is upon us and with it brand new New Years Resolutions. For those looking to hit the gym, whether for first-time training or a renewed exercise plan, we have a few tips for keeping your workout goal working throughout the year.
Finding a place to exercise is often the hardest part when starting an exercise routine. In the winter, when the great outdoors is a little less appealing and a lot icier, that usually means finding the gym that’s right for you.
For the average Asheville gym-goer, a cheap, reliable option is the YMCA of Western North Carolina, which has seven different fitness centers across the Asheville area. For people looking to work with more extensive weight equipment, there’s Biltmore Fitness outside Biltmore Village. For interval trainers, try MADabolic on Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville.
The most important thing is to feel comfortable, said Eric Barsotti, the associate executive director at the Ferguson Family YMCA.
“What we really try to focus on is making these folks feel welcome,” Barsotti said. “Even more so than welcome is comfortable, because what I always keep front of mind is how daunting it can be to walk into an environment like this for the first time.”
According to Barsotti, keeping a gym resolution is much easier when you feel at ease at the gym. The YMCA provides a service called Coaching Connection, where wellness coaches walk members through different machines and facilities.
“The intention in that one-on-one is to ask the member what their goals are and what they’re looking to get out of this,” Barsotti explained. “From there, they’re introduced to three to four machines and how to use them properly.”
However, no matter what gym you go to, Barsotti’s biggest piece of advice was to find a gym buddy.
“It almost becomes like an accountability partner,” Barsotti said. “As you’re trying something new, you’ve got a friend beside you to push or pull you in the right direction.”
That accountability is an important piece of creating a gym routine, another element of successful exercise resolutions.
Some people go to the gym before work in the early morning, while others opt for late night workouts. The important thing is finding a way to fit exercise into your schedule and then keeping it as an appointment on your own personal calendar.
“Once you create the routine, it’s something you long for. You don’t want to take a day off,” Barsotti said. “It can take a couple weeks to find that rhythm, but once you do it feels fantastic, and you’re itching that need while creating healthy habits.”
At the Y, there is a promotion to start those first few weeks off strong: new members joining between Jan. 1 and 15 only pay $5 for their first month.
Find your auld acquaintance and have fun at the gym. Happy new year.