New year, new fitness goals: Brookfield trainer shares how to start 2025 on the right track

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- At the start of the new year, many people are looking to make 2025 the year they start to focus fitness more often. 

Garrett Van Auken, a Personal Training Leader at Life Time Brookfield, said the time near the holidays and the start of the new year is very busy for them. 

“I think it’s a good starting point, right? Flip over the calendar, time to start a new you," Van Auken said.

However, not many people end up staying at the gym all 12 months of the year. Data show about 12% of new gym memberships begin in january but 50% of people quit within the first 6 months. 

Members at Life Time in Brookfield say they see the crowds early in the year. 

“January is crazy here and then it starts winding down again," said Susan Winberg, a member at the gym. “Every year I say, 'I’m going to lose weight this year,' and I don't, so I'm trying to not make that my goal. I like to go ski, and I’m really out of shape, so I decided I need to come in and build my muscles again.”

Van Auken said the people who have a structured plan are the most successful when it comes to meeting their fitness goals. 

“When people join, we kind of see a drop off within 6-8 weeks if they aren’t connected with a class or a program they get that support system," said Van Auken. “People do fail a lot at it, and a lot of people are really hard on themselves, and they miss the gym for a week and they kind of give up.”

Van Auken said it's important to remember that many fitness journeys are not linear. 

"You have ups and downs and injuries and whatnot," Van Auken said. "My job is to help you through those up and downs and keep you progressing through.”