Buffalo gyms prepare for new year as residents make fitness resolutions

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- With 2025 quickly approaching, getting healthier and working out more are New Year's resolutions many people are adding to their lists.

WIVB News 4 stopped by a few gyms on Saturday in North Buffalo that are already seeing an increase in members ahead of the new year.

"A lot of people come in and say, 'I'm trying to get in better shape. I want to move, I want to lose some weight. I want to burn off those calories from eating those Christmas dinners and even those Thanksgiving dinners,' stuff like that," said Mike Innarella, the general manager of Catalyst Fitness on Elmwood Avenue.

Innarella said Catalyst and its employees are preparing for a busy December and January as people set their new fitness goals.

"We have more staff, more personal trainers and more everything to help people out," he said.

The same preparations can be seen at Terrie's Workout Center on Hertel Avenue.

"We see an influx of people coming in with New Year's resolutions. It's been very busy," said cycling instructor Linda Iantorno.

"People mostly want to lose weight. They're trying to get past the cookies they've been baking, and lose some weight and coming in the gym as much as they can," said fitness instructor Patrizia Laughton.

The folks at Terrie's said the rush of new gym-goers eventually slows down three weeks into the new year. As people set their fitness goals for 2025, instructors have tips to help them stay on track.

"Be consistent," Innarella said. "Have a friend join them for motivation and inspiration and always think positive."

"Don't work out so hard that you burn out and then you're unmotivated to come," Laughton said.

Iantorno reminded both new and returning gym-goers to try and start slow, stayed focused and eat healthy.