How The Pandemic Affects Gym Memberships At Start Of New Year

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the most common resolution Americans make each year is to lose weight. 

One Tulsa gym is preparing for an increase in foot traffic despite increased COVID-19 cases across the state and country.

Josh Bishop is a member at Beyond the Gym.

"I think everyone starts that in January,” Bishop said. “That's, like, the hope. That's the idea." 

Bishop admits that was his motivation in 2020. 

"Now, it's staying healthy to keep up with my children,” Bishop said. 

Bishop has managed to stick with a steady routine. It's a testament, Bishop said, to the gym that continues to provide a safe space during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"There's cleaning stations everywhere, which I really like,” said Bishop. “It makes me feel a lot safer. It's been a great experience." 

Operations Manager Jamie Booker said they bank on the New Year bringing in more business. He said they're already seeing an uptick in new members.

"January gets pretty crazy,” Booker said. 

Booker said they typically see about a 50 percent increase at the start of the year and told News On 6 they're prepared to ramp up safety protocols.  

"COVID obviously kept everybody in their houses,” Booker said. “A lot more food in your house. A lot more access to it. There's some folks that probably got out of hand." 

Beyond the Gym members are required to wear face coverings when moving throughout the gym and are responsible for cleaning the equipment after using it.

The gym has a UV light machine that runs 30 minutes daily, killing 99 percent of viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19. 

"That was one of the main weaknesses of COVID was its reaction to UV light,” Booker said. 

The gym is capping its membership at 200 people and is offering deals this month.

Booker said getting healthy is a resolution worth following through with. 

For more information about Beyond the Gym, click here.