Local gyms and fitness centers are expecting an influx of people coming in to burn off those holiday pounds.
But just like the holidays come to an end, so do several new participants' goals to get in shape after working out a month or two at the gym, local fitness experts say.
That's why several area gyms and fitness centers are offering discounts and programs to help people stay motivated.
They encourage people to make healthy eating choices, set small, reachable goals, to grow with their goals, to be consistent, and have programs in place to entice people to stay.
"A lot of times people get overzealous, and they burn themselves out," said Pat Flynn, fitness director at the North Myrtle Beach Aquatic and Fitness Center. "We tell them to take it slow and to start with three days a week."
The North Myrtle Beach center is waiving its $100 enrollment fee through Saturday and will have an open house that day during which people can use the facility for free, said director Melinda Chappell.
The center also has a "Smallest Winner New Year's Challenge" program, in which groups of three or four team up with a trainer and compete against other teams for six weeks to see who can lose the most weight, Flynn said. The team with the highest percentage of weight lost at the end of the contest will win prizes, Flynn said.
Some other workout facilities are offering similar programs.
Myrtle Beach's Pepper Geddings Recreation Center is in its fifth year of its "Choose to Lose" weight loss competition and fitness program. Prizes are offered throughout the 12-week program that begins Saturday as an incentive and reward to participants who meet their goals, recreation center officials said.
The American Athletic Club in Myrtle Beach allowed people to register in December for "12 Days of Fitness." Those who registered get to use the gym for free for a 12-day trial.
If participants decide to join after the 12-day trial ends, they will get a discount on their membership, said manager Chal Lester.
Kerry and Allison Brazley, who are doing the 12-day trial, said it takes motivation and determination to stick with your fitness plan and reach your goals.
The two are considering joining the gym when they permanently move to the area and said they want to maintain what they've been doing, such as strength training and conditioning.
"You have to do everything in moderation," Allison Brazley said. "People try to do too much at once."
In addition to giving all its members a free fitness assessment, Gold's Gym in Myrtle Beach also offers its new members a free fitness assessment with a personal trainer, said Tre Capp, who works at the gym.
"We get people to set goals when they first come in," Capp said.
Barbara Martin, who was working out Thursday at the North Myrtle Beach fitness center, said her goals are to lower her cholesterol level, lose weight, be more flexible and get into shape so it doesn't hurt her to walk or move.
"I got tired feeling as old as I am," said Martin, a new member at the North Myrtle Beach facility.
"I didn't want to make another New Year's resolution to lose weight. I did that years ago, and it only lasted about a month. I made a resolution the first part of December to go to the center. It's more of a commitment to me."
Martin, who has a fitness plan set up for her, is looking long-term to be able to fit into her size 12 clothes again.
"I still have size 10 and 12 [clothing] in my closet, just in case," Martin said.
"If I see results, it always keeps me motivated to do more. If I can put on a pair of pants and I feel more comfortable, it makes me feel motivated to continue."
Chappell said people who work out with a trainer or participate in classes tend to be motivated by others to help them stay on task.
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