Chicagoans Kick Off 2025 Fulfilling New Year’s Resolutions at Gyms Across the City
Gyms See Surge in Activity on New Year’s Day
Gyms across Chicago saw a surge in activity on New Year’s Day, with Chicagoans kicking off 2025 on a healthy note. From yoga studios to traditional gyms, residents embraced a range of workouts, fulfilling resolutions toward wellness and self-improvement.
Personal Growth and Spirituality
For Vincent Rose, a 67-year-old Cook County law enforcement officer, the recent closure of XSport on State Street, where he worked out for a decade, prompted the switch to a new fitness routine at the South Loop LA Fitness. “I’m kind of advanced for classes, so I do my own thing,” he said.
Rose’s New Year’s resolution is to focus more on fitness and spirituality. “My New Year’s resolution is to be a better person. I want to be more spiritual in 2025 because we just don’t know how much longer we have here,” he said. “Our time is a commodity that you don’t know how much you have, so I want to spend it right.”
Staying Active and Building Strength
Balancing fitness with her animation career, 26-year-old Hershey Suresh said the gym offers a reprieve from her desk job and a chance to build strength. Her fitness journey started in recent months for medical reasons, and she wanted to get ahead of her goals before the new year got rolling, she said.
“I’m trying to get to some pull-ups by the end of the year. I just want to be able to do any amount of pull-ups because I can’t do any right now,” she said. Suresh keeps her workouts basic but enjoys taking classes for the challenge. “It’s legs, abs, and LA Fitness has these classes that seem nice to kind of switch it up a few days of the week,” she said.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Jason Webb, a pickleball coach at SPF Chicago in Lincoln Park, has seen the sport’s popularity skyrocket during the winter months. “We always see a spike this time of year in the winter when people can’t play outdoors,” he said.
The club has been open for just about a year, and Webb said he has been playing pickleball for four years. As anticipated, the colder weather has driven more players indoors. “September and October were nice months outside, so people were trying to get outside where it’s also free, but now they’re mobbing this place,” he said.
Conclusion
As Chicagoans kick off 2025, it’s clear that many are committed to prioritizing their health and wellness. Whether it’s through traditional gym workouts, yoga, or pickleball, residents are embracing a range of activities to achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being.
FAQs
Q: What are some popular New Year’s resolutions?
A: Many people resolve to prioritize their health and wellness, whether through fitness, nutrition, or stress reduction.
Q: How can I get started with a new fitness routine?
A: Start by setting realistic goals and finding a workout routine that you enjoy. You can also consider working with a personal trainer or joining a fitness class to help keep you motivated.
Q: What are some benefits of pickleball?
A: Pickleball is a fun and social sport that can help improve your physical fitness, hand-eye coordination, and social skills. It’s also a great way to stay active and engaged during the winter months.
