The new year brings a mixture of emotions when the clock strikes midnight, marking the transition into 2026. Some people look forward to starting fresh — kicking bad habits and introducing new ones into their lives — while others might feel the threatening pressure to improve themselves.
To alleviate that pressure, people are drawn to gyms and workout studios that offer a structured routine and fitness assistance.
Gyms all around the country experience a mass influx of new members ready to forge new habits and veteran members wanting to step back into old routines.
In Cape May County, gyms are not only expecting new members, but they are prepared for them.
Fitness centers want to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones in 2026 and try something they might have previously rejected.
With exclusive offers and perks for new members, January is the time to find a gym that matches personal needs.
January isn’t just the time for new hobbies and routines; one of Local Gym’s owners, Mark Impagliazzo, says that’s when he sees familiar faces stepping back into their old routines.
“I think it’s a change in gears,” Impagliazzo said. “The holidays are behind us now, and you hit the new year and say, ‘I’m going to take care of myself now.’”
Impagliazzo explained that he’s currently in the same position as many of his members as he starts to invest more time in himself to focus on fitness.
“Once the holidays are over, people have a tendency to focus more on themselves to get back on track,” Impagliazzo said. “Even myself, I’ve been doing this all my life, and I think what happens this time of year is people self evaluate where they are and start shifting gears.”
Local Gym, located on 908 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City, offers lower prices throughout the offseason and in January will be offering a free one-month membership to members who bring a friend to the gym and commit to a three-month contract.
Local Gym can be contacted at (609) 545-8732.
Ben Wymbs, general manager of North Beach Health Club of Cape May at 3845 Bayshore Road in North Cape May, sees January similarly. After five years at North Beach, he enjoys creating a space for people to feel comfortable trying something new.
Discounts and special offers are used to encourage people to start their new journey at North Beach.
“We always have a local special, specials for high schoolers and specials depending on individual insurances,” Wymbs said. “For a new member, the local special is the most popular. If they live in the area, it’s $44.99, and they save a bit there.”
Wymbs explained that North Beach’s welcoming community creates a safe and comfortable environment for people, regardless of their fitness experience.
“I think this is important for everybody, and I’m always happy when they choose North Beach to start their fitness journey or continue it,” Wymbs said. “The community here is very tight-knit, welcoming and accepting.”
North Beach can be contacted at (609) 898-3800.
Nick Elisano, whose mother opened Miracles Fitness 25 years ago, views January as a refreshing way to start a new year after closing one out.
“January offers a fresh momentum that inspires many people to commit to their health and join a gym to reset and build lasting habits,” Elisano said. “Our adult-focused programming, combined with 30 group classes, is welcoming with a no-intimidation atmosphere.”
Miracles Fitness, located at 408 Rio Grande Ave. in Rio Grande, is a medically based fitness facility that partners with Cooper University Health Care to offer instruction and similar programs targeting a range of audiences.
“Our powerful partnership with Cooper University Health Care allows us to meet the needs of our members at every level of their health and fitness journey,” Elisano said. “Our licensed and certified staff are experienced with post-rehab and chronic conditions, including osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and heart health.”
Miracles Fitness can be reached at (609) 886-7070.
For some gymgoers, the new year is less about changing their health habits and more about finding a community of like-minded people.
Melissa Johnson, owner of MFit Gym at 94 Route 50 in Ocean View, strives for her gym to be an accessible place for patrons to work on all parts of themselves.
Reflecting on the start of a new year, Johnson explained the different reasons she sees new members every January.
“The surge after the new year is for a few reasons,” she said. “If a parent wants to give a kid a personal training session or a free month membership, it’s an easy gift of health. Not everyone wants a new candle or blanket; a gift of health is an easy gesture.”
While MFit doesn’t offer any exclusive discounts and deals for the new year, Johnson explains that she’s adamant about making fitness inexpensive and available to her members year-round.
“We understand people are on a budget, and having a gym shouldn’t mean you have to have a second job to have a place to work out,” Johnson said. “We’re cheap because we want to make sure our community can stay healthy and be here.”
Johnson acknowledged how intimidating and expensive the fitness world can be. Curating an affordable and welcoming environment is her way of creating a community.
“We have a lot of people from Sea Isle, Upper Township and some as far as Woodbine,” Johnson said. “It’s a way to meet new people and not just your neighbors because it’s across many towns.”
MFit Gym can be contacted at (609) 938-1970.
January can feel different for people, and some need an extra push to start a new habit. Gyms and workout studios, while intimidating, can be a welcoming transition into a new chapter of one’s life.
By JULIA DIGERONIMO/For the Star and Wave
