By Susanne Beck
The word “resolution” may suggest the end of something.
But for about 30% of American adults, New Year’s resolutions are just the beginning. “I resolve to… “ becomes a pledge they make to themselves and sometimes, to anyone who will listen, about what they hope to accomplish in the twelve months to come. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of last year’s resolvers focused on health; finance was second at 61%. As for their level of determination? Lackluster at best. Pew notes that nearly a month into the new year, 13% have given up.
Mike Farina, General Manager of Beacon Hill Athletic Club, on Cambridge St. says it’s probably even worse in the fitness world. In his 20-plus years at the club, he has seen the same good intentions go unrealized, year after year. Spurred by an interest in getting into shape, new members sign up in droves in early January. “Our membership generally runs around 400,” Mike says. “Then it surges to closer to 470,” as the new year begins. By April, he notes that the attrition rate for resolvers is about 75%. “I see it all the time. People come in for two weeks, three or four days a week, and then they’ll take a week off. By then, it’s hard to get back into the groove. And then they’re coming once in a while, and then they’re canceling their membership.”
One of Mike’s New Year’s resolutions? To change that phenomenon.
Loyal clients of the club tend to be “head down, headphones in, get their thing done,” types, Mike explains. That can be very intimidating for many newcomers. “When they first come to the gym, they’re not in the best shape. They’re uncomfortable or not confident, and they see all these fit people doing these crazy exercises: hang cleans, heavy bench presses, running six-minute miles. They get discouraged quickly.”
Listening, creating a comfortable vibe, and establishing a real rapport are key to changing that outlook, Mike says. “I want to make those people more comfortable, and I want them to feel like they belong. They don’t have to bench press. They don’t have to deadlift. They just have to do what they’re comfortable with and understand that it’s their gym, just like it’s everybody else’s gym, and they belong here just as much as anybody else.”
In addition to completing a recent upgrade to the space and new equipment to make it more user-friendly, Mike has added an orientation program, free of charge. “We walk people through the machines, so they have a basic understanding of how they work, and which machines to use and which complement the others whether you’re doing a lap pull down and a squat or a bench press and lunges.” He emphasizes that staff is always available for questions, too. “Ask for guidance,” he chuckles. “We all need it!”
As for those who are loathe to leave their warm homes or offices and make the trek to the club. “Get your socks on!” he laughs “Once you put your socks on, you know, the rest follows. And just try to be consistent. You gotta get there and just do it. Consistency is everything.”
When he is not working to improve the club environment, Mike has a few resolutions of his own. “Spend more time with family,” he notes before adding almost casually, “oh, I am registered for an Iron Man triathlon later this year.” Only later does he throw in that he is also planning a 300-mile fundraising ride across Massachusetts this summer to raise money for Dana Farber’s pediatric program. And a hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Clearly, not everyone can – or even wants to – match Mike’s resolve. Pew, in fact, says that of the 70% of Americans who did not make any New Year’s resolutions in 2024, a majority (56%) said they simply don’t like to.
Susanne Beck lives on Beacon Hill and is neighborhood writer.