A study of 1,000 consumers across the US conducted by Offers.com found out that the top resolution made by 36 percent of the responders said exercise more and lose weight.

When broken down by state, Iowan’s response was exercise in second place behind their number one answer of saving money.

Bezinga reports that exercising more was desired by 50 percent of those polled, while losing weight was a close second at 42 percent.

And according to Uncluttered Simplicity, the most popular resolutions to make — and then to break — are losing weight and getting in shape.

Marshalltown YMCA physical fitness trainer Chandler Kendall shows how to use some weight machines on Monday at the Y.

Residents in Marshalltown are no different as gyms see an increase in memberships after the holidays are over.

According to Angie Paxson, health and wellness coordinator at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA, the facility always sees an influx of people in January.

“A new year is a great time to start one’s wellness journey. There are many reasons folks join the Y, one of the main ones is weight loss,” Paxson said. “But once people get connected with the family and culture of the Y they discover there is so much more to us than ‘just a gym.’

“We truly are a family that cares for each other. The social aspect of being here is just as important as the weight loss and exercise is,” she said. “We offer many different options for members. We have group exercise classes, personal training, equipment orientations and new to us is CrossFit 641.

In the personal training aspect of fitness the Y offers programs such as ActivTrax, Youth Fitness and Powerlifting For Wellness.

T-R photo by Chuck Friend Members make good use of the variety of fitness equipment offered at the Marshalltown YMCA/YWCA.

Members can also benefit from massage therapy, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA and Enhance Fitness.

There are aquatics classes and activities for adults including:

• Adaptive swim classes for adults with disabilities

• Lap swim

• Teen and adult swim lessons

• Specialty water classes

• Water fitness

• Lifeguard certification course.

“The main tip to be successful for 2020 is to start small,” Paxson said. “Take a larger goal and break it down into smaller segments. Instead of ‘I want to lose 30 pounds,’ break it down into ‘I want to lose five pounds in January. I will do this by cutting out a portion of my soda consumption,’ and add walking for two miles, three times per week.”

“By making those larger goals smaller and more specific, you are much more likely to stick to your plan,” she said.