On January 1st, millions of people across the U.S. will take part in the yearly tradition of making a New Year’s resolution — a goal or declaration to accomplish a specific goal, or abstain from a certain habit.
Here, fitness leaders from a broad cross-section of the industry share the New Year’s resolutions they’ll be making once the first day of January rolls around.
Greta Wagner, EVP/Executive Director, Chelsea Piers Connecticut
“Unfortunately, my New Year’s resolutions usually end by midnight. I am going to challenge myself to read more books on subjects that interest me outside of the industry. I find most of my time lately is solely focused on work and industry. Someone I know made a bet with his daughter on who could read the most books over the course of the year. I believe he won, reading over a book a week. I thought it was a pretty cool thing to do and a good way to spend downtime. He felt he became a more interesting and balanced person. I’ll let you know how I do at the end of the year.”
Jim Worthington, Owner, Newtown Athletic Club
“On a personal note, yet industry related, I am resolved to get the PHIT bill passed, if not already done by the time this article is published. Regarding the club, I would like to see Newtown Athletic Club recognized as the top lifestyle club in the world.”
Jon Brady, COO, Midtown Athletic Clubs
“To ask lots of ‘why’ questions of our teams, vendors and our members to try and learn insights that can help move our business forward, and to make sure I provide organizational clarity to all levels of our business to ensure a transparent flow of communication, expectation and goals.”
Mark Ryan, VP of Member Experience, VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa
“I resolve to improve on being fully present in my professional and personal life.”
Ellen Latham, Co-Founder, Orangetheory Fitness
“My New Year’s resolution will be to establish my keynote speaking career. I am getting many requests to speak at conventions and I want to exceed expectations. Even though this new career is creeping up on me, I hope to create time for my new granddaughter — she is simply wonderful.”
Ralph Rajs, SVP of Operations, Leisure Sports
“I am not a New Year’s Resolution guy. I try and evaluate myself at the end of each month and set goals for the coming 30 days. I like to have a couple ‘course-correction’ goals and a couple ‘never-been-done-before’ goals for each month. A never-been-done-before goal is identifying a couple things that are completely new to me and seeing if I can get them done.”
Rachel Zabonick is editor-in-chief of Club Solutions Magazine. She can be reached at rachel@peakemedia.com.
