STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 In the days after New Year\u2019s Day, it\u2019s hard to find an empty parking space near Staten Island gyms.<\/p>\n
Inside, heads bob up and down on almost every one of the many machines – including treadmills, Stairmasters, arc trainers, Stepmills, elliptical trainers, as well as upright and recumbent bicycles.<\/p>\n
Men, women, and a few teenagers use power rack platforms, free weights, dumbbells, flat and incline benches, and weightlifting machines throughout.<\/p>\n
Rosario DiBernardo, a partner at Intoxx Fitness<\/a>, located at 2590 Hylan Blvd. in New Dorp, sees an influx of new members after the holidays. He attributes this surge to New Year\u2019s resolutions and the motivation to get in shape for the upcoming summer.<\/p>\n He notes that while member demographics remain consistent (60% male, primarily ages 20-40), retaining new clients is a significant challenge – attendance often drops sharply within the first three months if they don\u2019t become \u201cemotionally attached\u201d to their fitness journey.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are two types of gym goers, the emotionally attached are the ones who know what they\u2019re doing. Then you have the ones that are not attached, they\u2019ll start strong, coming four and a half to five times a week, that dwindles to maybe one time a week, within three months,\u201d DiBernardo said.<\/p>\n Nicolette Capua, a 23-year-old from Rossville, said her primary fitness goals are to maintain consistency, keep her strength, and stay healthy.<\/p>\n Capua said, \u201cI absolutely love the equipment that they have here (Intoxx Fitness) and the convenient amenities, such as on-site food and protein shakes. I love the space. You\u2019re able to work out freely and peacefully, and it\u2019s absolutely amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n