New Year, New Resolutions

SALISBURY, Md – As 2025 approaches, New Year’s resolution season is just getting started.

New Year’s resolutions can represent lasting change or fleeting goals, but for many people, they center on living a healthier lifestyle. According to the Pew Research Center, 79% of resolutions in 2024 focused on health, exercise or diet.

Similar sentiments can be found on the Eastern Shore. Community member Daniel Rogers said his resolution is to “keep eating healthy food and try to live as long and happy as I can.”

Betsy Long, manager of Olympia Fitness Club in Salisbury, said she has seen many New Years come and go during her more than 20 years at the gym.

“It is a really exciting time of year,” Long said. “You see a lot of people. Everyone’s really excited, and it’s super fun.”

While starting a fitness routine doesn’t require a new year, Long said the beginning of January can be an ideal time to begin. She said Olympia encourages people to start at any point, but the new year often provides extra motivation.

When asked about her own resolution, Long said her focus is simply making sure the upcoming year is better than the last.

According to a 2023 Forbes study, just over half of all resolutions last only about three months. For those hoping to stick with their goals, Long offered simple advice.

“Just do it,” she said. “The first step is to step through the front door.”

No matter the resolution, taking that first step is often the most important.