[ndeast]

Alan Thrall (owner of Untamed Strength in Sacramento) has discussed this a few times (most recently in this video[0]), but basically independent gyms don't really see this effect. In fact January can still be a pretty slow month for independent gyms as members over spend during the holidays (and cancel memberships) or don't want to go out in the cold weather.

Personally as a member of an independent gym for a few years now, I have also not seen an increase in activity at the beginning of the year. Most of the members tend to be pretty consistent and I've been now 5 days this new year at different peak times and seen only one new face. Good independent gyms are very expensive to run.

[0] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XyjXXnkc7oo

[SoftTalker]

I go to an independent gym, it's definitely more crowded in January but pretty much back to normal by mid-late February. If history repeats, they will close to new memberships sometime in the next few weeks until the crowds abate.

[dehrmann]

A lot of new year resolvers won't be so keen on training untamed and will find their way to the nearest Planet Fitness. Squat racks can be pretty intimidating, and learning how to use them takes some guidance.

[hayyyyydos]

> or don't want to go out in the cold weather

January in Australia is Summer