Businesses that cater to resolutions getting busy

Lolita Harper

NEWPORT-MESA -- It’s that time of the year when people traditionally

vow to kick bad habits, shed the holiday pounds -- and then some -- and

start a fresh, healthy new year.

For most, this means days of agonizing nicotine cravings or hours of

heart pumping time on the treadmill, but for some it means an increase in

business.

Local gyms are reporting a steady increase in memberships that started

in December. Mark Fogerty, manager of Shape Up Fitness in Corona del Mar,

said the start of the calendar year is the largest profit producing time

in the industry. Priority Fitness in Newport Beach reported about 15 new

members in December and expects even more in the new year, said trainer

Jean-Gardel Theodore.

Mike Mazzola at Superbodies agreed, saying enrollment always increases

rapidly in January and February and then drops off again in March.

“There is a huge influx and then it tapers off until summer and spring

when people start worrying about getting into their bathing suits again,”

Mazzola said.

Fogerty said realism is the key to keeping New Year’s resolutions to

lose weight and get in shape.

Too many people walk into a gym in January, planning to work out two

hours a day, five days a week, he said, and they are just setting

themselves up for failure.

“We stress realistic goals, for New Year’s or any time of the year,”

Fogerty said. “You have to integrate [fitness] into your lifestyle little

by little.”

While Fogerty, Mazzola and Jean-Gardel work with people to slowly take

off their extra winter layer, hypnotists say there is a quicker way to

permanent results.

Certified hypnotist Doris Alvey said people can accomplish any goal if

they put their mind to it. Alvey said she sees a slight increase in

clients at the beginning of the year, most of them trying to quit

smoking.

“People come in pretty motivated to make a change and when they do, it

is very effective,” said Alvey, who has an office in Costa Mesa.

Brenda Ann Seay, also a hypnotherapist, said she has not seen an

increase in business yet but expects to see more clients in January.

“In January, people start thinking about getting their life going --

or started in new directions,” Seay said.

Both hypnotists said they work with people to not only kick their

nicotine fixes but to have more success in life, whether it be in

relationships or their career. Letting go of old fears is also a common

request, Seay said.

Seay and Alvey said their clients do not need to worry about breaking

their resolutions two weeks into January if they have the right mind

frame.

“Everybody is unique, but it all depends on the person’s desire. If

they want it badly enough, the change will be permanent,” Seay said.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .