Students heading to Carmichael Gym this January might find their usual treadmill taken.

 After nearly a month at home, many students return to campus with a few unwanted pounds and New Year’s resolutions to go with them, which makes January the busiest month for the gym. However, last year’s renovation to the Carmichael Complex should ease the transition by providing additional space for the additional patrons.

University Recreation Fitness Assistant Director Natalie Freeland said the entrance to Carmichael Gym is now more “cosmetically pleasing” and has new cardio and strength equipment to shorten the lines that had been forming outside the door of the old facility.

“Some people only go to the Recreation Center and now they have the opportunity to see both facilities,” Freeland said. “I am excited students are coming out to the gym, and I want people to lead healthy and active lifestyles during all times of the year.”

Patrons are not the only people excited to hit the gym in January. Fitness instructor and junior in nutrition science Kaitlyn Strickland said many fitness instructors are motivated by the new interest in their classes.

Several group fitness classes are filled, and 250 people attended the first day of fitness classes, Strickland said.

“[January] has definitely been chaotic. I like the rush, and I think everybody loves the high population in fitness classes,” Strickland said.

According to Strickland, the crowd begins to die down after two weeks, at which point she is able to see who her “regulars” will be.

The stress that accompanies an increased flow of traffic to the gym has caused problems, like compact disc players not functioning properly, but there is always someone there to help, Strickland said.

“During these busy times, we always make sure the staff is ready to go with easy-to-use procedures,” Strickland said.

“Many new classes are also being offered this semester, like Turbo Kick. Group fitness classes are a great place to start for those looking to complete their New Year’s resolutions,” Strickland said.

According to Freeland, there are also more than 120 pieces of group exercise equipment for students to use at their leisure.

“I like group fitness because you’re working out with people, it’s just more lively, you laugh, we make fun of each other, encourage each other and motivate each other,” Strickland said. “It’s like a social thing, you get out and make friends,” Strickland said.

According to Strickland, many students don’t know what they are doing the first day of class, and those who continue trying to come to class are the ones who are successful.

Personal training is another popular activity for gym-goers. There are 13 trainers on staff to assist students with their physical needs, Freeland said. Students also tend to take advantage of club sports, outdoor adventures, the bike rental program and the rock wall.

Peak times at the Carmichael Complex include weekday mornings before classes, lunchtime and any time after 4 p.m. According to Freeland, more classes are offered in the afternoon to accommodate for the increased influx of students. While no classes are offered on Saturdays due to low demand, Sunday nights are typically popular with students, Freeland said.

“You want as many people to partake in activities because you want to see those changes within people,” Strickland said. “That’s why we’re here.”