Area residents resolve to get fit in 2012

At area gyms Monday, the busiest station was the sign-up desk as area residents made good on the popular New Year’s resolution to get in shape in 2012.

“We haven’t been this busy in a long time,” Planet Fitness employee Tahlullah Barger said, surveying the crowded South End Shopping Center fitness center Monday afternoon.


Barger counted 22 new members since the new year began.

Eric Piper, 27, of Williamsport, was unabashed about being part of the New Year’s gym membership surge.

“I’m just another sheep,” he said with a grin between sets on a rear deltoid flex weight-training machine at Planet Fitness.

Piper said his resolution was to get fit in the new year, and he set a goal to go to the gym five days a week.

“I’m fat, so it’s time to get in shape for the ladies,” he said.

Piper said his trick to sticking with his resolution was to have a workout buddy, his friend Tom Port, 21, of Hagerstown.

“This is my third attempt to go (to the gym) regularly,” Port said.

Judy Brewer, 60, of Hagerstown, and Ginny Messier, 63, of Falling Waters, W.Va., had the same idea.

“We’re going to help each other,” Brewer said of her new “gym sister.” Together, they plan to work out three times a week.

Lisa Shupp, 31, of Hagerstown, said her workout buddy will be her husband.

“I’m hoping he’s going to be able to motivate me, and I’ll be able to motivate him as well,” Shupp said.

Finding the time to work out is especially difficult for the couple because they have a 5-month-old child at home, she said.

“I’m really working hard to get back to my prebaby weight,” she said.

Shupp’s plan is to hit the gym every day for half an hour after work.

Heather Kurtz, 24, of Maugansville, said she has a deadline attached to her weight-loss resolution: her friend’s wedding this summer.

“It’s the beginning of the year. That gives me six months,” Kurtz said.

And her workout buddy? The bride-to-be.