LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new year usually means a boost in new gym memberships to kick-off resolutions, and that's exactly what YMCA of Greater Louisville is anticipating.

“A lot of times we refer to January as our resolution month, and so people are a little more mindful of their health and well-being,” District Executive Director of YMCA of Greater Louisville, Norm Johnson, said.

He also said increased numbers at the gym could be new members or members that have not been to the gym in awhile.

“Not only just the YMCA Greater Louisville but YMCAs across the country, probably most health clubs across the country, very unilateral about what we see is that new spark,” Johnson told Spectrum News 1.

Since gyms in Kentucky reopened on June 1, 2020 after shutdowns because of COVID-19, Johnson said YMCA of Greater Louisville has seen a steady increase in membership, but its 10 membership branches in Jefferson and Oldham counties and the two across the Ohio River in Indiana now have about 65% of its membership compared to a year ago. 

Johnson said YMCA of Greater Louisville will waive its joining fee in January to promote new memberships, and with a vaccine out, he also feels there’s more hope.

“Just based on what we’ve seen in the past, we will see some increase in January,” Johnson said. “Will it match where we were at in 2019 or 2020, yeah, that would be hard to imagine.”

Under current COVID-19 guidelines, gyms in Kentucky must operate at a maximum of 50% capacity.

Johnson said no YMCA of Greater Louisville has reached that, but to accommodate the influx of however many new members sign-up, its YMCA in downtown Louisville, for example, moved workout equipment to the basketball and racquetball courts to provide for more space for members to workout.

“On our website, when our members check-in, they can see where we’re at capacity-wise, and so our members really appreciated that,” Johnson said.

Their normal COVID-19 protocols are still in place, such as equipping every member with a spray bottle and towel to sanitize after each workout. Plexiglass has also been placed in front of fitness class instructors to add an extra layer of protection. Johnson said they have also beefed up YMCA of Greater Louisville’s virtual programming for members who still want to stay home. 

In addition, there are orange cones that block off cardio machines to ensure people are social distancing while working out. Employees also make rounds to around the gym to sanitize and ensure that members are wearing their masks at all times. 

“We didn’t want to try to do a bunch of last-minute changes. We wanted to say this is where we were, this is where we are now, but we know that we are going to get back there so let’s set ourselves up for success right now,” Johnson said.