HOLDEN, Mass. — January is always one of the craziest months for Jen Chaplin and LIFT Fitness.

While membership has been steady, LIFT Fitness typically sees a boost following the holidays, Chaplin, who owns the gym, said.

"As a fitness professional, we get really excited this time of year, just for anybody that wants to start moving their body and start being healthy," Chaplin said. "In this country specifically, we have a huge obesity problem, and diabetes and all those things."

This year, though, Chaplin and her team are looking to shake things up a bit. While they're still encouraging people to get in shape at the fitness center, there's an added challenge, called the "accountability challenge."

"We added an extra hour of sleep. We're all trying to do 'Dry January,' which is very minimal or no alcohol," Chaplin said. "We are doing less scrolling on social. We're getting rid of things like sugar, adding more protein."

Participants are asked to slowly phase out processed foods, add vegetables and drink more water. Chaplin said the challenge focuses on overall wellness.

"I really wanted it to be a well-rounded thing that people could actually take with them and add healthy habits, not just for January, but for the long-term," Chaplin said.

So if you, a friend or family member are hitting the gym this year as part of your New Year's resolution, Chaplin has some advice.

First and foremost, go slow. Don't jump right into an intense workout routine.

"The smaller changes that you can make, maybe [a] 30 minute workout a couple times a week, or cutting one thing out of your diet and then adding as you go," she said. "When we jump all in, sometimes, that's when we fail."