Why Health Is Wealth in 2024 (and Beyond)
Health is an elusive concept that looks different for each person. Improving your health doesn’t just mean drinking less soda or eating more veggies; it’s about nourishing your body and supporting your mind with healthy habits that’ll keep you looking and feeling your best.
It’s easy to take our health for granted; oftentimes, it’s only when it starts to dip that we realize we’ve put it on the back burner. Now’s the perfect time to set new commitments and start (or restart) your journey. We all fall off the bandwagon at one point or another (seasonal affective disorder, anyone?), so don’t be too hard on yourself! Even Midwest magic can’t beat those winter blues sometimes.
How to Create Resolutions You Can Achieve
The thing about working out (and fitness in general) is that we all do it for different reasons. Maybe you want to shed a few pounds - this year has been pretty stressful, after all. Or perhaps you’re ready to check that 5k run or marathon off your bucket list. Whatever your reason, some fitness-related New Year’s resolutions may just be the kick in the pants you need to get started.
Creating New Year’s resolutions is a time-honored tradition. But keeping those resolutions? Not so much. Don’t let that knock the wind outta your sails because, on average, only 9% of resolutions are kept through the end of the year. So if you find yourself struggling to maintain those resolutions each year, you’re not alone.
The good news is that you can use SMART guidelines to set yourself up for success before you even begin. SMART is an acronym that’s used by business people, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday people alike to create goals that challenge you and give you the opportunity to grow in a sustainable way. Here’s how to use SMART to create this year’s resolutions:
S - Specific: you need to be clear and specific about the goals you’re setting
M - Measurable: establish how you’ll track your goals (i.e., pounds or inches lost, range of motion, etc.)
A - Attainable: consider whether you’re creating goals that are actionable
R - Realistic: don’t expect to climb Mt. Everest (or run a marathon) in a matter of months
T - Time-sensitive: setting a date helps keep you accountable and gives you a motivational deadline
Remember: fitness resolutions will look different for every person. Sure, your neighbor may be training for a triathlon, but simply setting a goal of going to the gym three times per week may make a massive impact on you. Or maybe your goal is to show up regularly for an indoor soccer league. Whatever you choose, don’t compare yourself to others; focus on yourself!
Five Gyms Near Evansville Perfect for You
Okay, so you’re ready to get started but not sure which gym is the right fit for you. We get it! Finding the best fitness center for you isn’t just about how it looks or the equipment it provides; it’s about finding somewhere you feel comfortable and somewhere with a support system that’ll help you stick to those resolutions.
Though there are many to choose from in the greater Evansville Region, here are five of the best that you can choose from.
BFit Gym (Formerly Known as Bob’s Gym)
BFit Gym isn’t your average, everyday gym. Sure, they may have all the bells and whistles (er, sorry - dumbbells and weights), but the team brings something a little extra to the table: a commitment to helping you succeed. Whether you’re looking for group cycle class, infrared saunas, or personal training, BFit gym offers four different locations across the greater Evansville area, so you’re never too far away to squeeze in a workout or wellness session
Amenities: Weight room, cardio machines, turf area, basketball courts, infrared sauna, massage & wellness services*
Classes: Functional training, personal training, group classes, kids classes
Cost: $25 - $45/month
Explore more on their website here
*Note: amenities vary by location
YMCA
🎶 It’s fun to sweat at the Y-M-C-A 🎶 If you’re looking for options, the Y has you covered. Rest assured that you’ll never get bored or run out of things to do with a YMCA gym membership. From scuba classes to weight training and even nutrition classes, you’ll have all the tools you need to smash your New Year’s fitness resolutions.
Amenities: Weights, cardio machines, aquatics, boxing, cooking/nutrition, youth/adult sports leagues, and more than we can list here
Classes: Functional training, personal training, group classes, kids classes, clinics
Cost: $26 - $77/month, with youth, senior, adult, family, and corporate membership options
Explore more on their website here
Crunch Fitness
If you’ve been avoiding going to the gym because of the stereotypical “gym” culture, then Crunch is the perfect place for you. They’re firm believers that fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, and they’re here to support you in whatever way works best for your body. With accountability and empowerment, you’ll find the supportive fitness community you’ve always wanted at Crunch Fitness.
Amenities: Cardio, weights, machines, TRX
Classes: 30-minute circuit training, ride classes, HIIT classes, group fitness, Crunch+ streaming workouts
Cost: $10 - $30/month
Explore more on their website here
Orange Theory
Hate working out by yourself? You’ll always have the support squad you need at Orange Theory in Evansville. The workouts include three different activities, always guided by expert coaches. You’ll get daily strength training, full-body exercise on the rowing machines, and a few treadmill miles to hit your target heart rate and burn maximum calories. Their basic monthly packages gets you four classes per week, plus discounted add-on classes.
Amenities: Cardio, weights, machines, TRX
Classes: 30-minute circuit training, ride classes, HIIT classes, group fitness, Crunch+ streaming workouts
Cost: $69 - $169/month + additional classes at discounted prices whenever you want them
Explore more on their website here
Chamfit Studios
If tough love is more your style, then it’s time to make Chamfit Studios your new home away from home. With group classes that range in intensity, you’ll be able to see where you stack up against others with their real-time leaderboard and rotating gym challenges. With trainer-designed workouts and nutrition plans made for you, you’ll start seeing progress with every sweat sesh you squeeze in at Chamfit.
Amenities: Cardio machines, weights, and all the functional training equipment you’ll ever need
Classes: Group high-intensity classes, functional training,
Cost: $40 - $180/month, with family and unlimited plans available + 1 year packages with 8-30 workouts per month & unlimited yoga memberships
Explore more on their website here
Next Level Fitness - in Boonville
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way to find a routine that sticks. At Next Level Fitness, you don’t have to worry about getting locked into a long-term contract. With free one-day trials and 24-hour club access, you can explore the facilities and discover your new home away from home at Next Level Fitness. Shred some calories on their state-of-the-art rowing machines or start building more lean muscle mass with their weight machines. No matter your goal, the team at Next Level Fitness can help you get there.
Amenities: Weight lifting, cardio equipment (ellipticals, rowing machines, and more), tanning beds, locker rooms, and on-site showers
Cost: Single, student, and family plans are available with discounts for law enforcement, veterans, seniors, and government employees
Explore more on their website here
New Image Fitness Center & Nutrition Depot - in Princeton
Physical exercise is only half the battle when you’re trying to hit those New Year’s resolutions. You can’t outrun the fork, and the team at New Image understands the big picture. They’re there to guide you every step of the way with custom nutrition plans, personal trainers, and all of the equipment and amenities you could imagine. Plus, they offer childcare on-site, so you’ll always be able to make time for a quick workout.
Amenities: Weight lifting, cardio equipment, personal training, tanning beds, locker rooms, smoothie bar, supplement store, and on-site childcare
Classes: Weight lifting, cardio equipment, personal training, tanning beds, locker rooms, smoothie bar, supplement store, and on-site childcare
Cost: $20 - $60/month with single, couple, and family plans available. Discounts offered for law enforcement, military members, first responders, and students
Explore more on their website here
EveryBody Fitness - in Henderson
Sometimes, homegrown is just better, and that is the case at locally-owned EveryBody Fitness. With all of the free weights, weight machines, and personal training you’ll ever need, EveryBody is the perfect gym that doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed by some of that fancy, high-tech equipment. With occasional group classes available, they have a membership for every household at any budget and even offer personal training packages.
Amenities: Weight lifting, cardio equipment, personal training, and tanning beds
Classes: Group fitness classes available at some locations
Cost: $20 - $50/month with single, couple, student, family, and first responder plans available.
Explore more on their website hereSay Hello to a New Year & a New You with the Best Gyms in the Evansville Region
No matter what your background is, or where in the Evansville Region you live, getting started can be the most daunting part of your fitness journey. Sure, grabbing a cup o’ joe at the local coffee shop may sound like more fun, but your body (and mind) will thank you for squeezing in a lil workout. Thanks to state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated crews of trainers, these Evansville Region fitness centers will help you achieve all of your fitness and wellness resolutions in no time flat.
Click the links to explore local gyms and start your journey to your best health in 2024.
