Quitting

It’s almost the new year…the time when millions of Americans plan to get fit - for real this time!

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The reality is this: half of new gym members quit within the first few months. Whether it’s because of busy schedules, financial strain, or lack of motivation, the numbers don’t lie: sticking with a fitness program is hard, especially if the gym is new for you.

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At Vero Strength, we notice an influx of new members each month. Following our newsletter, I often hear comments like, “Wow, a lot of people joined this month.” My first thought? “I hope half of them stay.” And while some do, many drop off. It’s not uncommon for someone to come to just one session, then quit, despite my reaching out, answering questions, attempting to motivate. Real talk: in December, I cleaned up our membership roster and off-boarded nearly 30 people who were on hold, claiming they will return but clearly aren’t.

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What happened? Excuses snowball. Life gets busy. The couch feels more comfortable. But the members who stay, who push through and make time for their health, are the ones who see real change—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

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It’s easy to rationalize quitting the gym. Here are some of the most common reasons:

“It’s too expensive.” (Yet, somehow there’s room in the budget for high-end dinners or the new iPhone drop.)

“I don’t have time.” (But there’s always time for scrolling social media or binge-watching a new show.)

“I’m too busy with work.” (Work is demanding, but if something matters, you find a way. Getting up an hour earlier or scheduling a workout like a meeting can make all the difference.)

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The truth is, many of these reasons are more about priorities than barriers. Yes, there are valid circumstances, but most of us could find time and resources for fitness if we truly made it a priority. We all have the same 24 hours in the day.

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One of the biggest myths in fitness is that motivation will carry you through. Here’s the harsh truth: motivation is a sham. It’s an unreliable, fleeting emotion that is impossible to sustain long-term. I can speak for the entire staff at Vero Strength that we aren’t motivated 100% of the time.

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Instead of relying on motivation, focus on creating habits and a routine that work for your lifestyle. Discipline, not motivation, is what keeps you showing up.

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The reasons people quit usually fall into a few categories:

1. Not Using Their Membership: This is the quickest way to lose momentum. Set a schedule and commit to showing up—even if it’s just twice a week.

2. Losing Motivation: Again, discipline beats motivation every time. Build consistency, even on the days you don’t feel like it. Eventually, fitness becomes a non-negotiable.

3. Feeling Out of Place: If you’re new to the gym, it’s normal to feel self-conscious. Everyone starts somewhere, and the reality is that people are too focused on their own workouts to judge yours. In fact, our trainers and members are exceptionally welcoming and supportive of new people.

4. Not Seeing Results Quickly Enough: Results take time. Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate small wins—like showing up consistently or being able to perform tasks easier in real life.

5. Life Gets in the Way: Life will always be busy. If fitness is important to you, you have to MAKE time.

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The ultimate question is: how much is your health worth to you?

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Quitting may feel easy, but the reward of staying is far greater.

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Choose to show up. Choose to commit. Choose yourself.