Local Woman Encourages Others to get Healthy for the New Year

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – After living an active lifestyle for most of her life, 19-year-old Mary Burkhalter made a new year’s resolution last year to get herself back in shape, and this year she’s encouraging others to do the same.

"It helps a lot," said Burkhalter, and she isn’t alone. Ever year nearly 66 percent of Americans make some type of fitness goal for the New Year.

"Yea, that tends to be the trend," said fitness consultant, Andrew McGarvey, "They will come in, there will be a big rush, and then after January, after February it starts to trickle down a little bit."

According to several health studies, 73 percent of Americans who set a fitness resolution usually give up before the end of March, but McGarvey says it doesn’t have to be that way, "We do offer personal trainers, it’s a good way to hold yourself accountable by working with them."

Burkhalter said she currently goes to the gym five times a week, and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.