Gyms across Bermuda are bracing themselves for an upturn in new members as residents aim to stick to their New Year's resolutions and burn off the excess Christmas turkey and pudding.

A number of gyms have been offering incentives such as discounts, promotions and new equipment in a bid to attract new clients, while others were just happy to keep their existing customer base in the current economic crisis.

Scott Stallard, owner of The Olympic Club, in Dundonald Street, Hamilton, said it was a case of the quiet before the storm, with a flurry of new membership activity expected in January, continuing through February, March and April and levelling out for the rest of the year.

He said the average price for membership at the gym was $100 per month, which compared favourably to a $100 dinner, which was gone in two hours, or the cost of hiring a lawyer for an hour, which was approximately $500.

"This has been our best year ever," he said.

"When you think about it, $100 per month is not a lot to spend on gym membership and is also a good way to keep yourself fit.

"I try to keep my prices below the competition, do good deals for students and seniors where they pay less and I think we offer the best value for money.

"If you do not have your health, you do not have much else and I think that in these trying economic times you should not have pay such a heavy price when this is something you will need now more than ever."

Kym Burns, president and managing director of The Athletic Club, based in Washington Street, said the gym, which has just undergone a renovation, was focusing on corporate wellness for company employees and had the most extensive group fitness schedule on the Island, with the new schedule starting on January 12.

She said a one-day special was also held in early December, while current members could take advantage of signing up for membership now for next year at 2008 rates.

"The New Year and January in particular is always very good in this industry," she said.

"We are doing weight loss programmes and weigh-ins, which even non-members can come in to do.

"It is a case of so far, so good - I anticipate that we are moving into our busiest season.

"Going to the gym can become a way of life and burning the excess Christmas fat and New Year resolutions to keep that weight under control or just become healthier and have a good quality of life are always big things for many people."

Dawn Berry, supervisor at Magnum Power Force Gym, in Church Street East, said the gym runs a promotion in December offering a discount on membership for paying a year in advance, which was always well-received, and that there was usually a big take-up in January.

"We had a good run in December and hope that continues through January," she said.

"People renew their memberships, we get new members and gift certificates redeemable at the gym are also very popular."

Sharon Miller, manager at Curves, which has been in Bermuda for four years and is located in Gorham Road, Hamilton, said a new Curves Smart Equipment system was installed in the gym in November, which a lot of people signed up for, while new clients had come on board to use the existing equipment.

"The New Year's resolution usually starts on Wednesday night (New Year's Eve), with people lining up at the door," she said.

"On top of that, most of our existing members have also decided to stay with the gym, so it looks good for next year." Mike Jeffrey, owner of 24-Hour Fitness, based on North Shore Road, Shelly Bay, in Hamilton Parish, said December was traditionally a quiet month for the gym, but he anticipated business would pick up in the New Year and peak in February and March.

"It is almost into February when you see membership levels kick in," he said.

"Members get started in January, but it continues to grow through February and March and peaks at about that time, usually dips a little in April and then it comes up in May and June and goes down in August and December.

"I do not think it is as good as last year because of the economic uncertainty at the moment which could determine whether people shy away from it or not."