Minot gymgoers got a head start on 2026 fitness journeys

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - Health and fitness are once again taking center stage for many Americans’ New Year’s resolutions.

As many as 96 million U.S. adults plan to prioritize exercising in 2026.

Many began hitting the gym before the turn of the year to get a head start.

At Iron Nation gym, owner Laura Connell is seeing the New Year surge firsthand.

The professional bodybuilder opened her doors nearly two years ago, and said this year already feels different.

“Even going back to right around Christmas time, I started to notice a lot more increase in members coming in. A lot more tours, phone calls, even just with personal training,” said Connell.

But for members like Danielle Bueno, the real challenge is sticking to the goal.

Studies show that only 9% of people who set New Year’s resolutions actually keep them.

Bueno joined Iron Nation last summer after months of trying to stay consistent on her own.

“I’ve lost probably over around 40 pounds,” said Bueno.

Lindsay Gronos didn’t wait for January, either. She started last October with a goal to get stronger.

“To just be able to work with anybody and everybody and just have the confidence that I didn’t have before,” said Gronos.

But she quickly realized the change went deeper than muscle.

“It’s more of a mental change than physical for now,” said Gronos.

As a personal trainer, Connell said January is when people struggle most. That’s why she’s made it her mission to keep them going.

“Getting back to the swing of things after the holidays has been very difficult, even for myself. So, just helping people, being behind them, being their cheerleader,” said Connell.

Everyone who walks through their doors is a part of their story.

“I came for the gym, and I stayed for the family because it really is like we’re one big family,” said Bueno.

And Connell is creating a space where people feel supported and capable of reaching their goals.

Iron Nation has group training classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. called Iron Sisters.

Connell has a few spots left for personal training sessions.

It’s located on South Broadway in Minot.