Losing weight is on the top of many people’s 2013 New Year’s resolutions, and for good reason. 28.7 percent of citizens in Jasper County are obese, and 24.8 percent have high blood pressure. A common way to prevent this is proper exercise, and Anytime Fitness of Newton does see an increase in customers during the early months of the year.

Manager Jeremy Vesely has been employed with Anytime Fitness of Newton for three years. He has seen a lot of members over the years, and New Year’s is one of the busiest seasons at the facility. He wants members to stay fit, but urges them not to do too much at once.

“When you sign up, don’t come every day because then you’re going to get bored with it,” Vesely said. “So come back every two or three days and get used to it and don’t burn yourself out.”