Staff photo by Fritz Busch Mike Guggisberg of New Ulm works out on a leg press at Anytime Fitness of New Ulm. Guggisberg said his New Year’s resolution is to continue his fitness routine.

NEW ULM — As winter outdoor temperatures fall, indoor fitness facility interest rises, according to New Ulm Park & Recreation Director Joey Schugel.

“We normally see a membership spike around January 1. When it’s harder to be outside, we see usage pickup. We’re always ready for usage spikes. All the way through winter,” said Schugel.

He said the New Ulm Recreation Center’s full walking track is open again, operating as it should after a field house air handling project was completed.

“We’ve got open swimming, fitness classes or people can work out on their own. Older people should know that Medicare supplement insurance needs to be renewed around the first of the year. We try to stay ahead of it,” said Schugel.

“It’s business as usual now with three plus years in the renovated facility. It continues to be a popular place,” he said.

Recreation Center membership has risen since the project was completed. Membership was 3,422 in 2021, 5,067 in 2022, 6,383 last year and 6,613 this year through Dec. 29.

New Ulm Assistant Park and Recreation Director Cheryl Kormann said Recreation Center punch cards are the most popular membership option with 3,472 as of Dec. 29.

“Membership costs are more cost effective with punch cards for a dozen visits at 25% off the daily admission fee,” said Kormann.

“I think more people are taking advantage of this beautiful facility. Many realize its economical entertainment, combining workouts and fun with the whole family. The gym has a variety of activities including shooting hoops, pickleball, soccer, volleyball and dancing,” she said.

“A lot of people come in on lunch break for a leisurely walk. It’s a great stress reliever. Group fitness classes are available six days a week. Workouts can include a trainer beside people, ensuring proper form and technique,” Kormann said.

Daily admission fees are $7 for youth/seniors, $9 for fitness class general admission and $3 for track/playground use only. Reservations can be made to confirm availability at 507-359-8347.

Anytime Fitness in downtown New Ulm was used by a number of adults last week.

Mike Guggisberg of New Ulm farms and works part-time at Kraft. He said he used to work out regularly and began coming regularly in November.

“I got off my routine during COVID, but now that I’m getting older, I want to get back in shape, so I started coming again to get more healthy again. I try to work out four days a week, if not six. I do cardio circuit and lift weights. It feels better to have aches and pains from working out than from not working out. I try to eat healthy too.” he said.

Isaiah Theis of Courtland was working out.

“I try to get here three days a week. I’d like to do more. I do whatever I feel like. I’ve been working out most of my life, since I was a teenager,” he said.

Brian Stitzinger said he works out daily at Anytime Fitness and at home.

“I do dips, push-ups. I come here in the morning and after work. I started picking up weights again a couple months ago. I didn’t like the reflection in the mirror,” he said.

Anytime Fitness Manager Elly Klosterbuer said she likes the fitness community.

“I want to be my best self no matter what and push myself,” she said.