Andorra Gyms See 40% Membership Surge in January Peak

Andorra's gyms are experiencing their annual January surge in new memberships, with increases of up to 40% compared to December, driven by New Year's resolutions and post-holiday fitness goals.

This phenomenon, known in the fitness sector as the "January slope," sees facilities across the Principality filling up as people aim to exercise more, lose weight, or improve their health after Christmas excesses. Operators report January as one of the strongest months for sign-ups, though patterns vary by centre.

At Duplex Sport Club, staff note a marked rise, especially noticeable with the influx of seasonal workers. "December is quiet, but we always have some turnover," one manager said. "January is our peak month." Similar trends appear at LAUesport in La Massana, which has 1,931 active members—54 more than in December—across morning, full-access, and pool subscriptions. A waiting list of 20 people is expected to clear by February. September edges out January there, coinciding with the end of summer holidays.

Fit Box trainer Diego Ortigoza reported around 20 new sign-ups this January, significant for their small-group format where all slots are now full. Lapsed members often return at this time, he added. Next Fitness Club maintains a persistent waiting list due to limited space, a situation persisting for eight months.

The pattern mirrors trends in neighbouring Catalonia and Spain, where gyms see jumps of 40-50% over quieter months like November or February. However, retention proves short-lived. Numbers typically drop after two or three months, normalising by then, according to Ortigoza. Duplex anticipates a decline post-Easter (29 March to 5 April), with a partial summer rebound from students, though not matching January levels.

Alternatives like calisthenics parks in Prat del Roure, Encamp, or Enclar, or home workouts, are gaining popularity amid capacity constraints.