Motivated by the extra pounds that invariably go hand in hand with holiday parties and Christmas gatherings, many people resolve to slim down for the new year. And 1992 will likely be as good as any other year for such weight-loss resolutions.

If it's yours, you'll be glad to know that January is the busiest time of the year for health clubs and weight-loss clinics. The owner of the Universal Physique health club in Cape Girardeau said more new members come through the door right after the new year than any other time.

"January is our biggest month as far as new people joining and also club use," said Doug Friese. "A lot of it is because of people's new year's resolutions, but also because of the weather. It brings more people indoors for exercise."

Whether it's to drop a few pounds or to tone up, Friese said more and more people are choosing to make fitness a way of life.

"Over the last five years, more and more people are trying weight training as a type of exercise," he said. "People are realizing that weight training isn't just for the athlete."

Step-aerobic classes also are popular, he said.

As with any new year's resolution, determination to follow through is highest in the first several weeks after the new year. But success takes commitment, and Friese said most health club clients realize that it won't happen overnight.

"There are a lot of them that don't make it, but a majority of them do," he said. "It's great to see the person you didn't think would make it still coming into the club four years later."

People who set realistic goals tend to be the most successful. And once someone gets into the habit of exercising, he said, they have a better chance of making it a part of their daily life.

"The biggest thing we see is how much better they feel when they start exercising," Friese said.

"We often see more of a personality change in a person than a physical change. The person feels better and has more confidence. If a person gets to that point, they'll usually stick with it."

Those who don't stick with it usually bail out of their exercise routine by March, he said.

"Business slacks off a little around that time. But soon after that, people realize the swimsuit season will soon be here. Then they start coming back."