January is the month that separates successful trainers who build lucrative careers from those who never quite find their foothold. The difference is intensity. Some trainers arrive earlier, look better, smile more, listen closer, focus in, follow up and do everything they can to elevate their professionalism and the client experience. Others figure they'll get business, regardless. Some trainers decide that if their audience is going to grow, they'll put on a better show. Others recycle the same old exercises. Some trainers walk the gym floor, chatting with members, while making themselves available to walk-ins and impromptu consultations. Others head home between training sessions.

Will the New Year be a bounty for you, adding more clients to an already full schedule? Or will it be further proof that times are tight and people just aren't spending money as they have before?

I guess it depends on you!