Many ditching the gym for home workouts

Many begin the new year with a resolution to lose weight and get in shape, but it seems a lot of folks are staying home for their workouts.

Many people turn to gyms to lose weight, but with the slumping economy, gyms are seeing their numbers decline.

"All retailers are going through the same economic time right now," said William Spencer, GM, Bally's Fitness.

The International Health, Raquet and Sportsclub Association says gyms nationwide saw memberships drop in recent years. Typically, gyms see a membership boon in January and this year many gyms are hoping special deals will help pump up business.

But a membership can be a waste of money if you pay but don't end up going. So some people are resorting to feeling the right type of burn without burning a hole in their wallets by exercising at home.

Personal trainer Angel Stone demostrated how to do an ab workout with a dish towel. Fitness experts says getting in shape is all about how much you commit to your goal.

"Just the environment of seeing other people doing what you know you need to do, can help a lot of people stay going for the new year," said Spencer.

But you can reach goals by doing it on your own at home.

It has to be small enough to be doable, when people have these huge goals, most likely they fail," Stone said.