Wining, jumping and putting on a display of acrobatic-like behaviour under the scorching sun is no easy task, so many turn to the gyms to burn off the calories, tone the legs, get the much desired six-pack, or lose inches off the waistline.
One month into the new year has seen an influx of eager gym-goers who are intent on realising their goals of achieving a fit body ahead of the two-day Carnival merriment on February 8 and 9.
Several popular gyms throughout the country have noted an increase in the number of people who've been flooding the gym floors or taking part in fitness classes like spin and zumba.
The two most highly anticipated days of the year require endurance, stamina and overall strength for masqueraders to conquer the stage.
Marketing manager at AMCOL Fitness First Health Club, Adeline Gunness told the T&T Guardian the Penal gym had noted "quite an increase."
She said registrants began signing up in early December. Although the increase was not overwhelming, Gunness said on a daily basis there was a constant flow of new people.
She said generally, when the period was over, many would lose interest while others would stick it out.
"We have noted quite an increase. It would have started from early December. Generally speaking, Trinidadians, after Carnival, would lose interest, but some of them who joined before Carnival would stick with it," she said.
Zumba instructor and fitness trainer Leon Brewster said while zumba was an aerobic workout, people would not achieve total results by doing that alone.
He said, "It is a cardio workout so weight training is still needed."
He discouraged people to start "crazy" diets for short periods and encouraged them to participate in a healthier lifestyle.
"People tend to think thay can get a perfect body in six weeks for Carnival but I do not encourage unrealistic and crazy goals.
"Losing weight is not a fast and easy process. It is much better to have long term goals because you can easily put back on the pounds if you don't follow through with a healthy plan."
Instructor Wesley Douglas at Raw Fitness Gym in Gasparillo said many people made resolutions at the start of the new year and joining the gym was one of them. He commented: "It's difficult to give figures, but the first Monday after the new year was crazy."
In one day, the 24-hour gym signed up just over 50 new registrants. But Douglas said there was usually a decrease after the Carnival period with another peak period before the July/August vacation. He said the age category of the gym-beginners was 18-35 and consisted of both males and females.
However, Douglas said while many people had specific goals such as weight loss and gaining abs, others had unrealistic goals.
"The majority are unrealistic," he said–for instance, dreaming of losing over 20 pounds by Carnival Monday and Tuesday.
Douglas' advice was, "Be consistent. There's no harm in coming to get the body, but try to eat healthy and maintain a good diet, which is important.
"Also, exercise at home if you have no plans on joining a gym."
Meanwhile, at Evolution Fitness on Rodney Road in Chaguanas, general manager Rondell Brown said there was a "definite increase." He said despite the recession, it was still a busy time, and in comparison to last year, the numbers were similar: "So that is a good sign."
The gym has an active membership of close to 1,800 men and women.
Brown noted there would be a slight decline after the season ended but many would retain membership after seeing some benefits.
Like Douglas, he said people came requesting impossible goals but that was discouraged since they wanted it in a short period of time.
"Many people join to get their bodies in shape for the season so they can fit into their costume," he said, adding that many people also took advantage of spin classes.
Supervisor at Long Circular Mall gym, Meagan-Marie Lord, said normally at the start of the new year the gym would be "flooded." But that was not the case in early January.
Lord, speaking a few weeks ago, said, "The bacchanal has not started. It is not ridiculous as yet. We anticipate an influx by next week." She felt it was perhaps the recession or that many people were still detoxing from the Christmas season.
She said up to a couple weeks ago there was no significant increase when compared to last year. However, while not as drastic, there were still people "trickling in."
She also expressed similar sentiments that people wanted "miracles" for their bodies to hit the road but such "outrageous goals" were not entertained.
"Sometimes we have those who are overweight, those who want banging legs and a six-pack. We will not even try to sell you the idea but we will encourage you to keep at it and achieve the goal."
At Gulf City Mall in south, the receptionist at Fitness Zone Ltd said there were no increases. "We were expecting a Carnival rush but that didn't happen. It has been different."
She said in the last year many gyms had recently opened up in and around the area so people had more options. She said:
"I would say perhaps it is the recession or simply people aren't doing the Carnival thing this year."