Jan. 1--At the stroke of midnight, millions made a New Year's resolution. Some vowed to quit smoking or drinking, others to get out of debt or enjoy life more. Some vowed to get organized, spend more time with family or maybe to help others. And some made the most common resolution of all -- to get fit.
For those who forge the "losing weight" resolution, it's going to take commitment, motivation and support.
Many gyms and fitness centers in the area say they're providing first-rate deals to help people make their resolution stick far beyond the new year.
Summers County Community Wellness Center is holding a "Biggest Loser" competition to motivate weight loss.
The cost is a one-time $10 per person fee, and participants can bring a friend for free. The cost for children under 18 years of age is $5 with an accompanying parent who can work out for free.
Consultants will be on hand at the gym to assist participants in determining realistic fitness weight loss goals, and to calculate and record participants' height, weight body mass index, blood pressure and blood sugar in a personal notebook complete with "inspiring" information and food/excercise logs.
On July 3, the winner of the competition will receive a free two-night stay at Pipestem State Park. Prizes will also be given to the teens who lose the greatest percentage of weight.
Virginia Hatcher, director and AmeriCorps Vista says the competition was created to not only motivate people to lose weight, but also to, "change their lifestyles in a healthy, positive way.
"The wellness center makes fitness fun. We don't want to promote fad crash diets. We want to teach people to eat healthy and exercise properly," said Hatcher.
Hatcher says the program also teaches parents with young children how to have a healthy lifestyle.
"Instead of trying to find time to spend an hour or two in the gym -- not knowing what your going to do with the kids, we're going to teach ways to be healthy and exercise with the kids so the children can also get the recommended sixty minutes of exercise."
Hatcher also suggests that parents buy interactive games such as "Dance, Dance Revolution" instead of a regular old video game or consider playing a game of kickball or walking as a family activity.
Boosting motivation, support, nutritional advice and exercise advice, the center is holding a special registration day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 221 Temple St. in Hinton.
Registration for the program will continue through Jan. 31 during normal business hours.
For more information, including details on scholarships, call 304-466-3916.
-- E-mail: jayres@register-herald.com
Area GET FIT Specials
If you've made a resolution to GET FIT in '09, you might consider one of the following New Year's specials in your area. Prices are subject to change.
Fayette County
Active Fitness -- This gym is providing a weight loss challenge similar to the Biggest Loser. Gym members who sign up for the challenge will work in teams for 10 weeks with an assigned personal trainer/captain. The winner of the competition will receive a cash pot. The gym says the winner in 2007 received $700 cash and a one-year membership.
Entry fee is $15 for members. In the month of January, this fitness center is also offering a discounted membership fee of $20.09 (the normal fee is $100). Monthly payments are $39 and are all inclusive. Benefits include myriad classes such as boot camp, abs, yoga, pilates, martial arts, cycling and a steam room and sauna. Call 304-465-0700
Raleigh County
BodyWorks Health Fitness and Rehabilitation -- This gym is offering a "Sweat Now, Pay Later" program.
Anyone signing a one-year contract in January (cost is $56 per month) gets two months free. The $56 per month charge includes full use of the facility, all classes and two personal training session at the beginning. For more information, call 304-255-2376
Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA -- The Y is offering a discount on its sign-up fee. The earlier you sign up, the more you save. Those who sign up Friday will pay a $2 joining fee; sign up Saturday, pay $3, etc. Once you join, the YMCA fee is all-inclusive and offers free baby-sitting, fitness classes, towel service, and more. 304-252-0715
L.A. East Fitness -- They're offering a discounted cost of $24.95 to sign up (normal cost is $29.95) and $24.95 per month, which includes five free personal training sessions. Call 304-252-7000.
Greenbrier County
Greenbrier Valley Physical Therapy & Fitness -- This gym is offering a discounted $10 sign-up fee, a new smoothie bar, and several new classes for 2009 including: Mix It Up (a mixture of cardio and dance moves), Basic Boot Camp (a military PT class taught by a certified Army trainer) a Pilates/Yoga combination class, and "Boot Kamp" for kids. All classes are free with the sign up fee. Call 304-647-3982
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Copyright (c) 2009, The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va.
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