Haywood's fitness challenge registration begins Monday

If you need just a little nudge to help you get serious about improving your physical fitness, the 2007 Healthy Haywood Fitness Challenge may be just the ticket.

Beginning March 19, Haywood County residents can visit participating local fitness centers up to 24 times over the following eight weeks, all for a registration fee of $10.

In addition, participants can earn points for hikes, bicycle rides, power walking, gardening and many other forms of physical activity. The points earned by keeping a record of physical activity will go towards incentives, such as athletic shoes, which will be presented throughout the Challenge.

The Fitness Challenge, which is a project of the Healthy Haywood Obesity Prevention Team, began in 2002 and is coordinated by the Haywood County Health Department. In 2006, the program received the Golden Project award from the North Carolina Office of Healthy Carolinians because of the successful model it has created for collaboration between county agencies, businesses and the community. In addition to the health department, participating county agencies include the Parks and Recreation Department, Haywood County Schools, Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center, and the Waynesville Recreation Department.

“I think this program has been successful for several reasons,” said Steffie Duginske, Healthy Haywood coordinator. “First and most importantly, the participating fitness centers are the ones who make this event possible by donating their facilities, equipment, and staff support. I also believe the low cost allows more people in the community to take advantage of this great opportunity. Finally, I like how the money made from the challenge is ‘given back’ to participants to buy incentives to keep them motivated.”

Duginske pointed out that any money left over from the registration fees is used to support a project that encourages physical activity in Haywood County.

Registration for the 2007 Fitness Challenge is for three days only, March 19-21.

On Monday, registration will take place from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Waynesville Recreation Center. On Tuesday, registration is from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. The official kickoff for the Fitness Challenge will take place during Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center’s Spring into Wellness Health Fair from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gym.

The final day of registration will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, at the Haywood County Health Department. The cost is $10 for the first two registration days, and $20 on the final day. Prizes will be given away at the mid-point of the Fitness Challenge, which is April 17, and on the final day, which is May 15.

Participating fitness center include Kim’s Gym, Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center, the Waynesville Recreation Center and the Armory, World Gym in Canton, and Curves in Canton and Waynesville.

For more information about the point system, and other questions about the Fitness Challenge, contact Duginske at 452-6675, ext. 2270.

By David Teague, Haywood County Public Information Coordinator
Source: citizen-times.com