United Way looking for big losers again

Need a little help getting in shape, losing weight or simply eating better?

The fourth annual Lakes Area Team Challenge-Biggest Loser is looking for teams of six to join together to get into shape - and raise money for community programs that help instill healthy habits in area children.

The program, which runs for eight weeks from Jan. 13 to March 10, is a project of the United Way of Crow Wing and southern Cass counties. Last year 57 teams lost a total of 1,598 pounds.

Sarah Peters, United Way community impact director, said that while the goal for many participants is to lose weight, the program has changed a little this year to also include those who wish to set fitness or healthy goals, but not necessarily wanting to lose a lot of weight.

"We're emphasizing a holistic approach," said Peters. "A lot of people don't need to lose weight but they're not eating well, they're not drinking enough water."

Peters said the cost to participate is $25 per person. That registration fee includes free memberships, ranging from one to eight weeks, to several area fitness centers to be used during the eight-week program, along with educational workshops that may be attended for free conducted at least twice a week. Topics include basic nutrition, cardiovascular disease and the lowdown on carbohydrates.

Participants will be asked to keep a weekly fitness log and will receive points for eating well, drinking more water, going to the gym and for attending classes. These points will be calculated and tallied on the final day of the challenge on March 10 and will be used along with the total percentage of pounds lost per team to name a winning team.

The challenge kickoff, including registration and team weigh-in, will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Tuesday at the Westgate Mall. A cattle scale will be on hand to weigh in the entire team of six. Registration forms also are available online at the United Way Web site, www.unitedwaynow.org. The final weigh-in and celebration will be 5-6:30 p.m. March 10 at the mall.

Sponsors of the challenge include Hallett Community Center, Juice Plus, Brainerd Family YMCA, Snap Fitness, Crow Wing County Food Co-op, United Way, Amplify Life, FitQuest Athletic Club, Aflac, Lakes Printing and Anytime Fitness.

For more information on the challenge, contact the United Way at 829-2619 or visit the United Way Web site, www.unitedwaynow.org.

JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.