A new challenge is launching at the Freeman Southwest Family YMCA in Neosho.
March 15 begins the Ultimate Pound Down Weight Loss Challenge where teams compete with each other, working through their own weight loss programs.
“It’s a free weight loss challenge,” said Liz Scheurich, community relations director for the YMCA.
Participants pick a partner, register with the YMCA and attend bi-weekly weigh-ins and take a fitness evaluation before and after the competition. The winning pair of partners each receive a $250 VISA card.
There are biweekly prizes for the person who has lost the highest percentage of weight including free locker rentals, a makeover package, personal training sessions, 30-minute massages and Academy gift cards.
The challenge kicks off Monday with the first evaluation and weigh-in. Two sessions are slated for partners to walk through the different stations 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. The evaluation will include a sit up count, push up count, blood pressure station, body fat index and flexibility test.
For participants who have improved in at least three of those areas by June 1 there will be an additional prize.
“If you’ve improved at all, lowered your blood pressure at all, done one more crunch, one more pushup then you get a free one month membership,” Scheurich said. “Everybody can win something through this.”
Ultimate Pound Down participants must be members, but the joiner fee is waived for those who join to participate in the program. Participants must be 14 years old or older. Biweekly weigh-ins certify progress for the prizes. The program runs from March 15 to June 1.
New feature
To help members keep track of their fitness programs the YMCA has installed a new computerized fitness coach: an ActivTrax kiosk now sits in the lounge area.
Y members can enter their goals, skill level and how long they want to work out and it will create a customized program for them to print. The program is accessible at home or at the Y kiosk.
Business exercise
As part of a grant with Pioneering Health Communities, the YMCA is offering workout kits for check out to local businesses.
The kits come with three aerobic steps, weights, resistance bands, pedometer and posters with suggestions for 5-, 10- and 15-minute workouts.
“It includes strength training and a little bit of aerobic activity to get your heart rate up,” Scheurich said.
Any business can check the items out. The Y asks them to post the posters and have the materials available for employees. There are a couple of the kits available.
“We’re just trying to make it easier and more convenient for people to work out,” Scheurich said.
Neosho, Mo. —
