The third session of the Well and Fit Community Challenge will launch 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Haines School.
“The overall goal is that we help you establish goals focused around nutrition, physical activity and then personal growth,” said Marnie Hartman, a doctor of physical therapy who has led weekly classes with registered nurse Pam Sloper.
The course is open to men and women age 18 and up, and the fee is $35 for 12 weeks.
“The last session was very similar to the first time,” Hartman said. “This next time around, we’re going to try to change it up quite a bit.” The plan is to bring in new challenges and speakers, and participants will keep journals to track their progress.
Hartman said the most recent session had nearly 20 regular participants, and they combined to lose about 50 pounds. Ten class members ran or walked the 5K Turkey Trot, and three climbed Mount Ripinsky. They also benefited from the chance to win raffle incentives that Hartman said added up to more than $500 over the 12 weeks.
She said the program goes beyond weight-loss to goals like “taking time for your friends and family, allowing personal time and learning how to do relaxation or meditation.”
Resident Nancy Schnabel has attended the course with her mother and sister.
“It’s been great,” Schnabel said. “Pam and Marnie have been so inspiring with helping us get motivated to make the changes that we want.”
She said the group built camaraderie and helped her achieve personal and physical goals by advancing in small steps.
She has been inspired enough to get an earlier start to her day. “I have been going to Morning Muscles, and for anybody who knows me, they know that getting up in the morning is not my strong suit,” Schnabel said.
Hartman said she hopes residents will get involved in the program to help meet their New Year’s resolutions.
For more information on the course, contact Hartman at 766-6339.