Program strives for healthy McMinnville in 2008
The Get Fit McMinnville program will be coming to a close, at least the walking session, and winners will be announced Jan. 7. While walking is strolling into the sunset, running is dashing around the bend, along with other fitness opportunities in 2008.
Since October, 95 participants have been walking for wellness or weight loss. After a $10 sign-up fee, members received 10 free trips to McMinnville Civic Center, a pedometer, a log, tips to help get them started, and were assigned a level depending on what they wanted to achieve ‘ level one for weight loss, or level two for wellness.
With the program coming to an end, the following winners will be announced:
‘ Biggest ‘Loser’ ‘ Most weight loss with one male and female prize awarded. The weight loss must be documented by weigh-ins at the Civic Center.
‘ Most Steps Walked ‘ Most steps logged in all for the 10-week program. One award will be awarded for level one and level two.
‘ Company Competition ‘ An award will be designated for the company or business which achieved the best results.
‘ Grand Prize Winner ‘ With each weekly check in, names are placed in the running for a grand prize. Each check-in results in another chance to win. One member will be drawn at the end of the program.
The walking part of the program may be over but the idea to get McMinnville fit is still going strong. Program organizers will be working on the next 10-week fitness session.
The city-sponsored program is divided up into four sections. The beginning section was walking. The program will now turn its focus toward running and then biking and swimming.
For those who enjoy running or those who want to learn, the program will be geared toward beginners and enthusiasts. Program organizers credit the program’s ability to gradually increase fitness levels as the reason behind its success.
‘Henry Ford said, ‘Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small steps’ and that is what we are tying to do with this exercise program,’ said wellness specialist Kristie Sanders, who will be working on the logistics of the running section. ‘Get Fit is divided into 10 weeks sections and we progressively ask you to do more a little more each week. Just like life, an exercise program doesn’t have to be overwhelming.’
Not being left out of the loop, 2008 will be the beginning of the Employee Wellness Program. Where the community competed for prizes, city employees will earn wellness points that will reduce their monthly insurance premiums.
Although geared towards city employees, there will be monthly fitness lectures that are free and open to the public.
‘We will have physicians or nutritionists holding lectures on different aspects of health and fitness,’ said Sanders. ‘Anyone who is interested can sit in on these lectures.’
As well as continued programs and lectures, a Fitness Fair is tentatively scheduled for March 15. Specifics of the fair and fitness lectures will be released at a later date.
For more information about any of these programs, contact Sanders at 473-1212 or at ksanders@mcminnvilletenn.com.