'Mayors Fitness Challenge: Healthy Lifestyle Contest' begins Saturday at the NSB Gym; grand prize for 12-week program is $1,000

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NSBNEWS.net photos by Henry Frederick / New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer poses at the city's obstacle course training field behind the police station to illustrate his "Mayors Fitness Challenge: Healthy Lifestyle Contest," which begins Saturday.

New Smyrna Beach -- Has the mayor got a challenge for you.

That's right. Mayor Adam Barringer is challenging you to lose weight. So is Edgewater Mayor Michael Thomas.

The weigh-in is Saturday and the grand prize for weight loss at the end of the 12-week challenge is $1,000.

"We want to encourage healthier lifestyles," Barringer said. "It's not just about losing weight, but also exercising and better nutrition."

A community Health Fair will be the kick-off event for the Healthy Lifestyle Contest, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday,  at the City Gym, 1000 Live Oak St.

During the health fair, an orientation will take place for all participants in the Healthy Lifestyle Contest, a 90-day challenge to improve one’s health and reduce unwanted body fat. The Mayors’ Health Fair is open to all members of the community, where they will receive health screens and educational information on wellness.

The health fair is comprised of a variety of vendors and exhibitors that will educate the community on all aspects of health, wellness, fitness and lifestyle improvements.

FAST FACTS

What is the contest?

The Mayors’ Healthy Lifestyle Contest is a 12-week competition to help motivate people to improve their health and to lose unwanted body fat. There will be an initial assessment on Saturday (Jan. 15)  to obtain a starting point and a final assessment will be taken the week of April 6 - 13. The assessments will be used to determine the contestants’ progress.

How much does the winner get?:

The individual who improves their health and fitness the most will win a $1000!

How do I enter the contest and how much does it cost?

Fill out the registration form and turn it into the New Smyrna Beach Parks and Recreation Department or just come to the gym and fill out a form. There is an entry fee of $99 for all entrants.

What are the rules?

You must be 18 years or older. All contestants should consult a doctor prior to beginning any health and fitness program. Duration: 12 Weeks Contest Begins: Jan. 15, 2011 from 10:00 am-3:00 pm during the Mayors’ Health Fair at the New Smyrna Beach Gym. The initial fitness assessment will include, but is not limited to; - blood pressure and resting heart rate - weigh-in and measurements - body fat analysis - “before” pictures Contest ends with an appointment for a fitness assessment the week of April 6 - 13, that includes: * blood pressure and resting heart rate * final weigh-in and measurements * body fat analysis * “after” pictures * turning in a personal success story.

What is the required attire?

T-shirt, athletic shorts, and athletic shoes.

What's the end result?

Contestant’s assessment information will not be published or distributed. Winners will be determined by their overall health improvement and their personal success story. The grand prize is a $1,000 and the winners will be announced at the Balloon Fest on April 16.

 Here is a link for support groups, training and other nutritional guides associated with the contest:

http://www.themayorsfitnesschallenge.com/Support_Programs.html