“It’s perfect timing,” said Peace Center Assistant Director Christina Walters. “That moved it to the next level.”
The Peace Center was planning a weight loss challenge as a fundraiser, but after the report about Springfield being the least healthy city in Ohio, she decided to contact local fitness centers about working together.
Fitness Cellar owner Tammy Beam and Springfield Health and Fitness/Underground owner Pat Frock were receptive to the idea. As part of the challenge, both fitness centers will offer $5 fitness classes exclusively to contestants.
“They were both down for it,” Walters said. “I was very excited to see them both open and fine with it.”
Cost is $50 if registered by Jan. 8. About half of the registration fee will go to the organization, while the remainder will be awarded to the winning contestant.
The first official weigh-in will be held at 9 a.m. on Jan. 9 at the Fitness Cellar. The contest’s final weigh-in will be judged on April 17.
“It has to be a lifestyle change for it to have a long-term effect,” Walters said.
Participants can register until Jan. 8 with no restrictions for age or physical condition. The contest will be judged based on the highest percentage of body weight lost, Walters said. The only stipulation is no diet pills, she said.
The event will allow the organization to promote both peace and physical and mental health, Walters said. The money will be used to help send local kids to Peace Camp this summer, Walters said.
“If three kids get to go to camp, it’s worth it,” she said.
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