Staff members of the Stuart Lake Hospital have thrown down the gauntlet.
They have put out a challenge to other health care-related organizations within the community to shape up, literally.
The group asked Nak’azdli Health Centre, the Stuart Lake Dental staff, health unit staff and others to participate in a fitness face-off. The first weigh-in has taken place, and participants will now be tracking their inches lost, per cent body fat lost and minutes of exercise each week.
Momentum Underground has volunteered space and time as well as their specialized equipment which calculates per cent body fat to help track the measurements.
So far, 81 people have signed up to participate, and according to Laurie Gross with the Stuart Lake Hospital team, each workplace they approached agreed to take part, and David Hoy Elementary even asked to put in a team.
The aim is to have the health professionals in the community set an example to “get fit and be healthy,” according to Rachelle Hoffert of the Stuart Lake Hospital.
Each registered participant puts in $25 towards the pot, and the pot will then be divided for the winners of each of three categories: percentage body fat, most inches lost, and most minutes of exercise.
Each Monday participants will re-measure to track their progress and log their minutes.
The challenge will go for three months and started September 12, and after each month Momentum Underground will be offering incentives for participants to keep their bodies moving with draws for a one-month gym pass.
Participants can do any form of exercise they choose, and many will be joining the free walking and running groups from Nak’azdli Health which leave from the health centre two afternoons during the week and on Sundays at noon, contact the Nak’azdli Health Centre for more information.