South Orange Village has unveiled a new initiative — the South Orange Health and Fitness Challenge — and registration is open now through January 5.
The Health and Fitness Challenge, which will run from January 15 to June 15, is a weight loss contest designed to promote wellness and healthy living. The Challenge is open to the first 100 people who register. Contestants may register as individuals, as part of a team, or as a Seton Hall participant. Winners will be determined by their percentage of weight loss each month.
For team competitors, the percentage will be a group average. Monthly prizes will be given and a grand prize will be awarded at a June ceremony.
“When Dr. Hugh Snyder first brought this concept to us, I was very intrigued by the idea because of the community approach it takes,” said Trustee Steve Schnall. “While the vehicle we’re using is a ‘competition’ to make things fun, the much larger goal is the overall health of our community.”
While contestants will devise their own fitness and dietary programs, motivational activities and incentives as well as educational workshops will be offered to contestants throughout the challenge.
“I saw a program like this in Nutley, which is what inspired my desire to bring this to South Orange,” said Dr. Hugh Snyder. “Their program had many partners from the community and it’s what we’re working on as well. We’re enlisting restaurants to offer meal specials, gyms to offer activity promotions, and we hope to have some educational workshops as well. So many people are well intentioned when they begin the journey of a lifestyle change but temptation sometimes gets in the way. We’re trying to build a community of support.”
According to October 2014 statistics released by the New Jersey Department of Health, more than one out of four (26.3%) New Jersey adults are obese and if the prevalence of obesity continues to increase at the current pace, nearly half (48.6%) of New Jersey adults will be obese in 2030.
“I think many of us have battled with weight over the years and the statistics are alarming both from a public heath standpoint and also obesity-related healthcare costs,” said Trustee Sheena Collum.
“I’ve already signed up for the program and the Board of Trustees is creating a team which we’re calling ‘SO-BOT’. If we can do it, anyone can do it. It’s all about encouraging each other.”
To register, visit www.SouthOrangeFitness.org and sign up by January 5 or until the 100 available spots are taken, whichever comes first. There is a $20 registration fee that will offset the costs of each contestant’s t-shirt, prizes and program costs. Locations and times of monthly weigh-ins will be sent to contestants and individual weights and weigh ins will not be made public; only percentages of weight loss will be shared for the monthly winners and grand prize winners.
The challenge is sponsored by South Orange Village, the South Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and Overlook Medical Center.
