Each year, hundreds of people make empty promises to themselves for the new year. For some, these resolutions are difficult to keep.
According to a CNN report that surveyed 12,000 people, about 30 percent said they do not keep their resolutions into February.
In an attempt to keep the citizens of Tallahassee on the right track, Gold’s Gym, Woman’s World, Subway and Tropical Smoothie are sponsoring Trim Down Tallahassee.
Trim Down Tallahassee was started to help residents get healthy and physically fit. The program challenges locals to lose a combined total of 10,000 pounds by March 31. At Gold’s Gym and Women’s World fitness centers, anyone can sign up for free weigh-ins. Participants’ weight losses are kept on a card at the facility and are added with others to find out how much weight Tallahassee is losing.
“It’s a program where we can find out how much weight Tallahassee can lose,” said Val Connor, assistant manager of Gold’s Gym on Capital Circle. “We’re involved with health and fitness already. Trim Down Tallahassee is helping people lose weight which is what we do.”
Floridians are becoming more aware of health and obesity problems in the state. In a study conducted by the International Health Racquetball Sports Association, Florida ranked the ninth unhealthiest state in America.
“Community activity gives people a feeling of urgency,” said Jim Burgin fitness director for Gold’s Gym on Apalachee Parkway. “We want people to do it together.”
According to Connor, over 100 people are participating in the program. At the Capital Circle location, participating Tallahasseeans have lost a combined 1,800 pounds. The total loss at the Apalachee Parkway Gold’s Gym is over 500 according to Burgin.
Membership discounts are available for participants. However, participants do not have to be members to get weighed in at the fitness center.
The Trim Down Tallahassee program also focuses on helping people lead a healthy lifestyle.
According to Connor, Gold’s Gym always offers sessions with personal trainers and group classes as well as equipment for personal fitness programs.
FAMU students have access to Campus Recreation’s Fitness Center, which also promotes a healthy life through physical fitness.
“It is important (to lose weight) because two-thirds of the American population is overweight and one out of three Americans is obese,” said senior instructor Yero Smith.
Smith, a recent FAMU graduate, added, “It is good to lose weight to reduce hypertension and to decrease the amount of people with coronary disease and cancer.”
Teaming with Subway and Tropical Smoothie, the Trim Down program’s goal is to “encourage whole health and fitness,” Connor said.
Recently, Subway teamed up with the Atkins Diet Program to offer low-carb wraps, along with their low fat subs. Tropical Smoothie also has menu options available for participants. Both businesses also provide program results and information.
Those interested in participating in the program can find more information at either Gold’s Gym location, Woman’s World, Subway or Tropical Smoothie.
contact Melissa Donely at mdonleyfsu@aol.com.