- November 29, 2024
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The Community Center was the place to be Jan. 9 for those who want to improve their health in the coming year. Representatives from wellness-related businesses, restaurants and others manned tables and introduced themselves to those signing up for the 2016 Mayor’s Health and Fitness Challenge.
Participants in the Challenge will be able to benefit from a variety of local vendors, from gyms to yoga studios to jazzercise classes, and restaurants will offer special deals on healthy meals.
Late registration will be available until Jan. 15 at a cost of $45. For information, visit ormondbeach.org and click on “Mayor’s Fitness Challenge.” It runs until April 2.
Mayor Ed Kelley was on hand and commented that it’s sad that this will be his last year with the program. He is vacating the mayor’s position to run for Volusia County Chair this year. He said not only has the program helped people improve their health, but also many friends have been made.
“It’s a chance for the community to come together,” he said.
He added that it couldn’t happen without the participation of the many vendors and the coordination of Christina Maguire, risk manager for the city, who runs the challenge.
Maquire said that new for this year is that participants will have sessions with personal trainers and there will be cooking classes almost every Saturday. There are also interest groups, for those who want to join others to kayak, jog, walk, etc.
City Commissioner Troy Kent signed up, saying he wanted to lose a shirt size or a pants size.
“I mostly want to be around longer for my 9-year-old son, Wyatt,” he said.
Karen Duffy, of Ormond Beach, signed up because she said she had added weight over the past year.
“I have to lose it,” she said. “I wanted to join last year but I wasn’t ready.”
Debbie Rotman of Curves, Ormond Beach, said the program is a good way to get into fitness. People can try different clubs, and find one that’s a good fit for them.
“I want to get skinny.”
JoElla Macias, on the fitness challenge
“I want to get skinny,” said JoElla Macias, who was signing up. She liked the fact that community members will be able to encourage each other.
Richard Holman, signing up with this wife, Nancy, said sometimes a person just needs incentive and motivation.
“I want to build muscle and get stronger,” said his wife, Nancy. “I’m going to make it a priority.”
