The Jamestown and Lakewood YMCAs announce their New Year's Challenge wellness campaign, which will run for all of 2013.
This year-long fitness program is available to existing members or new members joining the YMCA on New Year's Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. only at the downtown Jamestown branch.
The program is based on completing weight goals throughout the year and includes monthly weigh-ins.
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The Jamestown Area YMCA recently awarded a free, one-year membership and a 50-inch, big-screen television to Missy Paterniti, who won the 2012 YMCA New Year’s Challenge. Mark Eckendorf, YMCA CEO, congratulates Paterniti, who lost 84.7 pounds in less than a year. Jan. 1 is the start of the fourth annual contest.
Submitted photo
Those who attain their goal of a healthy weight by Dec. 6, 2013, will be rewarded with a free, one-year YMCA adult membership valued at $567 and be entered into a drawing to win a 50-inch, big-screen television.
"The YMCA is encouraging healthy weight loss that people can sustain over a year and more," said Mark Eckendorf, YMCA CEO. "This is the perfect program for those wanting a lifelong commitment to health and wellness and not just a quick fix."
To be eligible to participate, registrants must be 18 years of age or older.
The first 20 participants to register on Jan. 1 will also receive a complimentary "The Biggest Loser" body fat analyzer.
Missy Paterniti, the winner of this year's challenge, was motivated and successful by losing 84.7 pounds this past year.
"I was at my heaviest weight at 302 pounds in 2006, and something inside me told me it was time to wake up and get moving," Paterniti said.
"This is where the Y came into play. I started coming to water exercise at the Jamestown YMCA in 2008, quit smoking in 2010, and became addicted to the Zumba and other group exercise classes offered a the Y."
The entire transition and transformation has been very rewarding for Paterniti.
"I lost the same amount of pounds of a fourth-grader," said Paterniti. "I am more energetic, went down five pant and four shirts sizes, lost 29 percent of my body fat and feel like a totally different person, which makes me happy."
Registration for the 2013 program will also take place from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 2 and 3, at the Jamestown or Lakewood YMCAs.
The cost for the challenge is $25 for all YMCA members.
On New Year's Day, YMCA fitness staff and membership associates will be available for facility tours, fitness orientations, and membership consultations.
During the month of January, the joining fee will be waived at the Jamestown and Lakewood YMCAs for all memberships, including a new young adult membership category for adults 19 to 29 years of age at a cost of $32 a month.
For more information, contact Meg Pickard at the Jamestown YMCA at 664-2802 or Donna Garvey at the Lakewood YMCA at 763-0303 or visit jamestownymca.org.
The YMCA is a United Way agency.