YMCA program loses 3 people, dubbed a success

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE YMCA

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Sault Ste. Marie YMCA loses three members!

SAULT STE. MARIE - The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA has wrapped up the 2015 90 Day Fitness Challenge.

At a well-deserved party on Thursday, it was revealed that together, 86 participants lost the equivalent of three YMCA Members.

This challenge was the first of its kind at the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA and we consider it a huge success!

Launched in mid-January, the challenge saw members weighed, measured, assisted with reasonable goal setting then sent out into the YMCA where they had to attend a minimum of three Group Fitness Classes (1 of each, strength, flexibility and cardio) and 1 Wellness Centre workout per week.

Helpful and encouraging nutrition, wellness and exercise tips were posted to social media to keep ‘Challengers’ motivated and engaged.

“We were excited to see such a great response to the challenge,” stated Jari Pihelgas, adult program supervisor and challenge lead. “The results were incredible and seeing so many smiling faces in our classes was motivating for everyone! In total, 465.2lbs, 137.75” around the chest, 177.5” around the waist and 138.5” around the hips were lost and more importantly, the challengers felt really good about themselves and their new lifestyle choices.”

Sonya Portengen, manager of Health, Fitness and Aquatics said: “Couples signed up together, parents and teens challenged each other, siblings threw down the gauntlet and of course individual challengers registered as well. They saw each other in class each week and became a team that really pushed each other to succeed.”

Members who completed the challenge and reached their goal were rewarded with a $70 credit on their accounts to spend as they wish at the YMCA.

A few of the participants were generous enough to pledge a portion of their winnings to the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

Sault YMCA CEO, Kim Caruso, took part in the fun and set a great example for everyone coming into the next member event - The YMCA Cross Canada Challenge.

Between May 4 and July 1, members will participate in cardiovascular training to earn kilometres for a virtual cross Canada trek.

All proceeds from the YMCA challenges are donated to the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA Strong Kids.

The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA, building healthy communities!

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