Manchester has been challenged to lose one ton

Are you looking to lose a few pounds around the middle? To get fit, and to improve your health? Most of us would be happy to lose 10 pounds (which is about what a house cat weighs). Some would be ecstatic if they lost 50 pounds (the weight of that microwave that is always letting us down when we try to diet). What about one ton? That's what a polar bear weighs, or a Nissan Versa. None of us can lose a ton (without altering some spatial dynamics), but as a community we can lose it together!

That's the challenge that the Manchester Wellness Coalition has put before us. The MMLB (2,000 pounds) Community Challenge is a challenge for community members to collectively lose 2,000 pounds in 4 months (Sept - Jan). If we achieve our goal, $750 will be donated to a Manchester non-profit.

Together we can do this!

The program is free to Manchester Community residents and individuals who work in Manchester. The coalition has ordered 77 Garmin Activity Trackers for people who currently don't have an activity tracker. They will track steps, calories burned and pounds lost. You will need to weigh in monthly at the Manchester Wellness Center and receive prizes for participating! To register, print off and fill out the MMLB_Registration Form and return it to the Manchester Wellness Center anytime they are open, or bring it to the Farmers Market on Thursday. More details are in the Program Details document here: MMLB Program Details_V3 or email mmlb48158@gmail.com with any questions you have.

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by Fritz Swanson

Fritz Swanson has written for The Believer, the Christian Science Monitor, Print Magazine, McSweeney's, Esopus, LSA Magazine, and The Mid-American Review. He serves as a trustee on the Manchester District Library Board. He's the designer and publisher of The Manchester Mirror.

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