Looking for a way to help get back into good shape now that the holidays are over?
The City of Lacombe is offering the Winter Active Challenge, which has been an annual program since 2007.
“It’s all about trying to get people more active in the winter - we know that it can be a harder time to get active as well,” said Sonya Beauclair, administrative assistant with the recreation and culture department.
“So this is a fun way to help get them going.”
Participants have to choose an activity with a team of five, and spend 30 minutes a day in that particular activity for a period of 21 days. It’s said that 21 days is the length of time to form a new habit, so organizers are hoping the routine of being more active becomes a part of everyday life for those who participate.
“Because they have a team, they are a little more accountable. They can go out together and have fun as well.”
Each team needs to accumulate 17.5 hours of physical activity collectively to be entered into the draw for that week.
Meanwhile, Find the Right Fit is a program that allows folks to try a variety of health and wellness activities available in Lacombe at no cost.
“We know that everyone’s needs are different and this program will allow you to explore options and find your right fit.”
Folks can register online to receive a coupon booklet that gives them access to the various opportunities.
They can then submit the coupons at the facilities as they use them and be entered into monthly prize draws.
“You could even register for the Find the Right Fit program to try some alternatives to the gym. This year we have even included some mental health activities and activities to encourage healthy eating,” noted Beauclair.
Both the Winter Active Challenge and the Find the Right Fit Program are run through ChooseWell, a community that the City has been a part of for many years, said Beauclair.
ChooseWell is a provincial initiative through Alberta Recreation and Parks Association that promotes eating right and being active.
“Any of our initiatives that encourage eating right or being active get promoted as a ChooseWell activity so that residents can see they are making a good choice.”
Meanwhile, for the Winter Active Challenge, as mentioned, residents are encouraged to sign up a team of five teammates, and register by Jan. 26th.
“We usually have around 50 or more teams, so that’s about 250 people involved,” she said.
Again, chosen activities don’t necessarily have to be structured - even things like housecleaning or shovelling can be included. Beauclair also said that it doesn’t have to be done all at once - those 30-minute increments can be broken down into 10 minute segments, for example. “It can be finding little ways of adding a little more activity into your day.”
Visit www.lacombe.ca/winteractive to register online. For more information, or to register by phone, call 403-782-1267 or email sbeauclair@lacombe.ca.
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