HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Festive meals, decadent treats and celebratory feasts. But with all the delicious food comes the potential for unwanted weight gain. So, how can you enjoy all the festivities without derailing your health goals?
Healthy Huntsville says the answer is simple: stay engaged, stay motivated and take on a little friendly competition.
The city's "Maintain, Don’t Gain" challenge is back for its 10th year. Sponsored by the City of Huntsville and Huntsville Hospital Health System, the six-week weight-maintenance initiative was started to help hospital employees and has since grown into a community-wide program that’s part of the City’s Healthy Huntsville initiative.
Learn more on Facebook and the Healthy Huntsville web page.
Huntsville Hospital's Corporate Wellness Manager Rachel Murie says, "From now until November 24th. So you got time to weigh in. Then you're going to maintain your weight throughout the holidays. We're not asking people to lose weight over the holidays. Just maintain it after the new year's January 2nd through the 10th, you're going to weigh out."
She also says to not overly restrict yourself. "You're just trying to maintain a balance. Get to one of the wellness centers and workout or one of these rec centers that are throughout town that are amazing. You know, take the opportunity to move your body and that'll help you also to keep going and get your family involved too."
"With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s tempting to overindulge in all the delicious food and festivities,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “But by making smart choices, we can enjoy the season without compromising our health or waistlines. We hope everyone will join this journey and start the new year feeling stronger and more energized.”
The challenge kicks off with registration and weigh-ins from Nov. 18-22 at various locations across Huntsville. Participants will weigh out at the same locations from Jan 2-10, 2025. Those who complete both weigh-ins will receive a special participation prize as a thank-you for committing themselves to their health.
Keneisha Deas takes us to her workout of choice at Barre 3 to learn a simple exercise to do at home.
Participating locations and hours
City recreation centers
- Brahan Spring Recreation Center, 3770 Ivy Ave.
- Cavalry Hill Community Center, 2900 Fairbanks St.
- Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Road
- Fern Bell Recreation Center, 107-A Sanders Road
- Johnson Legacy Center, 6000 Cecil Fain Drive
- Mark Russell Recreation Center, 429 Taylor Road
- Optimist Recreation Center, 703 Oakwood Ave.
Recreation center weigh-in hours
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sunday: 1-5 p.m. (except Cavalry Hill)
Huntsville Hospital wellness centers
- Jones Valley Wellness Center, 1345 4 Mile Post Road
- Madison Hospital Wellness Center, 8391 U.S. 72
Wellness center weigh-in hours
- Monday – Thursday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 1-5 p.m.