Are you up for a challenge, one that will help you get healthier and connect with the community?

The Clark County Activity Coalition hopes so.

The 12-week Wellness Challenge — kicking off Feb. 15 and going to May 10 — is a collaborative effort designed to promote a healthy community. 

A $10 investment can make a huge impact, personally and throughout the community.

Benefits that come with participating in the challenge are free access to particular group fitness classes at College Park gym, free classes at The OM Place, CrossFit Strode Station, Dance2Fit and The Barre: A Fitness Boutique; discount punch cards at Grace Coffee Cafe and Bakery, Full Circle Market, Cairn Coffee House and Gaunce’s Deli and Cafe; classes on modifying exercise because of an injury, using journaling to boost wellness success, making smoothies, cooking for wellness and the chance to win prizes. 

But don’t forget, it is a competition, too.

Throughout the challenge participants will weigh-in every Wednesday at their original sign-up location, which includes Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation, Clark Clinic Medical Plaza Center for Rehabilitation or the Clark County Health Department.

To win the challenge or be eligible for prizes, participants must weigh-in at least nine times and participate in at least five classes. 

Winners will be announced at the Clark Regional Medical Center’s 100th Anniversary celebration and health fair May 13. 

We hope to see strong community participation in this event again this year. In addition to the personal health benefits, it is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, learn about more than a dozen great organizations working for the betterment of Clark County and simply connect with the community.

This is also an opportunity for those who don’t want to take advantage of all the offerings but still needs a structure and focus to improving their health.

Simply participate from home.

The key principles of weekly weigh-ins, healthy eating and increased exercise translate well. You can easily calculate the percentage of total weight loss and then see how you stack up with the participants of the wellness challenge when the results are made public. Are you ready to accept the challenge?