A J-Fitness invitation – Healthy Strides Challenge

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Everyone wins at online competition

PROVIDENCE – J-Fitness is participating in its first Healthy Strides Challenge contest against three other JCCs. This is an online challenge based on any activity in which participants join. Although the title refers to “strides,” the computer application will convert any activity to steps taken.

The Jewish Voice met with Carlene Barth, Director of Health, Fitness and Aquatics for The Alliance JCC. Excerpts of that interview follow:

Q. When is the competition? How do folks register?

A. The Healthy Strides Challenge begins on Oct. 14; registration is open until Oct. 13. Participants need to create an online account first, then simply join the event. Once you create your account, registering is easy, the event is listed right on the dashboard. Also available is an app to download to your smart phone so you can track your workouts, your food and water intake – all via your smart phone.

Q. Which are the three other JCCs?  

A. In addition to the Alliance JCC, Miami Beach, Virginia Beach and Greater Washington, D.C., are the other JCCs that are participating in this event.

Q. Have you previously run this event?

A. No, in collaboration with Club One (a San Francisco-based chain of fitness centers), this is the first time this event has been offered.

Q. Have you cooperated with other JCCs in past fitness events?

A. We have done events such as Ride Israel and, of course, Maccabi (a national gathering of Jewish teens that promotes health, physical fitness and well-being).  Working with the JCCA (JCCs of North America), events do occur and we hope to participate in more of them in the future.

Q. Why should people participate?

A. At the very least, to get themselves active. Having a concrete way to monitor what you do makes one more accountable.  Having someone to do it with and/or compete against adds to the fun and it has been proven that those who work out with someone, and toward a purpose, tend to be more likely to achieve their goals and stick with their regimen.  The possibility of a prize is enough incentive for some, but, ultimately, the goal is to get people to become more active and live a healthier lifestyle.

Q. What are your hopes for the Healthy Strides Challenge?

A. (Laughing) To win against the other JCCs. Seriously, I’d like to see more people become aware that fitness is not a fad

but a necessity for a better quality of life.  

I would also like to see Alliance staff become involved. It is so easy to neglect yourself, even though you work for an organization that has a full fitness center, a basketball gym and a pool in the same building.  

I think staff sometimes forgets this is an awesome perk of their job. Studies have proven that one of the benefits of working out is stress relief.  

My last hope is that more staff and members sign up for our BeWell program and then continue with it.  We offer free health assessments, health and nutrition workshops and wellness activities for everyone.  Tracking your food and exercise intake is only a small portion of what our BeWell program is about. We also offer Personal Training, Group Exercise and Water Fitness classes to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Q. Anything else you want to add?

A. I urge all to get involved. All participants will receive a free pedometer and, upon completion of the six-week challenge – a T-shirt.  

One winner, overall, will be given a cash prize. All other competitors’ names will be placed into a lottery for another prize. Remember, any activity counts. Get involved!

To register: mybewell.bepurewellness.com

For more information:

Carlene Barth, 421-4111 ext. 210 or cbarth@jewishallianceri.org