Not even three weeks have passed by, and the wheels are turning in Sindy Dickey’s mind about jumpstarting the community toward a healthy lifestyle. Dickey just successfully completed the first “Biggest Loser” competition in Albert Lea, where at least 15 women and two men participated to see who could lose weight and “lose” big. Now, bigger plans are in view, as she has teamed up with Anytime Fitness to host a city-wide competition to engage the community to seriously think about adopting a healthy lifestyle.

The competition is set for kickoff on Sept. 2 at the Anytime Fitness facility located in the Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea. On the kickoff date, participants that have registered through Anytime Fitness will begin their first weigh-in, learn the rules of the competition, receive a schedule of all weigh-in dates with upcoming challenges, and even temptation weigh-ins.

The interesting change for this competition is that participants will have the ability to build their own teams of five, or be assigned to a team of five people if need be. However, individuals will still be competing against each other. So, even though someone may not win as an individual, there is still a chance to take the lead as a team. Another interesting twist is that individuals will be competing for 90 days, instead of the 30-day period that Dickey constructed for her participants.

Studies show that when people are grouped together, motivation naturally grows among the team, as well as accountability to oneself. When you have others around you cheering you on, you are more likely to stay in the competition and keep losing. Also, by running the competition for 90 days versus 30 days, the longer time period allows for people to build a routine, stick with their goals, and be successful, whether it is weight loss or increased fitness.

“I want to see Albert Lea become a fit community,” Dickey said. “Being fit doesn’t mean you are skinny. You must calculate other factors into determining fitness. You have to look at nutrition and physical activity. The ‘slinky-weight-loss” program is not being healthy or successful. The key is consistency and finding a balance.’

Those who are interested in participating can register at Anytime Fitness beginning Thursday through Aug. 29 during summer business hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Last-minute decision makers can still vie for a spot on Sept. 2, but they will need to register before 7 p.m. Participants do not have to be members of Anytime Fitness, but they will be encouraged to participate in fitness challenges and exercise at the facility. This competition is open to the public and bringing a friend is strongly encouraged. For more information regarding the competition, contact Dickey at albertlea@anytimefitness.com or 377-8451.