After last year’s successful competition that led Albert Lea to lose 900 pounds, Lose it Big is back again.

The competition is set for kick-off on Sept. 14, 2009, at the Anytime Fitness facility located in the Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea. On the kick-off date, participants that have registered through Anytime Fitness will begin their first weigh-in, learn the rules of the competition and receive a schedule of all weigh-in dates, upcoming challenges and other events.

The contest will run for 90 days and will be both an individual and team competition. 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 weight.

“I want to see Albert Lea become a ‘fit’ community,” said Sindy Dickey, club manager. “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 interested in participating can register at Anytime Fitness beginning now through Sept. 14 during summer business hours, which are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Participants do not have to be members of Anytime Fitness, but they will be encouraged to participate in fitness challenges and to 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.