Team challenge to lose weight and reclaim health

NEWTON — "Transitions," a team weight-loss challenge, will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday evenings beginning Sept. 16 at Merriam Gateway Fitness Center in Newton. "Transitions" is a team challenge that teaches each participant information about getting slim and healthy. The team concept gives each member additional motivation and support during the 12 week program. Each team comes up with a name, captain, and slogan, and compete against other teams for the most pounds and inches lost. At the end of the program, there will be a winning team and a winning individual to receive prizes. Each session involves one full hour of exercise in the form of aerobics, resistance training and stretching. The balance is devoted to education about nutrition, stress management, and many other topics. Participants will learn self hypnosis, visualization and goal setting to help them to achieve their goals. Guest professionals will demonstrate their particular specialty, be it yoga, Pilates or hypnosis. The program is not just about getting rid of excess fat; it is about getting healthy, strong and fit, both physically and mentally. It's about eating to live, not living to eat. It's about breathing, moving, hydrating, and refocusing on what is beneficial to one's health and wellbeing. Eating empty calories, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, depression will be addressed, and tools to handle them will be taught. The cost for the 12 weeks is $150, plus a $50 registration fee. If two sign up, each person pays only a $25 registration fee. The class size is limited to 20 people. All of the net proceeds go to the Spirit of the Arts Foundation. For more information and an application, call 973-875-2068 or e-mail smitchell@tellurian.com.