Healthy Huntsville urges folks to take the ‘Maintain, Don’t Gain’ challenge

It has almost become a cliche, but it’s true: folks tend to put on some weight around the holidays. This happens for a variety of reasons, but mostly it can be attributed to eating too many holiday/festive foods loaded in sugar and fat. Combine that with inactivity and that means the waistline will tend to expand.

Well, Healthy Huntsville is presenting folks with the “Maintain, Don’t Gain” challenge to help prevent the holiday heaviness around the belly. Here’s what they’re doing:

Read more: Healthy Huntsville urges folks to take the ‘Maintain, Don’t Gain’ challenge

What’s the ‘Maintain, Don’t Gain’ challenge?

“Maintain, Don’t Gain” is the annual challenge sponsored by the City of Huntsville and Huntsville Hospital Health System. Now in its 5th year as part of the City’s Healthy Huntsville initiative, the six-week program begins Monday, Nov. 14. 

From Nov. 14-20, participants can sign up and weigh in at one of several “Maintain, Don’t Gain” registration sites. Participants will weigh out at the same location the week of Jan. 2, 2023. Those who weigh in and out will receive a participation prize. There will also be additional prize drawings for those who meet the challenge.  

In 2021, many participants not only maintained their weight, they lowered it. A combined 656 pounds were lost during the program.  

“There’s nothing more important than your health. As we welcome the joy of the holiday season, we encourage you to Maintain, Don’t Gain, by making smart choices at your holiday celebrations and taking advantage of the Huntsville area’s outstanding recreational opportunities.”

Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz 

How to participate in ‘Maintain, Don’t Gain‘

So here is how to get on board with the challenge:

Participating Locations and Hours 

City Recreation Centers 

• Brahan Spring Recreation Center, 3770 Ivy Ave. 

• Dr. Richard Showers, Sr. Recreation Center, 4600 Blue Spring Road 

• Fern Bell Recreation Center, 107-A Sanders Road 

• Johnson Legacy Center, 6000 Cecil Fain Drive  

• Mark Russell Recreation Center, 429 Taylor Road 

• Optimist Recreation Center, 703 Oakwood Ave. 

Recreation Center Weigh-in Hours 

• Monday – Friday: 8M – 8PM

• Saturday: 9AM – 1PM

• Sunday: 1-5PM 

Huntsville Hospital Wellness Centers

• Jones Valley Wellness Center, 1345 4 Mile Post Road 

• Madison Hospital Wellness Center, 8391 US-72 

• Medical Mall Wellness Center, 1963 South Memorial Parkway 

Wellness Center Weigh-in Hours

• Monday – Thursday: 5AM – 9PM 

• Friday: 5AM – 8PM

• Saturday: 7AM – 6PM

• Sunday: 1-5PM

Participants can contact Huntsville Hospital “Maintain, Don’t Gain” Coordinator Rachel Murie at 256-265-0066 or rachel.murie@hhsys.org for additional details. 

Keep up with what’s happening in and around Huntsville by following Hville Blast on  Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter!