Thank goodness the winter holidays are over and we can finally get rid of whatever is still tempting us in the refrigerator. You know, new year, new beginnings. Out with the old, in with the resolutions. Eat less, move more. Recycle. Be a kinder, gentler, more patient person. Volunteer. Give back. Smile in the face of adversity.

OK, you’re on your own for most of those, but we can help with your promise to eat less, move more.

The because the 3rd annual Lighten Up challenge, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Light, will begin Monday, Jan. 14. The Challenge runs for eight weeks (through March 10) as it encourages teams of four to compete against one another. The team that loses the highest total percentage of body weight wins the Challenge and some pretty nice prizes. Prizes are also awarded to an individual male and female based on the highest percentage of weight loss. Last year’s 227 participants lost a total of 1,881 pounds.

So what do you need to do to join?

First, you need to be a member of the JCC. Second, you need to find three other people, also members, to join your team. If you’re having trouble with that, JCC staffers can help you organize a team with individual registrants. And lastly, you need to pay the registration fee of $40 a person for a team of four by Jan. 6.

Additionally, teams can sign up for personal or group training sessions (for an additional cost), though these sessions are not required. Should you or your team opt for a training package, the entry fee will be waived. Teams can also work out at either JCC facility, or some members of the team can work out at one building while others work out at the other. 

To register and for more information, contact Katie Hughes at the JCC at 314-442-3176 or [email protected]