Sunset Hills Community Center Hosts First Weight Loss Challenge

In 12 weeks, holiday parties will be in full swing. Make room for turkey, stuffing and pie by entering the three-month Sunset Hills Weight Loss Challenge. With the help of and the , the is hosting the endeavor to help participants lose weight and win prizes.

Jen Rowlen, fitness recreation assistant in the Sunset Hills parks and recreation department, said that since the Sunset Hills Fit Club and the Community Center are not even a year old, she began a business campaign to sponsor T-shirts for the incentive program she runs at the club.

“After calling around, one day Justin Hollowell from O’Leary’s came walking into my door wanting to collaborate,” she said. “The point is to get people interested in the businesses in Sunset Hills, introduce them to the services that are in the city and to of course lose weight.”

Participants must visit each of the three businesses each week to stay eligible. First, he or she must work out at least once a week at the Sunset Hills Community Center. Next, he or she must eat at O’Leary’s at least once a week. Contestants can still dine out and eat light as O’Leary’s has just launched a new 500 calorie or fewer menu. Participants do not have to choose from that menu, however, if they do, Holloway will donate 50 cents to the winner’s pot. Lastly, participants must weigh in each week at the Back & Neck Care Center.

Participants are asked to pay a $50 entry fee for the contest beginning Saturday, Sept. 10, half of which will go into the pot for the top three weight-loss winners. The entry fee also includes a three-month membership at the Sunset Hills Community Center. The contestant who loses the most weight will win numerous prizes, including cash.

Along the way, weekly winners who have the biggest percentage of weight loss also will win prizes from the three businesses.

“I also send Fit Club participants a weekly email with different health tips. I was going to send that to the contest participants,” Rowlen said. She plans to hide fun games in the newsletter in order to make things fun and add an extra incentive.

The winner of the contest that ends Saturday, Dec. 10, will receive a cash prize, another free month at the Sunset Hills Community Center, a free personal training session, five free classes and more.

For more information, rules, and to sign up, visit any of the sponsoring businesses.  The Sunset Hills Community Center is located at 3915 S. Lindbergh Blvd.  O'Leary's restaurant and the Back & Neck Care Center are located in the plaza at 3828 S. Lindbergh Blvd.