The start of the new year is a time many people decide to jump on the wellness train and start programs that lead to a healthier lifestyle. There are many moving parts to overall wellness and our Park and Recreation Department is here to help!

The Rec Center offers many opportunities with the walking track, cardio and strength centers, the pool and fitness classes to help all ages meet their fitness goals. We make it seamless to join and give lots of options by offering daily, punch-card, three and twelve month admission and membership options. If you choose to take advantage of the lower monthly average membership and commit to the purchase of an annual membership, we are able to set up 12 consecutive monthly payments via ACH out of the account of choice until the membership is paid in full. If you are eligible for an insurance reimbursement, we take care of those details as well!

Another wellness option is through our Nu-You Weight Loss Challenge. We will be launching this program on January 13 and run through March 16, 2020. This is an annual Weight Loss Challenge that runs for 60 days, is open to the New Ulm and surrounding community members. Throughout this challenge, contenders have membership access to the Recreation Center, including the indoor pool, walking track, fitness centers and classes. Support is provided through emails, which include wellness tips to help manage other aspects of overall health such as mental health, stress management, grocery shopping tips and nutrition information. Combined efforts to be healthy create a more stable community and creates a sense of family and purpose. You can compete as an individual or in a group and motivate each other through team participation. There are Cash Prizes for the winners, as well as participation prizes that can be earned by simply attending events throughout the challenge and using the facility. The challenge concludes with a Wellness Fair that provides community resources to keep moving forward on your health journey.

The goal of the program is to use 60 days to build a habit of exercise and wellness focus that motivates people to continue their health progress for the long haul, rather than just the first few weeks of the year. The NASM (National Association of Sports Medicine) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity per week to maintain health; this means getting your heart rate up for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The minimum recommended time for exercise at any given time is 10 minutes, even three 10-minute walks per day can help work toward fitness goals.

To learn more about the Weight Loss Challenge and other wellness opportunities, check our website www.newulmmn.gov or call our Welcome Desk at 507-359-8347. This program has had high attendance and weight loss numbers in past years and has high hopes for another great year!

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Editor’s Note: The City of New Ulm presents a weekly column highlighting activities in different departments in the city government. Once a month the city will answer questions from readers. Questions on New Ulm city issues can be sent to comments@ci.new-ulm.mn.us.

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