City of Huntsville, Huntsville Hospital invite you to ‘Maintain, Don’t Gain’ this holiday season

Published on November 6, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to indulging in festive meals, decadent treats and celebratory feasts. But with all the delicious food comes the potential for unwanted weight gain. So, how can you enjoy all the festivities without derailing your health goals?

The answer is simple: stay engaged, stay motivated and take on a little friendly competition.

The Maintain, Don't Gain challenge is back for its 10th year, offering a fun and supportive way to help residents of Huntsville stay on track with their health throughout the holidays. Sponsored by the City of Huntsville and Huntsville Hospital Health System, this six-week weight-maintenance initiative was originally created to help hospital employees and has since grown into a community-wide program that's part of the City's Healthy Huntsville initiative.

Healthy Huntsville is a citywide initiative to reduce obesity by promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. Learn more on Facebook and the Healthy Huntsville web page.

"With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it's tempting to overindulge in all the delicious food and festivities," Mayor Tommy Battle said. "But by making smart choices, we can enjoy the season without compromising our health or waistlines. We hope everyone will join this journey and start the new year feeling stronger and more energized."

In the 10 years since the program launched, participants have collectively lost over 5,000 pounds, which is the equivalent of 2 1/2 tons. Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz hopes that trend continues and anticipates this year will be the best yet.

"We're excited to again team up with Mayor Battle and the City of Huntsville on this impactful program that champions healthier lifestyles and provides valuable support for our community members as they work toward their wellness goals," Samz said. "This initiative isn't just about maintaining weight - it's about fostering a culture of health and well-being throughout our city. Let's make this year's Maintain, Don't Gain challenge the most successful one yet, and inspire even more people to take charge of their health this holiday season and beyond."

The challenge kicks off with registration and weigh-ins from Nov. 18-22 at various locations across Huntsville. Participants will weigh in again at the same locations during the week of Jan. 6-10, 2025. Those who complete both weigh-ins will receive a special participation prize as a thank-you for committing themselves to their health.

Participating locations and hours

City recreation centers

• Brahan Spring Recreation Center, 3770 Ivy Ave.
• Cavalry Hill Community Center, 2900 Fairbanks St.
• 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: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Sunday: 1-5 p.m. (except Cavalry Hill)

Huntsville Hospital wellness centers

• Jones Valley Wellness Center, 1345 4 Mile Post Road
• Madison Hospital Wellness Center, 8391 U.S. 72

Wellness center weigh-in hours

• Monday - Thursday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

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