Free Fitness and Nutrition Program Offered in Tampa

This just in from county officials:

The Hillsborough County Health Department is offering a free six-week fitness and nutrition education program called “Get Into Fitness Today” to our community. The Get Into Fitness Today program is being offered at various locations throughout Hillsborough County, and begins on Jan. 2.

With weight loss and healthier eating at the top most New Year’s resolutions, the Get Into Fitness Today meetings come at the perfect time to start the New Year off on the right track. More than 75 percent of over 3,000 participants who have participated in the Get Into Fitness Today program have lost weight.

Participants will learn the tools to improve nutrition and increase physical activity to prevent and reduce chronic diseases through weight loss. Each meeting is only one hour a week, and provides easily incorporated tools in a fun, supportive group environment free of strict dieting and overwhelming exercise regimens.

Participants will learn how to easily incorporate healthier options into meals, exercise in a way that is fun, have access to a registered dietitian for one-on-one consultation to enhance weight loss efforts (if needed), and enjoy an end-of-program supermarket shopping tour hosted by a registered dietitian that teaches the healthy and nutritious way to shop.

The Hillsborough County developed the Get Into Fitness Today program in 2007 in response to the results of a community-wide health survey that indicated people felt obesity was the county’s most serious health problem.  Utilizing trained lay health workers and volunteer facilitators, Get Into Fitness Today groups meet in a variety of settings, including local businesses, places of worship, and community centers.

Requirements for participation include weekly weigh-ins, attendance at all six meetings, and pre-registration. Space is limited, so register early by calling Hilary Douglass, GIFT facilitator, at (813) 307-8071