Avera McKennan is embarking on a first for Sioux Falls. A three month long community wide Weight Loss Challenge that kicks off May 17th at Falls Park. at 10:00 a.m. An important component in any weight loss program has to be fitness.

Proper Nutrition and exercise are the key to losing weight. If you are not physically active at all and are going to start a fitness routine, the experts say to start slow maybe by walking at first and then increase your intensity by taking a few more hills or adding in some arm weights. Whatever you do, they say, keep at it. 

Jessie Reiffenberger is a Fitness Trainer and Registered Dietician at the Avera McKennan Fitness Center in Sioux Falls. She says, "You really need to get in there and burn those calories to get that lean body mass built up. You also need to eat healthfully. Get rid of some of the junk, add in some more healthy stuff, but really enjoy your time working out and your fitness routine. Enjoy your food and enjoy your snacks."

Unfortunately, some of us enjoy our food and snacks a little too much and aren't as excited about working out as the trainers would like us to be, so they say it's good to set realistic goals and pat yourself on the back when you reach them.

Jessie says, "Really make sure you are celebrating your successes and you're having fun with what you are doing and making time for yourself."

There are also things you can do in your everyday life. It's not all about getting to the gym, although that's important too, but they say to park further away from the front door and always the stairs.

Jessie says, "If you get the weight off slowly it tends to stay off as those changes become part of your life."

Jessie says you need to do some sort of cardio to get your heart rate up at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes. A healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week and if you stay committed to it before you know it you could be at least 24 pounds thinner and 100 times more fit by the time the Avera McKennan Weight Loss Challenge wraps up.

 To register your team or your self click here.