Mayor Daniel Bianchi is encouraging residents to eat healthy foods.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — If North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright can get 600 of his residents to join the fitness challenge, with almost triple the population, Mayor Daniel Bianchi thinks he can get more.

 

Bianchi accepted Alcombright's challenge on who can get more people to sign up for a 10-week program to improve health.

 

Alcombright kicked North Adams effort off on Friday, hoping to eclipse last year's 600 figure. Bianchi launched his effort on Saturday.

 

"The little city of North Adams had 600 people and I told Dick [Alcombright] that I'm sure we can do better," Bianchi said. "You will learn the concept of a healthy lifestyle in a fun way."

 

The challenge kicked off in the newly renovated First Street Common with the launch of the farmer's market, which returned and will operate every Saturday until October.

 

The challenge started with a series of exercises including Zumba, yoga, and a community walk. Jump ropes, hula hoops were provided for children. 

 

Berkshire Health Systems was on hand to give free health screenings and the Healthy Pittsfield Partnership, the Nutrition Center and Center for Rehab gave free 10-minute physical therapy stretches.

 

Kent Lemme, who owns the Berkshire Running Center, is helping out on the fitness side and led stretches before hand. He is also organizing the Green Mile road race at an upcoming Third Thursday.

 

"The fitness challenge will be a great way to keep motivated," Lemme said, saying the keys to fitness is to stay healthy by eating and sleeping right, avoiding injury, and staying motivated.

 

Pittsfield is also getting help from Be Well Berkshires, the city's Health and Parks Departments, and the Pittsfield Healthy Partnership. The bet between the two cities was organized by Be Well Berkshires and the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. 

 

"The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is for all of us. It is not a weight loss challenge or intense fitness training program. The challenge is a time for us all to make changes in our life to become a healthier community," Bianchi said.

 

Everybody who signs up will be given a calendar with an array of options. Points are awarded for the completion of certain healthy activities such as a point for drinking eight ounces of water or eating a cup of fruit. Two points are awarded for every half hour of physical activity. And, there are chances for bonus points throughout the 10 weeks.

 

Bianchi said not only is the challenge going to help participants but will continue a push to instill healthy and active lifestyles for children. 

 

Those looking to sign up can do so here.