The Herald and Big Spring YMCA have joined to present residents with a healthy competition. Four-person teams will compete to lose the most weight over a three-month period. Weight loss will be based on actual percentage. With a name longer than a measuring tape, it's called the 2009 Best Loser Fat to Fitness Spring Challenge.

“We're excited about this contest because we think it will be fun and encourage people to have a healthier lifestyle,” said Rick Nunez, Herald advertising manager and event coordinator.

Why four-person teams? Because it's easier to lose weight when you've got some support. Someone to workout with, or at least help you through the emotional experience of staring down a cheesecake right in the cherry.

The contest will begin in March and run through May. Entry fees are $40 per team, which, of course, is $10 per team member. Teams will be competing not only for bragging rights but cash. How much? Between $500 and $1,000. That depends on how many teams enter, because all of the entry fees will go back to the winners. Cash prizes will be awarded for first through third places.

There will be three official weigh-ins at the YMCA — March 9-13, April 6-10 and May 11-15 — where teams' progress will be monitored and recognized. In addition, team photos will be taken, before, during and after the contest.

Only a team's weight loss percentage will be noted, not the individual's. No one will be shouting your weight from the top of the Settles Hotel or sharing it on the Internet.

Teams must sign up no later than March 6 at the Herald office, 710 Scurry. You will be required to sign a waiver when you register so that if you drop a dumbbell on your toe you won't sue the Herald or the Y. It is suggested that participants check with their doctor to get advice on a weight-loss program.

Here's a quick FAQ to help you out:

• Do I have to join the YMCA or subscribe to the Herald to participate? No.

• What happens if one of the members of the team quits during the contest? The team forfeits, sorry.

• Do team members have to weigh-in together? No. They can weigh-in separately.

• Do we have to have our group photo taken? Yes, three times — before, during and after.

• Will our team photo be in the paper? Absolutely.

• Do we have to live in Howard County to participate? No, but you do have to weigh-in at the Big Spring YMCA. That's the official location, no exceptions.

“If you have questions, call me and I'll be glad to answer them,” said Nunez. “Don't be left out of this contest!”

Contact Nunez at 263-7331 ext. 229.

Contact Bill McClellan at 263-7331 ext. 235 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it