The Fit and Lean 2017 community weight loss challenge is running from October 6 to December 1 and teams are invited to get involved and focus on fitness while raising money for charity at the same time.

The challenge is organised by LJ Hooker Taree, Snap Fitness Taree and Hallidays Point Health and Fitness.

“The idea is to promote a healthy lifestyle for our Manning and Great Lakes residents,”  LJ Hooker’s Jayne Black said.

“It’s for everyone - young, old, those with a little or a lot to lose or those who are feeling stuck and need motivation.”

Corporate teams or teams of individuals are invited to take part.

“Get together a team of four and if you can’t get together a team we can put together groups of individuals.”

Team members choose their own nutrition and exercise program, however the team of expert trainers are available so challengers get healthy advice.

You do not have to be a member of either of the gyms to participate.

Owner and trainer at Hallidays Point Health and Fitness Mick Moylan said the challenge was a great opportunity for people to get fit and strong.

“It makes people accountable and it helps to be in a group with friends. It’s easy to push through when supported by a group.”

Holli Wheeler is the new club manager at Snap Fitness in Taree and is looking forward to being involved.

“For me it’s about educating people and helping people better their lifestyle and choices,” she said.

The launch and initial weigh-in is at 6pm on Friday, October 6 at both Snap Fitness in Taree and Hallidays Point Health and Fitness.

Weekly weigh-ins are at designated times on Fridays.

Teams of four compete to lose the highest percentage of weight and prizes will be awarded. The challenge also raises money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Entry is $50 per person and forms can be downloaded from the LJ Hooker website. Teams need to submit entries by October 4.