Zumba Fitness Challenge begins

Here's one time when it's a good thing to be the "biggest loser."

St. Mary's Medical Center is hosting its fourth annual Zumba Fitness Challenge, a 12-week program aimed at promoting weight loss and overall improved well-being, through March 28.

Participants weigh in and have measurements taken at the beginning of the challenge to determine the program's "biggest loser" at the end of the 12 weeks. The first-place finisher will win a cash prize.

The registration fee is $20.

The remaining initial weigh-in and registration dates are 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, and 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at the Wellness Center aerobics room on the first floor of the St. Mary's Regional Heart Institute.

Participants must attend at least two Zumba classes per week to remain in the challenge. Classes are offered at the St. Mary's Wellness Center on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $4 per class for the public and $2 per class for Wellness Center members. Unlimited classes are also offered for a monthly fee.

For more information about the Zumba Fitness Challenge, call 304-208-4525 or 304-399-7444.